The Best Director

Chapter 38: Sir, Give Me a Role

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

With the lead actress for “High School Musical” selected, Wang Yang was in a great mood, and he continued with the casting of the other roles over the next few days. What he did not know was that Jessica had been refusing Miranda’s persuasion every day and finally lost her temper, which made Miranda feel both helpless and disappointed, eventually stopping her attempts to persuade.

A few days later, the lead actress for “Idle Hands” was determined, and Eliza Dushku was chosen. As for several important roles in “High School Musical,” the selections came out one after another. “Sharpay Evans” was played by Rachel who was very fitting in appearance, and even more so in her mature performances. Unlike the naturalistic acting in “Paranormal Activity,” “Sharpay Evans” required a slightly exaggerated theatrical performance. Being a drama student, this was exactly what Rachel wanted. In front of the camera, she was in her element and fully captured the essence of the character.

Zachary Levi also landed the role of “Ryan Evans,” which made him so happy that he turned several somersaults, nearly injuring himself. Although Zachary’s temperament was different from the original “Ryan” and his tall stature beside Rachel made them look more like siblings than brother and sister, Wang Yang still chose him. Zachary’s acting was passable, and he had a solid foundation in dancing and singing. He could create a comically endearing Ryan, making Sharpay seem even more “villainous.”

Securing this role meant Zachary would receive a substantial salary, and he could finally quit his supermarket job to concentrate on his acting career. He was so excited that he hugged Wang Yang and planted several wolfish kisses on his cheek. Eventually, seeing that Zachary wouldn’t let go and even wanted to continue kissing, Wang Yang had to resort to force, leaving Zachary lying on the ground to cool off for quite some time.

With Sharpay and Ryan’s portrayers determined, the selection of the black best friends of the male and female protagonists, “Chad Danforth” and “Taylor McKessie,” was not difficult. Chad Danforth was played by an 18-year-old Brazilian-American named Marcus Mans, who was skilled in dancing and singing; Taylor McKessie was played by a 22-year-old black girl with good acting skills named Martina Moon.

For the role of the pianist, Kelsi Nielsen, Wang Yang chose a girl of the same age named Zooey Deschanel. She had not appeared in any film or television works, but she had learned to play the piano from a young age and understood songwriting, which made her very professional and impressive during the audition. Although her height of 168 centimeters made her somewhat tall, Wang Yang chose her for her unique, sprite-like charm. She could create an entirely new style of Kelsi Nielsen.

After negotiations, the Flame Film Company signed contracts with all of them. They were to complete the filming of “High School Musical” and participate in the film’s promotional activities, and of course, they received their salaries. Currently, the highest salary went to Jessica; although she was not very famous, she was treated as the lead actress with a workload and perks to match, receiving a salary of half a million. Rachel was second, with her fame from “Paranormal Activity” earning her a salary of three hundred thousand; Zachary with two hundred thousand, Marcus Mans with one hundred thousand, and both Martina Moon and Zooey Deschanel with fifty thousand each.

After signing the contracts, they all had to start professional vocal and dance training, with courses tailored to each individual’s foundation. They had to learn enough before the later recording sessions, and the cost of training was paid by the Flame Film Company.

Meanwhile, the official website for “High School Musical” released the news and photos of these cast members, but there was hardly any reaction from the media. No big stars meant no coverage. Jessica Alba? Who is she? Oh, someone who has played TV roles before? In any case, she wasn’t very famous. Though she was very sweet looking, pretty girls were a dime a dozen—why report on the latest news of a girl with no fan base?

There were Rachel McAdams and Zachary Levi, who, after finishing a horror film, are now doing a school movie? Is the new star director trying to make a school musical that scares people to death? What a joke!

So, only a few online media outlets reported the news, and their focus was on Wang Yang, because compared to his movie actors, his popularity was actually the highest.

Of course, those fans who were following and looking forward to “High School Musical” became even more interested in this film. The image of the female lead did not disappoint them, but now their question was, why had the male lead not been finalized yet?

To find the right actor for “Troy Bolton”, Wang Yang had been racking his brains lately. He had searched all over Los Angeles’s talent agencies, but among the handsome guys willing to audition, he couldn’t find anyone who met his standards; the handsome ones weren’t sunny enough, the sunny ones weren’t charming enough, the charming ones weren’t tall enough, and they also had to look like high school students, not to mention the salary of a newcomer… None fit the bill.

n

My dear boss, I think it’s time you took a trip to New York,” said Mark Strong with a kind smile, but still with a punchable air about him.

Los Angeles and New York, together leading the trends and culture: Los Angeles’s film industry is thriving, while New York is rife with fashion elite and Broadway plays. Often they complement each other, just like movie actors. Resigned to his situation, Wang Yang boarded a plane for the Big Apple, in search of Troy Bolton.

This was also Wang Yang’s first trip to New York, and compared to Los Angeles, New York seemed even more bustling and crowded, filled with a busy atmosphere everywhere. The constant coming and going on the streets left him feeling somewhat out of breath.

