Chapter 97: What on earth is this?

The plot of the film *My Brothers and Sisters* is actually very simple.

In a small town in the Northeast during the 70s, there lived a happy family. The father was a music teacher, and they had four children. Although the family struggled to get by due to the father's political background, he could always bring joy to his children through music. However, one night, while the father was taking his critically ill wife to the hospital, the couple died in a car accident, leaving the four children as orphans.

The young eldest brother had no choice but to personally give his three younger siblings away to families willing to adopt them, and from then on, the brothers and sisters were separated. More than a decade later, the second sister, Qi Sitian, returns to the country and begins the story of searching for her siblings, using a performance as an opportunity.

Therefore, the important characters in this film are clear: the six members of this family.

But because the film is divided into two time periods—one being the childhood scenes in the 70s and the other being the adulthood scenes in the 90s—the four siblings each required two actors of different ages.

As for the parents, the critically ill mother has very few scenes; she is a traditional, kind, and gentle middle-aged mother character, so Wu Yuchen simply found an actress at the Tao Jingying Studio.

The father's role is more important; he has quite a lot of screen time and is the core character of the childhood segment. In his past life, the crew found Cui Jian, who was not a professional actor, to play him, and it turned out the effect was excellent.

Although Cui Jian's acting was not as polished as a professional actor's, and even a bit raw, the character setting of a father, husband, and elementary school music teacher had a magical effect on him that was more than the sum of its parts. Therefore, Wu Yuchen specified finding Cui Jian to play the role again this time.

Sure enough, Cui Jian was quite interested in this first film experience, and after reading the script, he readily accepted.

The character of the adult eldest brother is someone who seems a bit rough on the surface but is very kind-hearted inside. In front of outsiders, he is vulgar and awkward, but in front of his younger siblings, he is full of warmth. The performance has distinct layers, embodying the character's personality traits vividly. The original actor, Jiang Wu, was spot-on in both appearance and acting, so naturally, there was no consideration of replacing him.

Then came the female lead, the second sister Qi Sitian, who drives the story.

Han Sanping asked, "Little Wu Dao, has the matter of this female lead been settled yet? If we can invite an artist from Hong Kong or Taiwan, we can add some money."

The character Qi Sitian went abroad with her adoptive parents and became a famous genius conductor after growing up, so according to the setting, she should be a bit more "Westernized." It would be best to find a female artist from Hong Kong or Taiwan; the original version cast Gigi Leung.

Personally, Wu Yuchen would, of course, most like to have Jiang Qinqin play this role, but this is not a project he owns alone; he has to discuss it with the two partners. And Han Sanping values box office results the most, hoping to invite a Hong Kong or Taiwan star to boost the box office.

However, Wu Yuchen had also analyzed it with Han Sanping: if they were to invite a Hong Kong or Taiwan female artist, they had to invite one of the high-profile ones; otherwise, inviting a second-tier one would have no effect on promotion.

Wu Yuchen said, "Director Han, I haven't considered anyone over 30 due to the character fit. Considering the character's temperament, I only sent invitations to two people when I went to Hong Kong this time."

"Which two?"

"One is the 'Jade Girl' leader Vivian Chow. Her temperament and image are excellent, and she is a singer herself. She is not only beautiful but also has the temperament of a talented woman, and she is also very popular in the country. However, her agent replied that she has stopped working recently, so they politely declined us."

Wu Yuchen sighed inwardly. At this time, Vivian Chow was already planning to go to Canada with her scumbag boyfriend, Joe Nieh, so naturally, they rejected them directly.

Han Sanping nodded after hearing this: "And the other one?"

"The other one is Joey Wong."

As soon as Han Sanping heard Joey Wong, he didn't need Wu Yuchen to introduce her further and said with a smile, "If we could invite Joey Wong, that would be even better!"

Joey Wong is not only famous, but her image and temperament are also suitable, and her acting skills go without saying.

"Uh, Director Han, I want to too, but she is not in Hong Kong. I entrusted someone to contact her and sent the script, but there is still no news."

Wu Yuchen estimated that the hope for Joey Wong was also slim. After the Peter Lam incident in 1994, she became disillusioned with the entertainment industry and didn't want to step foot in Hong Kong at all. Now she should have just rekindled her relationship with Chyi Chin, and it is highly likely she won't come out of retirement because of them.

Han Sanping sighed upon hearing this: "The film industry in Hong Kong is developed, and many stars really don't look down on the opportunities here."

Han Sanping then said: "If you can't invite her, forget it. Little Wu Dao, just choose one you like."

