Chapter 36: Opportunity
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After all, the reason everyone entered this industry was to show their face to the public and gain fame.
However, Zhao Rang had high requirements and did not allow the actress to show her face. There were no lines as well, so the stars with some popularity would hardly agree to these conditions.
Many amateurs were interested in getting a role in a film, but Zhao Rang would not even look at them.
If Jiang Se went with the script supervisor’s introduction and this matter could be settled, everyone would be happy. He would be doing a favor for Ruiqiao Media Corp.
“Of course, I’m interested.” Jiang Se was also thinking about landing a few other background roles back at the Imperial Productions base after she was done with “Pretense to Reality”.
Jiang Se had the looks, but her foundation was shallow, and she did not have a network in the entertainment industry. Although she had been in two films so far, she was still an amateur. Even if some production teams had the resources for it, they would have been taken up by others in the industry before Jiang Se could even ask about it.
She was fortunate enough to get into the “Pretense to Reality” cast this time thanks to Dai Jia’s tip-off.
Now that the script supervisor had brought up the news of an audition, Jiang Se felt invigorated. This saved her much more trouble than running around blindly on her own.
Jiang Se knew about Zhao Rang as well. Zhao Rang came from the Shandong Province and had emigrated to Hong Kong with his parents when he was young. They were a poor family.
Perhaps because of the experience of an impoverished childhood, Zhao Rang studied very hard and was guaranteed a place in a college in England. His first piece of work after entering the industry was an easy-paced romantic comedy. With that, he became an overnight sensation and gained popularity.
Due to the difference in culture, films produced by Hong Kong directors were not generally accepted by the audience from the mainland.
However, Zhao Rang’s films were different. He cleverly merged the cultural elements from both sides into his films so that they had a unique sense of Hong Kong humor and his own trademark. Each and every one of his works was received with positive reviews.
To an amateur, even showing their backs in his film would be a good thing.
On top of that, Jiang Se needed the money, so she was searching for an opportunity to audition for a film.
She immediately smiled and thanked the script supervisor. “Thank you, Brother Li. I’m still a newcomer to the industry and am not signed under any company yet. I’ll have to rely on the help of seniors in the industry such as yourself.”
She was beautiful and generous with her words. When she smiled, the script supervisor was lost in her beauty for a moment. Her words were pleasing to him and his smile thickened.
“The other aspects of the production team have already been decided. They even have their lead characters as well.” The script supervisor accepted her gratitude calmly. “The main character will be Cui Xing.”
After he said this, he paused for a moment. “They’ve started filming, but they couldn’t find a suitable candidate for this back shot. They decided to proceed with the filming of the other parts first and left this character without an actress.” He was flippant as he revealed what he knew.
“This time, Director Zhao’s new film, ‘The 99th Love Letter’, will release photos of the cast in sequence. The investor, Ruiqiao Media Corp, is a big name in the local industry. I heard that although this character will never show her face, her back will still appear on the promotional posters.”
The investor, Ruiqiao, was a well-known industry player. With the addition of Cui Xing and Zhao Rang, their box office sales were all but determined. Cui Xing was one of the most profitable male artists under the largest local talent management company, Century Galaxy. He was highly popular and had a huge fan base.
Although Zhao Rang’s position could not be compared to the internationally famous Zhang Jingan, the former had seniority in the industry and he had a better reputation compared to Gu Jiaer.
When Zhao Rang’s films were ready to start shooting, there would not be a shortage of actors and actresses.
“Don’t you look down on this character. For a newcomer like you, showing your face to Director Zhao is as good as showing your face on screen.” Moreover, if this character had shown her face as well instead of just her back, he would not have suggested a newcomer such as Jiang Se audition for the role.
The script supervisor gave Jiang Se and appraising look. He gave half a smile and said, “You’ve got the looks, and Director Gu says that you’re talented as well. I think you’ll have a good chance of acing ‘The 99th Love Letter’ audition. If Director Zhao has taken a liking to you in the future, don’t forget about me.”
Jiang Se smiled. “Naturally.”
The script supervisor was naturally pleased with her attitude. He took out his phone and gave her the number of the person from Zhao Rang’s team to call. Then, he left her there.
Jiang Se’s part was finished. It was still early. With the number in her hand, she naturally gave it a try.
When the other person heard Jiang Se mention the script supervisor’s name and knew that he had referred her to audition for the role. However, the person on the other end of the line seemed to take some time before remembering who the script supervisor was.
The other person was slightly cold. He spoke frankly, “We’ve begun filming in the Imperial Productions base. Can you be here before 11?”
It was already 10 o’clock. Fortunately, the “Pretense to Reality” set was not far from the Imperial Productions base, thus she should be able to make it after changing back into her own clothes.
“Sure.”
Her answer seemed to surprise the person on the other end of the call. After all, the Imperial Productions base was not close to the city center, but Jiang Se had agreed to the timing without hesitation.
The other person gave a slight pause before continuing, “In that case, you should head over immediately. I’ll send you the address later. Be here by 11, and not a minute too late.”
When he finished, he ended the call without waiting for her reply.
Jiang Se was unperturbed. She proceeded to change into her clothes and removed her makeup. When she left the set, it was already half past 10.
She gauged the distance between the airport to the Imperial Productions base. Gritting her teeth, she hailed a taxi and told the driver to head toward the designated address.
Although the taxi fare exhausted all of Jiang Se’s pocket money, it was much faster than taking public transport. When she reached her destination, it was only a quarter to 11.
She followed the directions sent to her on her phone. She headed to the western region of the Imperial Productions base. The message she received told her to locate West City Street in this region.
Zhao Rang’s production team was easy to find. With enough financial resources, they filmed there for half a day. The production team spent a fortune and rented the entire West City Street. They even hired security guards.
The buildings here were inspired by the architectural style of the 80s. Many parts on the walls were mottled to create the impression that they were aged.
The lower floor had shops while the upper floor were more of family-styled buildings. The roofs were tiled. From the outside, they appeared similar to the old building where the Du family lived.
When Jiang Se arrived, the security guard stopped her. She told him that she was an actress who was there for the audition and that she had an appointment. The guard looked at her beautiful face and did not doubt her. He even turned and called someone over for her, “Brother Cao, there’s someone here for you.”
After two shouts, someone in a black printed T-shirt hurried out from the set. Before he even opened his mouth to speak, his eyes fell upon Jiang Se.
When she left the “Pretense to Reality” filming site, Jiang Se had changed in a hurry. Her makeup was also removed carelessly as well.
Because of the rush, she did not manage to remove her makeup completely. However, the remaining makeup on her face did not blemish her beauty.