Chapter 153: Director Zhou creates a blast by casting Liu Yifei as the female lead

Chapter 153: Director Zhou creates a blast by casting Liu Yifei as the female lead

However, Zhou Qing was not in a hurry to contact Fan Bingbing. Zhou Xun was still his first choice.

Since Zhou Xun needs time to communicate and negotiate, it’s okay to wait for Zhou Xun for a few days.

Anyway, there is no rush for casting for "Painted Skin", so he can just get in touch with other roles first.

"Xiao Liu, send an audition invitation to Hu Jun and Zhao Wenzhuo."

Zhou Qing casually gave an order to his assistant.

"Understood, Director Zhou."

Xiao Liu immediately did as he was told.

Zhou Qing continued to think about the other main characters.

The first one is Mrs. Wang Peirong.

The original actress Zhao Yanzi will definitely be replaced. There is no need to say more or explain this.

So who would be a better replacement?

To be honest it wasn't hard to find a replacement.

After all, there are so many actresses born after the 70s, and any one of the other four Dan double soldiers can easily replace Zhao Yanzi.

Even other actors besides the four female roles and the two soldiers are numerous.

For example, Yu Feihong, Ning Jing, Jiang Qinqin, Mei Ting, Liu Tao, and so on.

However, Zhou Qing does not plan to use these actresses born in the 70s, but prefers another candidate.

Liu Yifei.

To be honest, Liu Yifei is actually quite suitable for the role of Peirong, as ancient costumes are her strong point.

Judging from her image and temperament, there is no problem for Liu Yifei to play the role of a general's wife.

And to be honest, given how Zhao Yanzi looks, why would Wang Sheng be so infatuated with her?
Even the vixen can’t be seduced away?

But if Mrs. Wang looked like Liu Yifei, wouldn’t it be more convincing?

What about age?
Is Liu Yifei too young to play the general’s wife?
On the contrary, the 70-year-old Liu Yifei is the most suitable, while those actresses born in the s seem a bit old.

First of all, the story of "Painted Skin" in "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" is set in the Ming Dynasty, when girls could get married at the age of fourteen.

Chen Jiashang's film version of "Painted Skin" moved the dynasty to the Han Dynasty.

The "legal marriage age" for women during this period was the same, just thirteen or fourteen years old.

Even if you are not married by the age of fifteen, it is considered late marriage.

The "Book of Han: Emperor Hui's Chronicle" also records: "If a woman is aged 15 to 30 and does not marry, her sentence will be five years."

What do you mean?
If a woman is over 15 and still unmarried, she will have to pay five times the tax.

That’s right, the court is forcing you to get married.

So eighteen-year-old Mrs. Wang is just right.

The only thing to consider is that Liu Yifei's acting skills are still lacking.

But again, "Painted Skin" is not an award-winning film, but a commercial film!
It’s okay if her acting is not so good, it’s no big deal. Is Zhao Yanzi’s acting very good?
Besides, what does the big director Zhou Qing do for a living?
One of the most basic skills of a director is to train actors.

Master Zhang can train non-professional actors very well, so how big of a problem could it be for him to train a professional actor?
It's just a matter of putting in a little more effort.

If it were an ordinary actor, Zhou Qing would definitely not be willing to waste that energy.

But for Liu Yifei, it is naturally different.

Of course, Zhou Qing did have selfish motives in looking for Liu Yifei, and he admitted this.

But what's wrong with being selfish?
No problem.

"It's Sissi."

Zhou Qing made this decision very happily.

Another relatively important role is the demon slayer Xia Bing, originally played by Sun Li.

Frankly speaking, Sun Li's performance can only be described as average, not bad, but not outstanding either.

It's the kind that can be replaced or not.

Zhou Qing didn't plan to waste his time and just let him go for an audition.

However, there is another relatively important role in the movie, which Zhou Qing plans to let Zhu Yawen play.

what role?
That lizard spirit who loves Xiao Wei.

This character is originally a tool, and with such thick makeup on his face, he doesn't require superb acting skills.

What's more, Zhu Yawen has acted in many dramas now, so it will be no problem for him to handle such a role.

As for those other characters?
Well, there aren't really any other decent roles left, so all of them are released for audition.

The role issues regarding "Painted Skin" have been completely finalized.

After sorting out these thoughts, Zhou Qing did not waste too much time and made an international long-distance call to Liu Yifei.

Sony headquarters.

"Xixi, Zhou Qing is going to release a new film. I'm sure you know it even if I don't tell you, right?"