Wu Yuchen smiled and said: "Director Han, don't worry, I guarantee I won't let you down!"

At the Tao Jingying Academy, Jiang Qinqin happily held Wu Yuchen's hand and said: "Are you really letting me act? Do I not need to audition this time?"

Wu Yuchen chuckled and scraped her nose: "What, you don't want to act this time?"

"Of course I do! But didn't you say before that you couldn't decide alone?"

"The person I invited probably can't come, so I recommended you. It should be a done deal. You should study the character well."

Hearing Wu Yuchen say this, Jiang Qinqin smiled and kissed him on the face: "I knew you were the best to me~"

Previously, he didn't let Jiang Qinqin act in *Run Lola Run*, but this role of Qi Sitian is actually quite suitable for her. It's just right to use this high-grossing film to promote her once.

Wu Yuchen smiled and then said: "By the way, there is also the role of the youngest sister. Go ask Chen Shasha if she is willing to act. If she is, I'll decide it directly."

This sister role doesn't have many scenes; she is just a bit rebellious, so it's perfectly fine for Chen Shasha to act.

"She will definitely be willing! I'll tell her when I go back later." Jiang Qinqin's eyes curved into smiles.

In the 96 Acting Class, after the bell rang for the end of class, Wu Yuchen knocked on the door.

After Cui Xinqin opened the door and saw him, she smiled, and teased him:

"Yo, isn't this our Teacher Wu, Counselor Wu? You finally remembered to come over!"

The students still sitting in the classroom had a deep impression of Wu Yuchen standing at the door. When school first started, he fooled them so much that they really thought he was a counselor, and only at the end did they realize he was just a senior one year older than them!

At this time, two boys in the class started shouting and booing: "Hey, Instructor Wu, you can't run away again! Stay and guide us well today!"

The girls also whispered and smiled when they saw Wu Yuchen. For example, Zhao Wei's eyes shone when she looked at him. After being at the Tao Jingying Academy for a few months, they all knew the name of Wu Yuchen, the genius director—Berlin Golden Bear Best Short Film, Tokyo International Film Festival Grand Prize. Zhao Wei really wanted to cooperate with this genius senior!

Wu Yuchen didn't expect to run into Cui Xinqin, and felt a little embarrassed hearing her teasing, but his skin was very thick:

"Teacher Cui, I'll come back to educate them when I have time. I have serious business with you today; I've started a new play."

Cui Xinqin understood immediately, closed the door, and said to Wu Yuchen with a smile: "Whoever you like, you can pick!"

"Teacher Cui, don't you want to look at the script first?"

Cui Xinqin waved her hand: "I can't trust others, but I naturally trust you! If you dare to trick us, then I will have to go to Teacher Xie to complain!"

In fact, she had heard about Wu Yuchen's new play; after all, the Youth Film Studio had invested in it, and she naturally trusted Dean Hou Keming's vision.

Wu Yuchen smiled and said: "Then thank you very much for your trust, Teacher Cui. I have a supporting role here, and I want Chen Kun to act in it. What do you think?"

The role he was looking for Chen Kun to play was the third brother, Qi Tian, a college student at Harbin Institute of Technology after growing up. Chen Kun himself had parents who divorced when he was young, and both parents had formed their own families. He lived with his grandmother until he was 11, only then being picked up by his mother.

So, in terms of his own experience, Chen Kun should have a deep understanding of this character who was separated from his family since childhood. He doesn't need high-level acting skills; a natural performance is enough.

Cui Xinqin thought for a while and asked: "When, and how long will it take?"

"I'm not in a hurry. It's fine if he arrives in Harbin after his final exams." Wu Yuchen knew what Cui Xinqin was considering.

Cui Xinqin said immediately: "That's no problem, I'll help you persuade him!"

Then Cui Xinqin said another thing: "Wu Yuchen, Teacher Cui has an uninvited request. If your crew has enough funds, can you give him an extra one or two thousand in salary? If not, I can make it up to you personally."

Before Wu Yuchen could ask, Cui Xinqin explained to him:

"Chen Kun's family conditions are a bit difficult. When school first started, I saw him always sleepy in class and not listening well, so I criticized him several times. Later, I heard from the dormitory manager that he didn't return to the dormitory several times at night, so I called him over and scolded him severely. Only then did I find out that he runs out every day to earn tuition fees."

"But this child has a very strong self-esteem; he might not be willing to accept it if others deliberately help him. You coming to find him this time is really timely. Just take him with your crew, stimulate his interest in acting, and also relieve his economic pressure."

