American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 17: Top Students Never Give Up!
During her final cramming session, Isabella did indeed go through all of Hermione Granger's scenes in the script under Maggie Smith's guidance, and this practice earned her praise from Chris Columbus during the final interview.

However, rehearsal and practice are two different concepts.

Even if you wait in line for ten years, it doesn't mean you'll shine on stage.

Therefore, Isabella's real mistake was being a bit rigid during her first filming experience, simply trying to replicate the director's requirements.

This kind of problem is very common among beginners, so Columbus didn't pay much attention to it, but Isabella...

To be honest, her emotions were somewhat complicated.

She felt somewhat embarrassed after realizing that she hadn't been thinking clearly about her acting because the director was giving her such good instructions.

There's nothing we can do; her usual performance is quite good. She even did a lot of preparation before filming. And yet, she completely lost her mind after just the first scene? If a zombie saw her like that, they wouldn't even bother to open her head!
Too shameful!

She's so vain!
But after blushing, Isabella realized it wasn't a big deal.

After all, this is her first time acting after two lifetimes.

Making mistakes is normal; not making mistakes only proves she's a genius.
Her basic requirement is to perform well, and her core goal is to perform well. So, if she makes a mistake, she will correct it and not repeat it.

Not to mention, the other two experienced ones aren't that great either!

cough cough cough.

However, just as Isabella was itching to get her revenge in the next scene...

Hey ~
The film crew is taking a break.
After filming the first half of the scene where the trio gets into the car, the crew will next film the scene before the trio gets into the car.

Students leaving school said goodbye on the platform.

This scene will use a large number of extras, and the trio will not be in the shot.

After this scene is filmed, Isabella and the others will reappear. It will still be a group scene with the Iron Triangle together. Harry and Hagrid will finish their private conversation, board the train again, Hermione and Harry will talk, and then the train will leave Hogwarts.

The reason for such a grand spectacle is simple: it's related to the scheduling of the film crew.
When Harry gets into the car for the second time, it requires an extra to flash across the camera.
The scene of the train leaving Hogwarts was filmed using a wide-angle lens, capturing every carriage. Therefore, students who were reluctant to leave Hogwarts had to sit by every window.

Otherwise, it would be a ghost story;

Furthermore, after these scenes are filmed, the extras can leave, so grouping them together is more concise.

This fact made Isabella feel like she had punched a cotton ball; she had wanted to make a good impression and perform well.

So when I got angry and raised my hand, you told me it was halftime?

What's the difference between this and the boss passing the kill threshold, me frantically pressing QTE, and then suddenly the power goes out?

He leaned back on a chair in the rest area, feeling utterly helpless.

Daniel and Rupert were a little frightened by his frustrated look.

"What's up with her?"

"I do not know!"

"I sense she's unhappy?"

"Uh... if it were me, I would be unhappy too, because she didn't act well, just like us, and she's a top student!"

Chris Columbus grinned—

"Oh, this Isha is so adorable—"

Look in the direction of the sound.

Michael Barnason, the assistant director on the set and Chris Columbus's go-to assistant, who had worked for him on films like *Nine Months Pregnant*, *Stepmother*, and *Bicentennial Man*, chuckled.

"Does she feel ashamed?"

"She can answer any question normally, but she can't do it on set, which makes her feel ashamed?"

Haha~ I guess so~

Columbus smiled and nodded, adding, "Isn't it precisely because she feels ashamed that she's more like Hermione?"

"To be honest, Susie has a pretty good eye."

Michael Barnason remained noncommittal, but then asked, "Should we reassure her? If she's not in the right frame of mind, it could affect Daniel and Rupert's performance, and of course, she herself won't be able to act well either..."

"Need not."

Columbus shook his head. "Sir Smith said she's talented, so I believe she's just sulking right now."

"She probably wouldn't take her emotions out on others."

Columbus was right.

Isabella was upset, feeling she had made a fool of herself. She just wanted to save face and didn't want to drag others down with her.

However, acting is not a one-person job, especially when filming ensemble pieces. So, after she tried her best to act well...

The extras' scenes were over in less than an hour, and then the three of them came back on stage.

Just as Columbus was about to give instructions, Isabella, who had taken advantage of the break to re-analyze the plot, suddenly raised her hand and said, "Director, may I share my thoughts on this scene first?"

“Of course.” Columbus nodded with a smile.

Isabella immediately said, "The next scene we're filming is Harry getting back into the car after his conversation with Hagrid. I personally think there are two things we need to pay attention to. First, Harry's emotions. During his one-on-one conversation with Hagrid, Harry received a family photo from Hagrid, and that photo made him feel the warmth of Hogwarts."

"So when Hermione asked him how it felt to be home, he didn't look as miserable as he did when he first boarded the train, because he knew that there were still people in the world who loved him, and that Hogwarts would be waiting for him to come back."