Liu Yifei, who had just finished training, was taking a break. Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but speak while massaging Liu Yifei's legs and shoulders.

"Of course I know, Mom."

Liu Yifei said it as a matter of course.

Although the mother and daughter are training in Japan, they have been paying attention to some developments in the domestic entertainment industry.

How could the mother and daughter not know about this breaking news: top director Zhou Qing is preparing a new film?

"and then?"

Liu Xiaoli's hand movements paused for a moment.

"What then?"

Liu Yifei blinked her big eyes and looked at Liu Xiaoli innocently.

The girl is playing dumb.

How could she not understand what Liu Xiaoli meant?
"You're playing dumb with me, right? Zhou Qing is going to make a commercial film this time, Xixi, this is your chance!"

"How come you don't care at all, kid?"

Liu Xiaoli looked at Liu Yifei with a bit of disappointment.

In the past, Zhou Qing’s films were going to hit the top three in Europe, but Sissi really couldn’t handle it, and Liu Xiaoli accepted it.

But this time is different.

Can't Sissi handle a commercial film?

"Mom, didn't Zhou Qing say that he would find me if there was a suitable role?"

Liu Yifei said so.

In fact, why would the girl want to miss this opportunity?
Who wouldn't want to make his presence felt in Zhou Qing's first commercial film?
But since Zhou Qing once promised her so, Liu Yifei felt that she should just choose to believe Zhou Qing.

"You kid, you're really stupid, aren't you?"

Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but poke Liu Yifei's head hard. Wasn't her silly daughter too simple and naive?
Do you trust Zhou Qing so much?
Just listen to whatever others say?
Everyone would use all means to get the top resources in the entertainment industry.

Are you planning to wait for others to find you?
What are you thinking!

If you fall behind, you might not even be able to smell it.

Besides, Zhou Qing had said similar things before.

But in fact, the other party made three movies in a row after "127 Hours", and did not use Sissi in any of them.

How can Liu Xiaoli hope that Zhou Qing will look for Xixi in this film?
Since I have a deeper relationship with Zhou Qing, I should make good use of it and try to get the role.

Liu Xiaoli began to persuade Liu Yifei earnestly.

But Liu Yifei, who was always obedient, was not obedient this time. She said she would not make the call no matter what, which made Liu Xiaoli very angry.

"Xixi, if you don't want to make this call, then Mom will."

Helpless Liu Xiaoli took out her phone.

"mom……"

Just as he was about to stop Liu Xiaoli, Liu Yifei's phone rang first.

Liu Yifei subconsciously took out her cell phone and looked at it. She was immediately perked up. It was Zhou Qing calling.

"Mom, it's Zhou Qing calling!"

Liu Yifei said to Liu Xiaoli excitedly, "Quick, listen to what he says."

Liu Xiaoli's eyes also lit up, and she couldn't help but urge Liu Yifei with anticipation.

Liu Yifei couldn't wait to press the answer button, and a familiar voice immediately rang out from the receiver: "Xixi..."

They started off by asking about each other's well-being. It seemed like the two of them had endless things to talk about, and they chatted for a long time about this and that.

Liu Xiaoli beside him was secretly anxious when she heard this. She thought that Zhou Qing might have called her just to chat.

Fortunately, after chatting for a while, Zhou Qing finally got down to business with Liu Yifei: "Xixi, you know I'm preparing a new movie, right? I'm going to let you play the leading role this time."

"You are such a heartless person, you finally thought of me!"

Liu Yifei was so happy that a bright smile immediately appeared on her face.

"In fact, I've wanted to find you for a long time, but there has never been a role suitable for you. This time there is a similar role, and I thought of you immediately."

Zhou Qing just laughed.

"You still have a conscience. What role will you play this time?"

Liu Yifei asked about the relevant characters with great interest.

Zhou Qing briefly explained it to Liu Yifei.

Liu Yifei became more and more excited.

This role is really great, isn't it?
As far as most of the current movies are concerned, they are actually male-centered movies, and the so-called female protagonist is just a tool.

It exists to serve the male protagonist.

But Zhou Qing's movie is completely the opposite. It is a movie with a strong female lead, and the male lead serves the female lead.

This is very different. For actresses, the bonus is undoubtedly the biggest.

Just like Zhou Qing's "La La Land" and "Hearing Girl", they are movie resources that every actress dreams of.

How could Liu Yifei not be happy and excited that Zhou Qing chose her to act in this kind of movie?

The two chatted happily for a while before ending the call.