Wu Yuchen nodded after hearing this: "Teacher Cui, okay, I'll keep this in mind. I'll give him a few thousand more at that time; the crew can afford this little money."

"Then thank you very much!" Cui Xinqin said with a warm smile immediately.

Two days later, Wu Yuchen took the crew and the two actors playing the parents and took the train first.

This shooting was to shoot the childhood part first, so it wouldn't be too late for the adult actors to join the crew after entering January, which is why he said Chen Kun could come after his final exams.

On the train, Cui Jian asked the doubt in his heart: "Wu Dao, I heard that you specified me. I'm not a professional actor, so why did you think of finding me to act?"

"Because your temperament fits very well!"

"Your father himself was a trumpet player. Since you were a child, you have been influenced by what you see and hear, and you know what kind of image such a father has. And you yourself have a restrained rebellious spirit in your bones, which is very suitable for Teacher Qi in the film who is treated differently because of his background."

"Plus, you are also a father now, so I really feel that in all aspects, Teacher Cui, you are a perfect fit for this character!"

"As for acting, you don't need to deliberately act. Just look at the plot of the script and use your own life experience to express it naturally."

After Wu Yuchen analyzed it, he added one more sentence at the end:

"One more thing, Teacher Cui, you are my idol. Cooperating with you once is like fulfilling a dream for me!"

Cui Jian was amused by Wu Yuchen, but he also felt that his analysis was really reasonable, so he didn't have so much pressure.

This time, the Tao Jingying Studio specially sent a producer to help Wu Yuchen coordinate and manage the various affairs of the crew. In fact, he had already arrived in Harbin one step ahead of Wu Yuchen, and the preliminary selection of child actors was organized by him.

After Wu Yuchen got off the train, he didn't rest much and immediately started selecting child actors. After all, child actors are very important in this play, and they even account for at least half of the audience's tear points. Therefore, the choice of these four child actors is truly crucial.

However, after Wu Yuchen picked up the photos and materials and looked at them...

Candidates for young Qi Yiku:

Zhang Han, 12 years old, height...

Jia Nailiang, 12 years old,...

Han Geng, 12 years old,...

Wu Yuchen frowned. What the hell is this?

He glanced at the producer standing next to him. Damn, did you take money!

The producer also saw Wu Yuchen's expression and asked: "Why, is Wu Dao not satisfied?"

"These are all no good. Their looks and ages don't meet my requirements."

"On one hand, I don't need this character to be very good-looking, but he must have affinity when he smiles; it's that kind of rural big kid. These are all no good."

"On the other hand, he is the eldest brother, and he must be significantly half a head taller than the second sister Qi Sitian so that the audience can distinguish them. 12 years old for a boy is not enough; you go find someone 13 or 14 years old."

After hearing this, the producer also understood that he had set the wrong standard, so he had to apologize and hurriedly re-screen from the materials received before.

Wu Yuchen looked at the candidates for the other three child actors again, and he was relieved. At least there were still some he thought were good, and he could call them over to take a look in person.

Selecting child actors took Wu Yuchen another three or four days. Among them, one of the performers for the young Qi Sitian made him very satisfied. She looked clever, and her big eyes looked pitiful at a glance, which could touch people's hearts. Wu Yuchen wanted this effect; it's easier to cry if the audience feels the child is clever and pitiful!

Wu Yuchen was quite satisfied with the work of selecting locations; he didn't need to find them again, so he took the crew and actors and started shooting.

However, after the shooting of *My Brothers and Sisters* started this time, it was not all smooth sailing.

"Cut!"

According to the past, after the number of cuts, Wu Yuchen might have yelled at the actors. But now he could only be calm, walk up to a child, and say with a smile:

"Miaomiao, what's wrong?"

"I, I can't cry..."

"Then tell brother, do you have anything sad?"

Wu Yuchen knew before that child plays are not easy to shoot. First of all, you can't scold them, otherwise it might be counterproductive, so the tyrant on the set won't work. Moreover, children are difficult to control like adults. Children have periods of concentration; sometimes they are obedient, and sometimes they are disobedient.

Therefore, for this period of time, Wu Yuchen racked his brains to find ways to let the children shoot smoothly, and the crew was also stumbling along.

This is also why Wu Yuchen let those adult actors not come over first. Otherwise, would they just keep watching Wu Yuchen coaxing children here?

And just when Wu Yuchen had already started shooting here, Joey Wong, who was far away in Taiwan, was hesitating with the two scripts in her hand. ===== CHAPTER 98 =====