Chapter 223: Director Zhou plays the male lead in "Whiplash" himself! He co-stars with Liu

Chapter 223: Director Zhou plays the male lead in "Whiplash" himself! He co-stars with Liu

"Qingzi, I'm back!"

On March 3, Love Is Not Blind was finally completed, and Zhu Yawen returned to the studio in high spirits.

"Old Zhu, why do you feel like you've changed?"

Wang Baoqiang looked at Zhu Yawen for a long time and couldn't help but say so.

"Really? Why have I changed?"

Zhu Yawen asked back a little confused and subconsciously touched his hair.

Is it because of a change in hairstyle?
"Becoming more sissy, haha."

Zhou Qing laughed out loud on the side.

Zhu Yawen had just finished playing the sissy Wang Xiaojian, and he hasn’t consciously changed some of his speaking habits yet.

"Fuck you, you're the sissy."

Zhu Yawen pretended to hit someone, and said, "I'm a real man, okay?"

Isn’t it because of that manly and tough aura that permeates the screen that Zhu Chuanwu became famous?

One by one, are you blind?

"How can you talk like that, Qingzi? How come Old Zhu is a sissy? Isn't he just a little bit feminine?"

Huang Bo also came over to stab me.

"Fuck you, second master."

Zhu Yawen felt like he was about to break apart.

What kind of company did I sign with? How can I still be a normal person?

Zhao Liying looked at the seniors who were talking and laughing. She didn't dare to make any jokes, but she kept laughing with her hands covering her mouth.

The atmosphere in the studio is really great.

"Director Jiang will start filming at the end of next month, right? We still have a month to memorize your lines and get familiar with the script."

After the trivial talk, everyone got down to business, and Zhou Qing gave Zhu Yawen instructions in a serious tone.

Zhu Yawen's expression also became serious.

This is his first TV series in which he plays the leading role, and Zhu Yawen takes it very seriously.

Although the script was not written by Qingzi, Zhu Yawen still trusts Qingzi's vision very much.

Just like the original "Crazy Stone".

The script wasn’t written by Qingzi, but it became a hit, didn’t it?

The critical reputation is also very good, and it can be said to be a model of both critical acclaim and box office success.

Zhu Yawen believes that this "The Disguiser" will definitely be a high-quality TV series.

"I'm staying in the company this month to read the script and not going anywhere."

Zhu Yawen immediately expressed his attitude.

"Brother Yawen, we two are going to partner up again."

Zhao Liying's sweet smile is full of excitement and anticipation.

By the way, she and Zhu Yawen have already collaborated twice.

"Now You See Me", "Love Is Not Blind", and this time "Insidious" is the third time.

However, Zhao Liying had very few roles in the first two films and was a typical supporting role, or even a minor one.

Of course, the role in "The Hidden" is also a supporting role, but this is a TV series after all.

Generally speaking, this is the work in which Zhao Liying has the most roles.

Zhao Liying was as happy as Zhu Yawen.

"Whiplash? Director Zhou really doesn't plan to make a commercial film this time."

Han Sanping came to discuss the new movie with Zhou Qing, and it can be seen that he still feels a little regretful.

With the explosive momentum of "Painted Skin" and "Now You See Me", Han Sanping is still not satisfied.

But it’s okay, there is another movie "Red Cliff" invested by China Film Group during the summer vacation.

Han Sanping also had high hopes for "Red Cliff".

Of course, we cannot miss the poet Chen’s "Mei Lanfang".

However, "Mei Lanfang" is a biographical art film, so we can't just focus on the box office.

"Let's change the taste first. We can make commercial films next time."

Zhou Qing chatted casually with Han Sanping.

"You've already finished writing the script, so let's do it next time."

What else could Han Sanping do? He could only obey Zhou Qing.

"But this time, do you want to go to Cannes?"

When Han Sanping thought of this, he began to "encourage" Zhou Qing with great interest.

"Boss Han, please don't make it public. This time, I do plan to go to Cannes to give it a try."

After all, they have been partners for many years, so Zhou Qing did not hide it from Han Sanping and admitted it directly.

“Okay, let’s go to Cannes!”

Han Sanping slapped his thigh and looked more motivated than Zhou Qing.

He admires young people who are enterprising and hardworking.

"With your ability, Director Zhou, you will definitely win the Palme d'Or this time, right?"

There was a gleam in Han Sanping's eyes, and he was still very much looking forward to Zhou Qing's journey to Chongjia.