"Then, the second issue is Hermione's emotions. Initially, Hermione was happy and didn't realize that Harry was different from her. But after witnessing Harry and Hagrid's conversation, she noticed Harry's change and her happiness faded. Then... it could be serious, it could be doubtful, it could be concerned, but it definitely can't be smiling."

"Because she realized that everyone's family is different, and you can't use your own happiness to measure someone else's sadness."

"As for Ron..."

“A ‘carefree, poor student’ won’t feel any of this, so it doesn’t matter how he behaves.”

ho-

Daniel and Rupert were stunned.

Columbus clapped and gestured for them to join him.

"Why don't you be the director?"

He made a joke.

The indirect acceptance made Isabella breathe a sigh of relief.

Columbus waved his hand, impressed by her adorable appearance.

"Okay, now that Miss Granger has finished her analysis, shall we give it a try?"

To be honest, Young Adult doesn't really need much acting skill.

As long as the children can act out most of the scenes described in the script, that's enough. As for the rest?

Honestly, asking for more is unreasonable.

So, once Isabella articulated the main emotions Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows boarded the train, the only task for the crew was to try and capture those feelings. After three or four takes, Columbus yelled "Cut!", and after only three takes, he gave a thumbs up.

"Cut, Good..."

At nine o'clock in the morning, I officially started work.

Before 3 p.m., everyone had finished watching the two and a half minutes of the plot.

However, this does not mean that everyone can leave work. Since location shooting occupies public resources, which cannot be monopolized indefinitely, the rule that minors cannot work more than four hours a day can be disregarded when shooting on location.

Of course, the production team had to submit a report to the relevant authorities in advance.

Because Warner is very knowledgeable, everyone went back to work at 7 p.m.

That's right.

The first day of filming included a night scene depicting the trio's initial arrival at Hogwarts.

This scene is very simple: the trio and the extras walk off the Hogwarts Express together, and Hagrid welcomes them along the way.

The script only had a few seconds of screen time, and most of the lines were Hagrid's. The only close-ups belonging to the trio were Harry's "Hi, Hagrid" and Ron's "Wow—" in surprise. Therefore, everyone finished filming and wrapped up before 10 o'clock.

The following day, the process continued.

That day, the group took photos of their first encounter on the train.

Perhaps the rehearsal went well yesterday? The first few shots went smoothly, but when the crew got to the scene where Ron reveals Harry's identity with a surprised expression, Rupert's performance was consistently lacking; his expressions weren't exaggerated enough.

then……

"radish?"

Isabella, who had been watching from the sidelines, spoke up.

"Ok?"

Rupert, realizing he had wasted his time, looked at Isabella with some fear.

He had no idea what the deity was trying to say.

Isabella, on the other hand, was used to his micro-expressions.

When you become the top student in your class, the "other people's child" that parents always talk about, the way people look at you will change.

That's normal. So she went straight to the point: "Have you ever watched Pokemon?"

"Huh? Yeah~" Rupert paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Okay."

Isabella laughed and said, "Then when you talk about Harry's scars later, will you think of Pikachu?"

"I think your expressions will be very rich after doing this."

'? ? ? '

The people around were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Everyone got the meaning of Isabella.

Harry's head scar really does look just like Pikachu's lightning bolt icon.

Voldemort's only response to Harry was to tattoo a Pikachu on his head.

This is too...

That's cool.

"Oh no~ I can never go back~"

Cinematographer John Hill slapped his thigh and laughed heartily.

He has directed many classic films, including Rain Man, Dead Poets Society, The English Patient, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

And now...

"Isa, you'll be fully responsible if I ruin the movie."

He then pinned the blame, which might have been caused by a shaky hand, on Isabella's head.

The girl knew he was joking, so she played along—

"Oh John, is that what you're saying? Then I'll have the director check your film reels."

"Because we all know that when a child says they need to go to the toilet, it usually means they've soiled their pants."

"You didn't film anything before, did you?"

"Hahahaha-"

Everyone on set laughed until their stomachs hurt.

Seeing Rupert's expressions becoming more varied, Columbus seized the opportunity and said, "Let's do it again."

Power on, circuit board start-up, a few seconds of preparation...

"So...that's true? I mean...you really have that...that...scar?"

After being educated by Isabella, Rupert's face immediately lit up with curiosity.

"Cut, Good."

Columbus was very satisfied.

To be honest, filming is actually quite tiring.

Although minors are protected by law and don't have to work too long a day, and waiting for the Shanghai Theatre Academy is considered working, most importantly, Columbus's requirements for them are really not strict, but this job requires brainpower!

After filming for several days, Isabella understood why Maggie Smith said it was difficult to play herself.

