Chapter 328: Public Relations

The role of the female lawyer is very important.

In the film, she has to be able to stand toe-to-toe against the male lead played by Leonardo — a character who is cunning, ruthless, and good at disguise — and even come out a step ahead.

At Crystal Pictures, Lin Nan met Naomi Watts, who had been recommended by Little Li Zi to play the female lawyer role.

To be objective, Lin Nan believed that among Hollywood actors, native British actors should have the highest average ability.

"Lin, very pleased to meet you, and thank you Leo for recommending me to audition."

After the audition ended, Naomi Watts and Lin Nan began chatting.

For Lin Nan, the person before him was also an actress who was a mother, so she should be able to get into the role better.

"When the time comes, your makeup and styling will need to make you look a bit older."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, the smile on the other woman's face froze for a second, then she composed herself and spoke.

"An actor should accept everything about a role — that is the professional ethics and level of competence one should have."

Lin Nan knew that Naomi Watts had already understood the meaning behind his words.

He stood up and extended his hand. "Welcome to the cast of The Invisible Guest."

The other party was stunned for a moment, then also extended her hand to shake Lin Nan's, and said with a smile:

"Thank you, it's a great honor to be part of this film…"

Tang Mu personally saw Naomi Watts out, and they arranged to sign the contract another day.

In less than two minutes, he was back.

"Lin, as a gentleman, when dealing with an English lady, you should have just used the hug or the cheek-kiss greeting."

"Heh, you sure do worry about a lot, showing off?"

Lin Nan looked at Tang Mu and shot back a line. Of course he knew all that, he just didn't feel like it.

If they were really going to talk about etiquette, Lin Nan would have to have a good long chat with him about the etiquette of Huaxia.

To let this fat Tang Mu know what truly ancient Eastern etiquette culture was — not something that English set could compare to.

…………

Although Lin Nan said with his mouth that he would video-audition the domestic actresses during the day, he still controlled the timing.

So he began auditions at 5 p. m. Los Angeles time, which was around 8 a. m. back home.

First of all, this was a foreign-language film; anyone not fluent enough in English alone could be cut — for instance, those few young flowers; Lin Nan didn't want to use dubbing actors.

He auditioned Li Li Bingbing, Fan Li Bingbing, Zhou Xun and others in turn, and brushed off Zhao Zhao Yanzi.

Lin Nan felt something was still off — perhaps the chance to appear in a Hollywood film was really too tempting, and the few actresses were all a bit stiff or too deliberate.

Zhou Xun was okay, but her image was too petite — just like Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi that morning, both had hard flaws.

International Zhang's hard flaw was even more obvious — she was too scrawny.

Even Leonardo shook his head, saying which successful man would pick that kind of mistress?

For a moment, Lin Nan actually couldn't argue back, and the more he thought about it the more sense it made — he was quite speechless.

"What a headache!"

The next day, Lin Nan sat in the office at Crystal Pictures, thoroughly stumped.

"Lin, how about you consider Jessica Chastain?

She's also a hot contender for this year's Oscars, just like Naomi Watts."

Tang Mu's words made Lin Nan hesitate a little.

He had originally been thinking that if someone was suitable, he'd look after the domestic actresses — but now.

Suddenly, Lin Nan caught the second sentence Tang Mu had said. "You mean, both of them have films entered for this year's Oscars?"

Tang Mu nodded and said affirmatively:

"Yes, even if they can't win, as long as they get nominated, it will be a huge help for our film!"

Lin Nan sat there, frowning in thought. He couldn't deny that what Tang Mu said really made a lot of sense.

A few minutes later, Lin Nan slapped his thigh. "Fine, it's her! Go handle it."

"Understood."

Now that the actress had been chosen, only the final supporting male role remained — much simpler.

…………

One after another, emails about the audition results were sent back home.

The media reacted quickly, and the news soon appeared online.

"It is reported that a group of domestic actresses auditioned for director Lin Nan's new film, the Hollywood movie The Invisible Guest — without exception, the entire army was wiped out."

"Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, who is at the Oscars participating in the awards judging, also failed the audition…"

……

"Good lord, is he that strict? All of them rejected?"

"Truly harsh — not a single one made it!"

……

Under Liu Liu Yifei's Weibo post, things had already gotten very lively.

"Really curious — which actors did Lin Dao end up picking?"

"Liu Yifei, go ask for us, we're so curious."

"Why did even Fan Li Bingbing get eliminated? Where did she fall short?"

……

Liu Liu Yifei had just come back from the jewelry exhibition and had just taken a shower.

At this moment she looked all pink and fresh, very delicate.

Seeing so many comments tagging him, he simply sat on the sofa and started scrolling through Weibo.

"I don't know. Let me go ask him and tell you later."

A single unified reply instantly drew a crowd of netizens and fans.

"Whoa, the real person replied!"

"Is Producer Liu going to Hollywood too? To accompany Lin Dao, or for work?"

"Are you coming back for New Year's Eve? Looking forward to bumping into you and Lin Dao at the mall!"

Liu Liu Yifei was in the mood and actually started chatting.

"Going to see him, and there's some work too. If the film wraps before New Year's Eve, we'll come back."

"I wonder what Auntie Liu thinks hearing this; her daughter is preparing to accompany that person again this year!"

"What can a mother-in-law think? That's her son-in-law!"

The next day, media reporters spotted Liu Liu Yifei at the airport.

Dark sunglasses covered most of her face; she wore a white thin shirt under a khaki trench coat.

High-waisted casual pants paired with white sneakers, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, she looked very spirited.

Two female assistants accompanied her, pushing two large suitcases.

Upon seeing the reporters, she even cooperated by flashing a peace sign, showing a sweet smile.

"Liu Liu Yifei appeared at Capital Airport today, suspected to be flying directly to Hollywood..."

Lin Nan accepted an invitation to the press reception for Ang Lee's "Life of Pi".

To be honest, before this he only knew that Oscar-bait films needed specialized PR firms, but he had never dealt with such companies.

From Ang Lee, Lin Nan gained a deeper understanding of some specific operations.

Depending on the film's genre and the number of awards it declares for, a dedicated PR plan is formulated.

The PR firm even has to conduct specific screenings of the over a thousand Academy voters.

Then they compile a list, categorizing the Academy voters, marking their different preferences, and the level of PR effort required.

For an excellent film, preparation for PR must begin from the moment of Oscar registration; the first step is the nomination list, followed by the winners list.

In both stages, money must be thrown down, and the further along, the more money is spent.

But throwing money doesn't mean giving cash directly; it means spending in various creative ways.

Starting from the details, gifts can be given, but direct cash or valuable items cannot; this is quite an art.

"Director Lee, can you tell me what the PR budget for 'Life of Pi' is?"

In a corner, Lin Nan and Ang Lee spoke quietly.

He would have to take this step in the future; knowing sooner rather than later does no harm and allows for mental preparation in advance.

"Preliminary budget is ten million dollars; depending on the situation, more will be added later..."

Ang Lee did not hide anything and gave Lin Nan a direct answer.

"This is also a gamble; once nominated, everything spent can be earned back.

If it wins, or even sweeps several major awards, the film rights and various other revenues will surely make a huge profit globally."

Ang Lee glanced at Lin Nan and smiled;

"With your current achievements, you should consider and prepare for these things sooner. The most fundamental difference between abroad and the mainland is that seniority doesn't matter; as long as there are no such rigid rules, it's much easier."

Lin Nan did not take up Ang Lee's point, merely smiling and nodding to show agreement; what Ang Lee said was indeed the truth.

"If you need it, I can introduce you to the PR firm for 'Life of Pi' later. In terms of Oscar PR, even the major studio giants aren't as professional or powerful as those specialized PR firms."

"Thanks, Director Lee. After the reception ends, I'll come find you."

"Good, I'll wait for you."

Lin Nan raised his glass and took a sip.

He needed to rest early tonight, as he had to pick up Miss Liu early tomorrow morning.

(End of this chapter)