Chapter 74: Audition

Jiang Heng, who had just received the call, was also a bit dazed.

He knew the coal boss was overbearing, but he didn't expect him to be this overbearing.

He remembered that famous screenwriter Wang Hailin once said he missed the days when the coal boss was an investor; they were very good, aside from asking for actresses, they had no other demands, and they wouldn't interfere with creation because meddling recklessly in a coal mine could cost lives, and they had a safety-conscious mindset.

When real estate developers invested in the film and TV industry, it was also fine; at most they just added some management awareness.

Internet capital is the worst, only caring about big data, traffic, and IP, making the film and TV industry increasingly absurd.

After such a comparison, film and TV creators twenty years later grew ever more nostalgic for the coal boss.

Jiang Heng didn't feel much about it, and since he wasn't short of project funds, he certainly wouldn't easily take someone else's money.

Moreover, he wouldn't casually offend people; those who could make big money mining in the 80s and 90s were not easy to deal with.

After driving back to the company and chatting politely with that coal boss, he learned that the man's business wasn't limited to just one coal mine; he operated through multiple channels and means, which gave him his substantial wealth.

Jiang Heng suddenly realized, after all, in his impression the coal boss's 'golden age' was still a few years away.

Hearing that, it became even less likely he would take his money.

Jiang Heng stayed in the mainland for years and rarely lived in Xianggang precisely because he feared getting entangled with gang forces.

He glanced at the photo of the girlfriend the coal boss provided and saw she was also an actress in the circle, with decent looks and temperament, just not very famous yet.

"Director Jiang, will you consider it?"

Jiang Heng smiled and said, "It looks good, but this film has three investors, so I can't decide alone; I also need to see if the role fits. In that case, the money—I definitely can't take it. Take it out and have her come for an audition according to the schedule!"

That coal boss probably just used this money as a stepping stone; without this performance, he likely wouldn't have gotten to see Jiang Heng at all.

And even if it fell through, he'd have an explanation to give his girlfriend when he went back.

I've brought the money in a sack and dumped it in front of him, but he just won't take it, and there's nothing I can do!

This person didn't shirk at all, laughing as he had his men repack the money into the sack: "Director Jiang is someone who brings honor to the country; we won't force the issue, we only hope that when several actors are of comparable ability, you'll give extra consideration to ours, and we'll surely repay you handsomely!"

Jiang Heng didn't believe his words, yet he said, "Rest assured, I will definitely prioritize consideration!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries of business, they finally saw him off.

The company boss seemed to realize it just then, saying, "Hey, this guy throws money around happily and is quick at packing it—I thought he'd make excuses!"

Jiang Heng said, "So, money is for women to see, and also for men to see. If he didn't pull this stunt, I wouldn't have the time to bother with him!"

"Right, I'll hire a few more guards later; I'm afraid other bosses will copy this, showing up for no reason to throw money at me and recommend their girlfriends!"

"Okay, I'll get on it right away!" the company boss quickly replied, then added wistfully, "Only you, Director Jiang, could get this treatment; if it were any other domestic director, they wouldn't even dare hope for it!"

Jiang Heng bitterly said, "This money is hot to hold; I can't possibly take it, it would only bring me trouble. All right, if a similar situation arises, just handle it as you see fit and say you can't reach me at all." He then left the company.

His departure turned out to be just right; in the following days, the wholly owned Jingcheng Ai Outstanding Rising Film Company, Jingcheng Beautiful Time Special Effects Company, the controlling stake in Broad Sodium Film Industry, and Xianggang's Outstanding Rising Film Company all received various big and small bosses dropping by, and even some influential people called him.

Fortunately, several phones were turned off, allowing him a brief moment of peace.

Soon the originally scheduled audition day arrived, and Jiang Heng went early to the venue, only to find a long line still forming.

A casual glance revealed several future rising female stars, though their presence was far weaker.

Clearly, a person's achievements and status greatly affect their appearance and demeanor.

Many stars before they made it big looked rather rustic.

Upon entering the audition hall, someone soon brought a list, and many familiar names appeared.

There were upcoming top-tier female leads destined for stardom, as well as actresses who hadn't broken out yet but consistently had good reputations.

Jiang Heng roughly considered how these people would perform in the film, and he had basically decided on most of them.

Because there was a Super Microcomputer, even if they didn't come to audition, the finalized costume shots could be 'simulated'.

But the required procedures still had to be followed.

While pondering this, the representative from Columbia Company arrived, since they had previously agreed that Jiang Heng would decide the male and female leads, so their visit was merely a formality.

As long as Jiang Heng's casting choices weren't too outrageous, they wouldn't object, nor would they come early to wait.

"Alright, let's begin!"

Jiang Heng glanced at his watch and ordered his assistant to let the auditioning actors in.

The first was a pure extra actress; her looks were passable, she had some acting experience, but she never became famous in the future.

Jiang Heng naturally didn't think much of it, merely asking her to perform according to the pre-set requirements.

One could see she was putting in a lot of effort, but the result could only be described as mediocre.

At the same time it gave Jiang Heng a familiar feeling, and he immediately thought of the female lead's performance in Zhou Xingxing's 'New King of Comedy'—that same over-the-top effort!

He silently lamented that in the entertainment industry, receiving heaven's favor to eat is crucial.

Without talent, background, or resources, relying solely on effort makes it hard to stand out.

Even in his past life he was quite handsome, yet he still couldn't make it.

How many handsome men and beautiful women can't get roles, while ugly oddballs end up as idol drama leads—where does one reason with that?

"Click!"

The assistant shouted 'stop,' seeing Jiang Heng show no other expression, then followed the usual procedure and asked the girl to go back and wait for news.

"Director Jiang, sorry, I was too nervous, I didn't perform well, I can...!"

Jiang Heng remained expressionless; people are like that—once you gain some authority over resource allocation, you'll see all sorts: some throw money, some play the victim, some offer themselves.

If one can't hold back, things can get messy.

The several staff members present, having seen this often, hurriedly took the girl away.

"Next!"

The second to enter was actually Little Yanzi Gege.

Jiang Heng frowned slightly, instinctively glancing at the China Film senior executive beside him, who then directly introduced her to him.

After finishing their talk, Jiang Heng showed no stance, merely saying expressionlessly, "Let's begin!"

Down below, this person instantly panicked, thinking that even if Director Jiang didn't exchange pleasantries, he at least should smile!

What does this expressionless face mean? I also haven't offended him!

The two of us have never interacted; even if I wanted to offend him, there's no chance!

When my thoughts get chaotic, my performance suffers; it's not as good as the effect of being first!

(End of chapter)