Chapter 342: Staring at the Roles

Back in the country, throughout the first ten days of September, there was no event more bustling than the casting for *Resident Evil 5*.

Every film company, talent agency, and popular actress was watching closely; there was no doubt that the competition would be exceptionally fierce when the time came.

Everyone knew that for a project like this, what one competed on was not luck, but strength, fame, resources, and connections.

Those with connections and ways to get things done had already begun to act.

The moment she learned the news, Yang Mi timed it perfectly to call Wei Jin.

She was very clear that in terms of fame and strength, she could never compare to those international stars; the only thing she could rely on was Wei Jin.

"How is it, Mimi?"

Seeing Yang Mi hang up the phone, Ceng Jia immediately asked; although she knew the hope was slim, she felt it was worth a try.

"Senior brother said the production team will come to Beijing in a few days for auditions, and this time they will adopt an invitation and recommendation system."

Speaking of this, Yang Mi felt a bit distressed; the timing was too unfortunate this time, as Wei Jin was not in the country, and she felt she had no confidence at all.

"Then does the company have recommendation qualifications?"

Just after saying this, Ceng Jia gave a self-deprecating smile; if Shanhe Media didn't have the qualifications, which company in the entire domestic entertainment industry would? "I mean, how many recommendation spots does the company have? Will they be given to you?"

Ceng Jia was a bit worried; if one spoke of artists under Starry Sky Culture, Yang Mi was naturally the most suitable.

But Shanhe Media had several celebrity studios; whether it was Fan Bingbing or Zhou Xun, both were far more suitable than Yang Mi, not to mention there were still several Jin Girls.

"Senior brother didn't say, but he promised that there would definitely be a recommendation spot for me."

Although she had a spot, Yang Mi felt a bit uneasy; for the female lead in the 150 million USD *Pacific Rim*, senior brother hadn't let those women appear, so why would he for this 65 million USD female supporting role?

People really cannot be compared!

"That's good" — on the other side, after hanging up the phone, Wei Jin was not optimistic about Yang Mi's audition.

Yang Mi's English level was simply terrible, and he didn't know how her so-called "top student in the college entrance exam" reputation came about.

Regarding *Resident Evil 5*, this film about fighting zombies, Wei Jin was also not optimistic.

This project started in May of this year, but it was dragged out until just before filming to choose the female supporting role, all because Sony had some ideas.

Perhaps it was because of two consecutive co-productions with Warner Bros. that Hollywood companies saw hope in breaking into the domestic market.

This time, Sony also wanted to follow the co-production route and had contacted China Film Group and Shanhe Media in advance; after all, they didn't get along very well with Warner Bros.

It was just that Wei Jin had absolutely no interest in this project, and after communicating with Han Sanping, he rejected it directly.

Seeing that Wei Jin was not optimistic, Han Sanping also knew the performance of the previous films in this series and didn't stubbornly insist on participating.

Sony's casting in the country this time was nothing more than aiming for an imported film quota.

One had to know that the number of imported films that China Film Group could approve each year was limited; the vast majority of Hollywood blockbusters could only enter Huaxia in the form of a Flat-fee Film, and many couldn't even obtain the qualifications for that.

But this was very uncomfortable for Sony; after all, for a 150 million USD market, only being able to sell the copyright at a low price was truly a pity.

But once a Huaxia actress was involved, the probability of entering Huaxia as an imported film would be much higher; it was just a matter of a minor role, so why not do it?

Therefore, any role offered proactively by Hollywood was definitely for the service of the Huaxia market, so the help for an actress to move toward the international market would naturally be very limited.

So from beginning to end, Wei Jin never intended to let his own women participate.

What's more, the role of Ada Wong required showing off one's figure; it wasn't worth it.

However, Wei Jin could understand the craze of domestic actresses; in any case, a 65 million USD Hollywood production was worth them fighting tooth and nail for.

Withdrawing his thoughts, Wei Jin walked into the exhibition hall to continue watching art films with Liu Yifei.

Since the Venice opening ceremony, apart from occasionally attending the premieres and cocktail parties of other films, he spent more time accompanying Liu Yifei to watch films.

One had to know that as one of the European Big Three film festivals, Venice certainly lacked no art romance films, and this was exactly what Liu Yifei, who had a literary and artistic attribute in her bones, preferred most.

It was just that this girl was too emotional and easily immersed herself in the films while watching them, ending up with tears and snot streaming down, completely lacking the ethereal fairy-like quality a goddess should have.

After all, there were only a few types of art romance films: either love that could not be attained, or life-and-death separations, but without a doubt, every single one was a tear-jerker.