"It's not that easy. This is the Palme d'Or."

Zhou Qing smiled and waved his hand, not daring to respond to such words.

Even if he is a reborn person with extra power, there is no guarantee that he can win the Palme d'Or.

"Of course it's not easy for ordinary people, but Director Zhou, you are not an ordinary person."

Han Sanping smiled. He still had high expectations for Zhou Qing.

"It will be the same as the previous times. The cost this time is not too high. China Film can take a 35% share."

After chatting for a while, the two sides got down to business and happily agreed on the investment ratio.

"Does Director Zhou have any suitable candidate for the male drummer role?"

The two sides then discussed the casting issue, and Han Sanping first asked about the candidate for the male lead.

It’s just that this role is really hard to choose.

According to the filing information provided by Director Zhou, the male lead is a student at a music conservatory!

This means that the actor cannot be too old, probably around 21 or 22 years old, or at most 23 or 24 years old.

But male actors of this age group generally have poor acting skills.

It would be fine if it was a commercial film, but Director Zhou’s film this time is an award-winning film.

"I think about it and there is a suitable candidate."

Zhou Qing showed an unfathomable look on his face and kept Han Sanping in suspense.

"Who else can catch Director Zhou's eye?"

Han Sanping became interested all of a sudden.

Because he thought about it for a long time, but couldn't think of any suitable candidate.

"Far away, yet so close."

Zhou Qing uttered these words faintly.

???

Han Sanping didn't understand what Zhou Qing meant for a moment.

He subconsciously turned his head and looked around the reception room again and again. There was no one else in the room except him and Zhou Qing.

Could it be that Zhou Qing was talking about Zhou Qing himself?

"Director Zhou, you are not talking about..."

Han Sanping's eyes widened slightly, and he stared at Zhou Qing in disbelief.

"Mr. Han, are you so surprised? I'm also a student from the Acting Department of Beijing Film Academy!" Zhou Qing grinned and pretended to be awesome in front of Han Sanping.

That’s right, this time Zhou Qing plans to play the leading role of “Whiplash” himself.

After all, there are really no suitable actors in the circle, and the acting skills of people of this age group are generally not up to par.

Those whose acting skills could meet Zhou Qing's requirements were a little too old.

So after thinking about it, Zhou Qing really has to do it himself.

With Zhou Qing's current superb acting skills, there will be no problem for him to play a role like the male lead in "Whiplash".

In other words, there would be no problem in playing any role that fits Zhou Qing's image.

Who says we are a hacker?

"If you hadn't told me, I would have forgotten you were an actor."

After being stunned for a few seconds, Han Sanping couldn't help but shook his head and laughed out loud.

I believe that it’s not just him, but probably everyone in the entire circle has overlooked Director Zhou’s identity as a director?
Who makes Director Zhou so dazzling as a director?

"As an actor, I have graduated from college two years ago, but I have not acted in a single production. I feel ashamed."

Zhou Qing also echoed Han Sanping's joke.

"Then this time, Director Zhou will let us open our eyes!"

Han Sanping said immediately that he was still very much looking forward to it.

In fact, Han Sanping still has some doubts about Zhou Qing being an actor.

After all, in this regard, Zhou Qing is really an "amateur" and has no experience at all.

What about award-winning films?
It requires very high acting skills from the actors.

Especially films that are aiming for Cannes.

Han Sanping really doubted whether Zhou Qing could handle such a film.

But Han Sanping naturally couldn't say such words, and he made a decision in his heart.

Even if Zhou Qing's acting skills are really bad and drag down the film, he will still support Zhou Qing.

What’s wrong if a top director wants to act as he pleases? China Film Group will follow his lead!
Not only do you have to follow, you have to follow without hesitation.

However, Han Sanping's expectations for this film to win an award at Cannes, or even the Palme d'Or, have been reduced to the lowest.

"You want to act in this movie yourself?"

Not only Han Sanping, but Liu Yifei also had the same reaction when she heard the news.

She was surprised and stunned at first, as if she had not expected it at all, but soon Liu Yifei became extremely excited.

Unlike Han Sanping, Liu Yifei knew Zhou Qing's acting skills.

The girl has rehearsed skits with Zhou Qing many times.

Especially in the graduation drama, Zhou Qing gave a jaw-dropping performance.

The girl was surprised, but she was only surprised that Zhou Qing suddenly decided to act in a movie, and she didn't have any other thoughts.

"You finally remembered that you are still an actor. You have been 'not doing your job' for so many years."

