Chapter 1361: Chapter 710: About to Give Birth_3
"Ah?" Wang Jing was taken aback.
Zhou Lan said, "Their pay rate is quoted very low, plus, they can offer more availability."
Wang Jing remained silent.
"No worries, your base is still domestic. Actually, if it’s just a matter of pay, I’m willing to communicate with them, lower the pay a bit, that’s nothing. But availability-wise, we can’t suddenly commit half a year abroad; you have so many projects to shoot domestically."
Wang Jing said, "But I haven’t received any particularly good roles in China either."
Wang Jing is indeed in an awkward position domestically, not able to elevate her status much. Although she won the Best Newcomer Award, officially stepping into the film industry, she only has one piece, ’Behind the Scenes,’ as her representation, which isn’t strongly recognized. In terms of acting skills, Wang Jing is decent but not outstanding, and compared to Xu Siyao, often lacks her brilliance.
Zhou Lan wants to secure significant roles for Wang Jing, at least a second lead. However, the competition in the film industry is fierce.
Fame may be present, but not many production companies are in agreement.
The path Zhou Lan is taking is to have Wang Jing act as the lead in more TV dramas, approach suitable film projects, where lower pay is fine, but the roles must be memorable and not just decorative.
Like Director Kang Xin’s ’Dragon Heart’, Wang Jing was able to secure the lead role because the female lead is only fifth billing in this male-centric film.
Most top-tier actresses are unwilling to play a fifth-billed female lead in a male-centric film.
Not even a director like Kang Xin can change that.
This gave Wang Jing her opportunity.
Wang Jing mentioned she hasn’t received many particularly good roles domestically, and that’s the truth.
However, if she can’t secure good roles domestically, what makes her think she can do so abroad?
Zhou Lan said, "Xiao Jing, if there’s a particularly good project internationally, I’ll definitely support you going for it, but the key is, those two auditions we tried abroad aren’t good enough to waste half a year on filming them; it’s a real time waste. If you take them, we won’t be able to shoot anything suitable afterwards."
Wang Jing sighed and said, "Sister Lan, I understand what you’re saying, but you know my current situation. Apart from the upcoming ’Dragon Heart,’ there are no other projects lined up."
Zhou Lan said, "I know you’re a bit anxious, worried you won’t have any roles coming up. But Xiao Jing, I’m telling you seriously, there’s no need for us to rush. We’ve filmed ’Youth Story,’ which hasn’t aired yet, and ’Dragon Heart’ is upcoming. Especially with Director Kang Xin, if it turns out well, we might aim for one of the three major TV awards for Best Supporting Actress."
Wang Jing said, "Sister Lan, I’m just afraid of missing this period which seems like my peak opportunity. Yet, often you consider projects or roles not good enough and reject them. However, I’ve never encountered particularly good roles."
Zhou Lan couldn’t help but sigh.
"Xiao Jing, you’re truly anxious, but I want to tell you, this industry is like this, we have to make choices. Are you going for quantity or trying to aim for quality in the roles you choose?" Zhou Lan said, "Now the industry expects great things from you, they’re all offering you roles, but if we’re not selective, once the projects you take flop, it could be a catastrophic blow to your reputation, making it difficult to recover. I’m your agent, I’m not turning down projects without good reason, and I respect your choice of what you want to act in. You’re in a somewhat awkward stage now; people view you positively, trying to get you for roles, but when it comes to films, they’re all just minor supporting roles with limited scenes. Do you want to act such roles? I don’t want to waste your talent on them unless it’s a good script like ’Behind the Scenes.’
Wang Jing was silent for a long time, then nodded and said, "Sister Lan, I trust you."
Zhou Lan reached over, holding Wang Jing’s hand.
"Xiao Jing, let’s not rush, keep a balanced mindset, we have a long way to go, you’re already ahead of many, we need to be cautious and focused, you need to build your reputation with your performances," Zhou Lan said, "Only take roles right for you."
Wang Jing nodded.
"Okay."
After dinner, the driver came to pick up Wang Jing.
After sending Wang Jing off into the car, Zhou Lan went to the parking lot.
After walking a bit, Zhou Lan felt something was off, why was there the sound of footsteps behind, constantly following?
In Zhou Lan’s mind flashed a news report she read a few days ago, about someone targeting lone female drivers, following them to parking lots, attacking them as they got into their cars.
Zhou Lan suddenly became tense.