Under these circumstances, Wei Jin acted very considerately, filling the passage to the girl's heart with physical action every night.

The effect achieved was also very significant; no matter how sad she was that day, the little girl could always happily continue watching films the next day, cycling back and forth like this, enjoying it immensely — back in the country, the battle for the *Resident Evil* role had already entered a white-hot stage.

Top-tier Female Stars began to make frequent moves, and all kinds of gossip and dirt appeared densely on the internet, giving netizens plenty of drama to consume.

Looking at the chaos on the internet, Ms. Deng felt some emotion.

"You all are considered lucky; originally, there was already a target candidate over there."

Hearing Ms. Deng's words, Li Bingbing understood instantly.

"Jing Tian and Liu Yifei both refused?"

"Not bad, reacting so quickly?"

Ms. Deng was a bit surprised; in her impression, Li Bingbing didn't have much of a brain.

"My sister helped me analyze it; among domestic actresses, they are the two with the most competitiveness."

Li Bingbing had to admit her sister's point.

Whether it was *Lucy* or *Inception*, both had pulled the international appeal of these two away from the crowd of domestic actors, not to mention they also had singles that had been on the Billboard, and their appeal on a global scale was indeed not something domestic actresses could compare to.

In addition, because of Wei Jin's relationship, Jing Tian and Liu Yifei also had good relationships with many Hollywood stars and big names, such as Leonardo, Matt Damon, and Nolan, and even had good private friendships with some big names in the North American music scene.

"Hmm, you said it well; the first choice over there was Jing Tian, and the second choice was Liu Yifei, but unfortunately they both refused, which is why you have this opportunity."

"Sigh, it really is a case of the parched dying of thirst and the flooded dying of too much water."

Regarding the resources of the Jin Girls, Li Bingbing was truly envious to the point of her eyes turning purple; unfortunately, she was older, and Wei Jin probably had no interest, so the only one she could rely on was the person in front of her.

Thinking of this, Li Bingbing's gaze toward Ms. Deng became a bit eager, and her tone carried a fawning quality.

"Then, can you help me?"

"Of course, if I don't help you, who would I help?"

Ms. Deng was very pleased with Li Bingbing's attitude.

"Speaking of which, it's also your good luck; the director of this series, Paul, just happened to be introduced to you during the promotion of *Snow Flower and the Secret Fan*. He has a good impression of you, so your chances this time should be quite high."

Hearing this, the surprise on Li Bingbing's face could not be concealed, and she also remembered this director. At the cocktail party that day, Director Paul had praised her look as the Witch in *The Forbidden Kingdom* quite a bit; it seemed she really had a chance to step on the other big stars this time.

However, merely having the director's approval is not necessarily a guarantee; the key still depends on Ms. Deng's support.

"I'll leave it to you this time" — *The Four* film crew.

Once a scene ended, Wan Qian pulled Bai Bin to the side to talk.

"Xiaobai, we are about to wrap up here. That Hollywood project, do you have any thoughts on it?"

Taking the water cup handed over by her Assistant, Bai Bin took a sip, then looked at Wan Qian and shook her head.

"Sister Qian, Hollywood isn't that easy to get by in. I don't intend to compete for it."

Bai Bin voiced her considerations; she had spent a few months in Hollywood with Wei Jin before and was relatively much more familiar with the situation there.

Don't look at how the domestic actresses shout the slogan "going international" at the top of their lungs; in Hollywood, they are all just bit-part players.

At the very least, during the time Bai Bin stayed there, she never saw any Asian actors playing any important roles in other film crews; they were all just extras.

More importantly, the rules over in Hollywood are even more cruel; the "red sofa" is quite notorious.

After listening to Bai Bin's explanation, the unrealistic thoughts in Wan Qian's heart were directly shattered.

"Is that so? Then it's better to develop well in the country."

Seeing that Wan Qian still seemed a bit regretful, Bai Bin smiled and teased.

"Sister Qian, think about it. If you went to Hollywood, you wouldn't be able to receive the Boss's favor for a long time. Are you willing to part with that?"

"You little wench, I'm not like you, thinking about that stuff all day long..."

"Who knows? Some people are at night... Mmph." — Lobby of the Westin Hotel.

"Hua Ge, you finally arrived. I've been waiting for you for a long time, haha."

Wei Jin greeted him with a bear hug. It must be said, Liu Tianwang truly gets more handsome as he ages. With a short, cropped haircut and a well-fitted business suit, he looked even younger than when Wei Jin saw him over half a month ago; it was truly terrifying.

The premiere of *A Simple Life* was officially scheduled for the 5th, which is today. Liu Tianwang had specifically asked for leave from the *Storm* film crew to come over.