Liu Yifei then burst out laughing.

Speaking of Zhou Qing, he is definitely the biggest weirdo in the Class of 02 Acting Department, right?

He hasn't acted in any drama for all these years, but he has reached the top of the entertainment industry pyramid in one fell swoop.

"I can't help it. The role of drummer is so important that I have to play it myself."

Zhou Qing shook his head. He was definitely not pretending, but speaking from his heart.

If he could find someone who is better than him, no, someone who can reach 60% to 70% of his level, he wouldn't have to go it alone, right?

"You should have done this a long time ago. I believe that when the movie is released, many people will be shocked."

Liu Yifei looked very excited, as if she couldn't wait to see that scene.

Just imagine, what would everyone’s reaction be when they see that Zhou Qing, one of the top directors in mainland China, actually has acting skills that are as good as an actor?
I'm afraid they would all be so frightened that their eyeballs would pop out.
This kind of thing is very interesting just thinking about it.

"That's right. With my acting skills, it's a bit of a waste to just be a director."

Zhou Qingshen nodded in agreement and acted arrogantly in front of Liu Yifei.

"I told you you're fat and you're still panting."

In return, Liu Yifei made fun of him.

"Since you are playing the male lead, then..."

Liu Yifei seemed to have thought of something, straightened her face, opened the script and pointed at a supporting role, "Let me play the 'female lead'."

"Whiplash" is a typical male-led movie, and the female lead in it is actually just a super supporting role.

It would be good if all the scenes added up to five minutes.

Not only that, she is also a complete tool who exists only to serve the male protagonist.

There isn't a single character arc.

In Zhou Qing's opinion, there is no need for Liu Yifei to play such a role.

After all, this role is really too small and does not match Liu Yifei's current status at all.

"Xixi, this is just a minor supporting role. You don't have to play it."

Zhou Qing told the truth and tried to persuade Liu Yifei.

"I know, but you are the leading actor, I am happy to be your supporting actor!"

Liu Yifei said to Zhou Qing as if it was a matter of course.

The girls have read the script, so they naturally know that the so-called "female lead" is just a super supporting role.

If it were another movie, Liu Yifei would have no chance of playing the role, which would be a downgrade for her.

But who can blame Zhou Qing for starring in this movie?
This is Zhou Qing’s first time as an actor, so Liu Yifei has to support him, right?
Looking at Liu Yifei's eyes, Zhou Qing immediately understood Liu Yifei's thoughts, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

Liu Yifei is supporting herself with practical actions.

In this case, how can I let the girl down?

Although Liu Yifei's acting skills are a little bit lacking, she is not unable to handle even a small supporting role.

"Besides...I don't want you to play couple with other girls!"

In addition, Liu Yifei had an even stronger reason, which she told Zhou Qing righteously.

"Why is it so sour, Sissi, do you smell the sourness in the air?"

Zhou Qing started teasing Liu Yifei.

"I told you to be sour! I told you to be sour!"

Liu Yifei glared angrily and began to twist Zhou Qing's flesh with her hands.

"Auntie, Sissi is murdering her husband again!"

"Whiplash" is a small-scale movie. Apart from the male protagonist, the drummer, there is only one other important character left.

J.K. Simmons plays the volatile music teacher Fletcher.

Apart from this, all other characters are just tools with little presence.

But this music teacher is completely the opposite. He has a very important role and is acting opposite the protagonist almost from beginning to end.

In addition, the character created by the script is very demanding on acting skills, and only experienced veteran actors can pull it off.

To put it bluntly, the drummer and the music teacher are the soul of the entire movie "Whiplash".

Therefore, Zhou Qing was very cautious in choosing a music teacher.

Fortunately, the music teacher had a wide range of choices, and anyone from 30 to 50 years old could perform, which provided Zhou Qing with a lot of options.

After all, there are so many talented male actors in this age group with superb acting skills.

What Zhou Qing needs to consider are nothing more than some key factors such as image, temperament, fame and status.

After some thought and comparison, Zhou Qing temporarily selected a more suitable candidate.

Feng Yuanzheng, with whom I had worked before.

It doesn't mean that Feng Yuanzheng's acting skills are really unmatched. There are actually many veteran actors who can compete with Feng Yuanzheng in acting skills.

The reason why Zhou Qing prefers Feng Yuanzheng is because Feng Yuanzheng’s portrayal of An Jiahe is so good.

The grumpy music teacher in Whiplash is a similar character! (End of this chapter)