Because technique represents consensus within the industry, once you master the technique, the director can directly tell you what emotion a shot needs. But when you act based on instinct, the director can't give you much guidance. He can't tell you exactly how you should act; he can only tell you what kind of performance he needs, and then you have to adapt yourself.

and so……

No job that requires brainpower is easy, right?
However, work fatigue can be washed away by receiving your salary.

Yes ~
After filming began, Isabella finally received her first paycheck.

No matter which country's entertainment industry it is, unless it's for money laundering, actors are never paid their full salary in one lump sum.

Hollywood operates on the 334 rule: after the contract is signed, actors receive 30% of their salary within the first week of filming, another 30% after filming is halfway through, and the remaining 40% is settled only after the project wraps up.

This has two advantages for the production company:

First, that is to alleviate financial pressure;

Secondly, it is to restrain the actors and prevent them from causing trouble.

Of course, if the production company hires big names, A-listers, then the 334 rule will become the 1333 clause.

When signing the contract, big names receive a 10% deposit. Even if a big name is exceptionally famous, the maximum will not exceed 15%. This money comes from the final payment when the project is completed, which is actually an advance payment.

Of course, everything has two sides.

If the interests of the production company are protected, then the interests of the actors will be harmed, which is why some Western celebrities live off loans.

Well, Western celebrities may seem glamorous, but they still have to spend money before they even receive their paychecks, so they end up living on debt.

A large number of people were dragged down and killed by debt.

For example, Nicolas Cage became known as the king of bad movies because he had to pay off his debts.

Even though Warner Bros. paid Isabella 30% of her salary, only £64054 ended up in the escrow account.

This is because British law stipulates that companies must pay taxes on behalf of minors when they hire them.

Otherwise, if a minor engages in tax evasion, it would become a conflict between the Law on the Protection of Minors and the Tax Law, because under the Tax Law, the taxpayer is the primary responsible party, while under the Law on the Protection of Minors, the guardians bear only civil liability at most.

Shifting the tax payment obligation to businesses is essentially picking on the weak.

In this life, the only things that cannot be avoided are death and paying taxes, so Isabella didn't care.

Not to mention, Isabella believed that these 64054 pieces were just the beginning.

A good start.

Since hard work brings rewards and the future looks bright, Isabella's enthusiasm only grew stronger. As she threw herself into her work with a smile, she suddenly realized that with a different mindset, she seemed to be seeing a different world.

She suddenly realized how easy her life was.

This is not only because she doesn't have to accept mandatory tutoring, but also because the protagonist of HP is Harry Potter, and most of the scenes in the movies focus on him, so Hermione's scenes are not many and are very concentrated.

For example, Hermione rarely appears in the Muggle world, nor does she show up at Gringotts or King's Cross Station, so...

Often, even if Isabella's schedule is full for the whole day, there are very few real close-ups.

Often, she would just stand by and watch Harry solo, occasionally offering a few comments.

Well, she doesn't show off, but she likes to talk.

If I had to describe it, it would be...

One word from him and Harry's doomed.

At first, Harry was a little unhappy with this gossipy behavior.

Acting is inherently a very personal matter. I'm acting perfectly fine and you suddenly say something? What's that supposed to mean?
But it wasn't long before he fell in love with the feeling.

Firstly, Isabella wasn't really a gossip.

She only interrupts when the director asks a question or when someone indicates that they need help.

Secondly, she does have an adult perspective.

When she gets straight to the point, her rambling loosens the constraints during filming a little.

Of course, as a novice, she couldn't be right all the time, but even if her thinking was wrong, after Columbus rejected it, wouldn't the correct path appear directly after eliminating the wrong answers?

This will also make the filming process smoother.

Thirdly, anyone who has memories of their student days should know that when there is one person in the class who stands out, the others will have a much easier time, because the teacher will pay more attention to the troublemaker.

For example, right now...

On October 25th, after everyone finished filming the first flying lesson for the new students at Hogwarts half an hour early, Daniel, Rupert, and a bunch of other kids surrounded Isabella, treating her like a big sister.

“Issa, do you have time today?” Daniel asked.

"Yes, what's wrong?" Isabella, who was about to change out of her costume and go home, nodded.

“We’d like to invite you to a movie,” Rupert said expectantly.

"Watch a movie? What movie?" Isabella asked curiously.

"Dinosaurs! I heard it's super popular!" The young master's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Are you going?"

　Thank you to Keke (I am Pure Water) and Chen Lingyi for the donations.

　　Thank you for your votes.

　　Then I glanced at the comments. Some people were confused about the book's structure and wanted to know what I was trying to write. Regarding that, without giving away any spoilers, I can only say that I will include everything in the synopsis. This book will involve plagiarism, but it won't be simple copying. Instead, it will be modified based on Isha's situation, such as adapting it into a movie. Furthermore, the movie adaptation and music won't be delayed until the book is released. During the free period, I will at least write one adaptation and explain the music's development. Don't worry about being scammed.

　　Thank you for your support.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)