"Director Wei, we are competitors this time, haha."

Liu Tianwang was also very happy. *A Simple Life* being shortlisted for the Main Competition Section meant he had a chance to win the Venice Best Actor.

After some pleasantries, Liu Tianwang began to introduce the main creators of *A Simple Life* to Wei Jin.

"Director Wei, this is Xu Anhua, Director Xu."

"President Wei, hello."

Facing the film's producer, Xu Anhua appeared very polite.

"Hello, Director Xu. I really like your *Tin Shui Wai* series; they were filmed brilliantly."

Wei Jin sized up the middle-aged woman before him. Her short hair showed her capability, yet the smile on her face made one feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze; she was a woman skilled at dealing with people.

"Thank you, President Wei. I also really like *The Hunt* and *Room*."

After a round of mutual commercial flattery, Liu Tianwang continued to introduce the others.

"Director Wei, this is the female lead of *A Simple Life*, Ms. Deanie Ip."

Ms. Deanie Ip, who was already over 70 years old, smiled and greeted Wei Jin.

"Director Wei, hello."

"Ms. Deanie Ip, hello. I have watched many of your works. I was scared to death by you when I was a child, haha."

Wei Jin appeared very enthusiastic. Since *A Simple Life* was produced by Shanhe Media, he naturally wouldn't use those actors with biased stances. Whether it was Huang Qiusheng or others, they were all rejected by him.

In the end, the role of the female lead was given to the talented actress Deanie Ip.

Deanie Ip is also known as the "Ghost Granny," the terrifying old woman who frequently appeared in Hong Kong films. Many people surely felt scared involuntarily when they saw this face as children.

But in fact, Ms. Deanie Ip is a very kind old lady who has been kind to others her whole life and even donated 1 million to Mainland China during the pandemic.

You must know, as an old artist of TVB, despite participating in many dramas, Deanie Ip's income was very low, and she had almost no savings. This one million was truly given with all her heart.

After some polite exchanges, Liu Tianwang was about to introduce the next person when Wei Jin interrupted him.

"Hua Ge, there's no need to introduce this one. We are very familiar with each other. Sister Hailu, long time no see, you are as elegant as ever."

The person before them was none other than Ceng Li's good sister from the Central Academy of Drama Class of 96, Qin Hailu.

Unlike the other beauties of the Central Academy of Drama who either took root in Mainland China or ventured into Hollywood, Qin Hailu walked relatively closer to the Hong Kong Circle. In 2003, she was invited by Anita Mui to join the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, which was a unique honor at the time.

Since then, Qin Hailu even obtained a "Hong Kong Identity Card" through the Quality Talent Scheme. Being able to secure the role in *A Simple Life* this time was also an opportunity actively provided by the Hong Kong side.

Wei Jin had no objections to this. Not to mention the classmate relationship between Qin Hailu and Ceng Li, just in terms of acting skills, she was absolutely suitable.

You must know, in 2000, Qin Hailu won the Golden Horse Best Actress and the Hong Kong Film Award for Best New Performer with her debut work *Durian Durian*; she is definitely a talented actress.

It's just that Wei Jin couldn't easily comment on her choice to join the Hong Kong Circle.

"Director Wei, long time no see."

Qin Hailu wore a smile on her face. She and Wei Jin were indeed very familiar with each other; she had been to his home many times.

After they were familiar with each other, Wei Jin didn't delay their business. The premiere of *A Simple Life* was in the afternoon, and the group of main creators had too many things to handle.

*A Simple Life* was one of the five Chinese-language films shortlisted for the Main Competition Section at this year's Venice Film Festival, and it was also the second Chinese-language film to appear so far.

Wei Jin had gone to see *Seediq Bale*, which premiered on the 1st. The response from both the audience and the media on-site was not very good, and it was ranked at the bottom in the festival daily ratings so far.

However, Wei Jin felt that today's premiere of *A Simple Life* was very successful. According to his observations, during the screening, many audience members and media personnel were shedding tears, and when the screening ended, the whole audience stood up and applauded.

It seems that "the love between mother and son," no matter in which country or expressed in what language, can touch people's hearts; it is worthy of being a common human emotion.

After the premiere of *A Simple Life* ended, Liu Tianwang hurried back to the country and would only come back for the closing ceremony and awards show on the 11th.

After seeing off Liu Tianwang, Wei Jin took Liu Yifei back to the hotel.

Tomorrow is the premiere of *Whiplash*, and he planned to release some pressure.

This made it hard for Liu Yifei; she was "hit" several times in one night, and her throat was hoarse from screaming. (End of chapter)