"Xixi, Zhou Qing asked you to act this time, right?"

Liu Xiaoli couldn't hold back any longer.

Although it was already very obvious from listening to Liu Yifei's conversation, he was still impatient to confirm with Liu Yifei.

"Mom, Zhou Qing wants me to play the leading role in his new movie!"

Liu Yifei's eyes narrowed into a line and she showed off proudly to Liu Xiaoli.

"Did I really find you? Great, that's great!"

Liu Xiaoli looks more excited than Liu Yifei.

Good news, this is a great thing!

Xixi is now trying her best to enter the film industry, so Zhou Qing's role as the heroine is just in time.

Zhou Qing’s movie is the top film project in the industry.

Especially since this is Zhou Qing’s first commercial film, the significance is even more special.

It can be said that with Zhou Qing's help, Xixi will definitely be able to make a name for herself in the film industry.

Thinking about this bright prospect, how could Liu Xiaoli not be happy?
"Mom, I told you a long time ago that Zhou Qing would definitely find me if there was a suitable role. You just couldn't keep your cool."

Liu Yifei spoke again at this time, and her words were so righteous and confident.

"You kid, you're here to teach your mother a lesson."

Liu Xiaoli couldn't help but poke Liu Yifei's head again.

But I have to say, Sissi is actually right.

She always thought that Xixi was too lovesick and was distracted from her work, but the facts proved that her silly daughter was the one who was sober and could judge people very well.

Instead, she, as a mother, was left at a disadvantage.

But no matter what, Xixi had just entered the film industry and won the leading female role in Zhou Qing's movie, which can be considered a great start.

Liu Xiaoli has already begun to look forward to the beautiful scene of Liu Yifei making a big splash in the film industry.

"Lao Zhu."

After ending the call with Liu Yifei, Zhou Qing called Zhu Yawen again.

“When will you finish filming Step Brothers?”

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the other party, Zhou Qing asked directly.

"If nothing goes wrong, we'll be able to wrap up by the middle of next month. What's the matter?"

Zhu Yawen had a vague guess in his mind, but he was not sure.

But there was unstoppable anticipation in his eyes.

"There's an important supporting role in my new movie, with quite a few scenes, and I've reserved it just for you."

Zhou Qing told Zhu Yawen the truth.

Zhu Yawen began to get excited. No, it would be more appropriate to say that he was extremely excited.

"Qingzi, that's really nice!"

Zhu Yawen's voice rose an octave and his blood instantly boiled.

To be honest, he has envied Huang Bo for several years. Now it is finally his turn.

"As long as you know."

Zhou Qing showed off in front of Zhu Yawen.

"But do you think I can do it?"

After Zhu Yawen felt excited, he also felt a little worried.

This is a movie directed by one of the top directors in mainland China.

And he can be said to be a newcomer in the film industry who is as new as can be.

"Why can't you? Don't underestimate yourself. If you can't do it, why would I look for you?"

Zhou Qing said to Zhu Yawen as a matter of course.

"Just focus on your film 'Step Brothers'. My film will be shot in February next year, so there's no rush."

The two sides chatted for a while before ending the call.

"Ya Wen, was it Director Zhou who called you just now?"

Zhang Kaili couldn't help but ask curiously.

She knew that Zhu Yawen and Zhou Qing were classmates, and she had also seen Zhu Yawen and Zhou Qing talking on the phone before.

I know that the "Qingzi" the other party is talking about is the famous Director Zhou.

Considering the current time period, Zhang Kaili naturally had some guesses in her mind.

"It's Qingzi. He wants me to play a role in his new movie."

Zhu Yawen tried to explain to Zhang Kaili in a calm tone.

Swish!
Whether it was Zhang Kaili or the other actors on the scene, they all cast envious and jealous glances at Zhu Yawen.

Zhu Yawen is so lucky. He is a classmate of Director Zhou and they have such a good relationship.

It is unimaginable that such low-level actors like them could act in Director Zhou’s movie.

I'm jealous.

Feeling the burning gazes around him, Zhu Yawen's vanity was greatly satisfied.

The smile at the corner of his mouth revealed a subconscious sense of pride.

"It's good for everyone to know, but don't make it public for now."

Zhu Yawen then gave a serious explanation to everyone at the scene.

"I know, I know. We won't make it public."

"Don't worry, we won't say anything."

The people around responded one after another.

Although Zhu Yawen is currently just an insignificant little actor.

But with Director Zhou as a big tree behind him, who dares to neglect him? (End of this chapter)