Before coming to New York, Flame Film Company had already submitted their casting requirements to the Actors Guild’s New York branch and some talent agencies, and needed time to wait for their responses. With nothing better to do, Wang Yang became a sightseeing tourist, visiting the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building by day, and Broadway musicals at night, all the while keeping an eye out for potential male leads.

Today, Wang Yang visited New York University’s Film School, just for fun. After high school, he had the chance to continue his studies here, but he ended up choosing the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Firstly, his favorite director Robert Zemeckis was a USC alumnus, so his admiration extended by association; secondly, the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco wasn’t far, and the climates were similar, not to mention that Hollywood, the mecca of movies, was in Los Angeles.

Walking on the university campus, Wang Yang was indistinguishable from the other ordinary students; his youthful face and fresh spirit. He sat on a bench meant for rest, watching the students pass by, feeling far from the hustle and filled with tranquility—a calm that could only be felt on a campus. After resting a while, he continued to wander the campus, taking out his digital camera to capture any beautiful scenery he saw.

After walking a bit further, Wang Yang suddenly felt that someone was following him. He had always been keenly aware in this regard and was unlikely mistaken. Frowning, he glanced behind him and saw a blond Caucasian of the same age looking in his direction. He was about 180CM tall, wearing an old grey overcoat, with messy hair and a pale face, resembling a vampire from a movie.

Could it be he was following me? Wang Yang wondered, turning his head back around and continuing to walk for a while before stopping and looking back again. Sure enough, that guy was still behind him!

The blond haired man glanced at Wang Yang, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat, then turned to walk away. However, after a few steps, he stopped as if making up his mind, turned around, and ran towards Wang Yang. Wang Yang just stood there, waiting until the blond man approached, before asking, “Hey, buddy, are you following me?”

ii

Yeah, I recognize you.” The blond man’s haggard face broke into a smile, and he raspily said, “You’re Wang Yang, right?” Wang Yang nodded, saying, “Yes, it’s me.” The blond man extended a hand, introducing himself, “Mr. Wang, nice to meet you, I’m Michael Pitt, 17 years old.” Wang Yang shook his hand, and as Michael Pitt looked at him, he added, in a low tone, “I think you’ve come to New York to look for the male lead of ‘High School Musical.’ Do you think I’m suitable?”

ii

Oh, you?” Wang Yang was taken aback for a moment, not expecting the blond man to follow him for a self-introduction. He examined Michael Pitt, taking in the young face, pale blue eyes, full lips, and the messy blond hair, all giving off a sense of decadence, somewhat resembling Leonardo Dicaprio in certain angles, handsome indeed, but definitely not the “sunny handsome guy” type.

Taking his eyes off Michael, Wang Yang shook his head, “No, your aura isn’t right; you are, well…” Wang Yang thought for a moment before finding the right description, “like a singer in a dim bar, but I need a sunny basketball team captain.”

Oh.” Michael Pitt was silent, he took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket, offered one to Wang Yang, who waved it away with a smile, “I don’t smoke. You shouldn’t either; you’re not of age yet.” Michael Pitt just smiled slightly, ignoring Wang Yang’s advice, pulled out a lighter to light the cigarette, inhaled deeply, and exhaled to the side before looking at Wang Yang again, “Mr. Wang, do you have any other roles that might suit me?”

High School Musical was an upbeat movie; there were no roles that required a decadent aura. Wang Yang smiled and shook his head, “Sorry, there aren’t any.” After yet another placid “oh” from Michael Pitt, who smoked deeply and refused to release the cigarette from his mouth until he suddenly started coughing violently, Wang Yang couldn’t help but walk over and lightly pat his back, “Buddy, you should smoke less.”

Once his coughing eased, Wang Yang pointed behind him, saying, “I’ve got to go.” After walking two steps, he turned back to smile at Michael Pitt, “Hey, they don’t care if you smoke in school? Be careful!”

The school care about me?” Michael Pitt laughed self-deprecatingly. Did this young director think he was a student here? Watching Wang Yang walking farther away, he thought of his current situation, took a fierce drag of his cigarette and then stubbed out the remainder on the ground, hands back in his coat pockets as he quickly followed after Wang Yang.

After stopping again when he realized Michael Pitt was still behind him, Wang Yang turned and asked from a short distance, “Buddy, is there anything else?”

Michael Pitt approached, wide-eyed and gazing at Wang Yang, the struggle briefly crossing his pale face before he pleaded earnestly, “Sir, give me a role, please.”

Seeing him like this, Wang Yang thought seriously for a moment and shook his head, “I’m sorry, there really is no role suitable for you.” He didn’t knowwhat more to say, spread his hands, and added, “I really have to go.” With that, he continued towards the parking lot as it was approaching dusk and time to return to the hotel.

But when he got to the parking lot, Michael Pitt was still trailing far behind. Wang Yang didn’t pay him any mind; after all, High School Musical really didn’t have roles for a melancholic temperament. Retrieving the hotel’s rental car, Wang Yang drove slowly up to Michael Pitt, looked out the car window and said with a smile, “Goodbye, Michael. Remember, less smoking!”

Michael Pitt silently watched the car speed away, disappearing from view. He sighed, fished out the crumpled pack of cigarettes, struggled to pull one out, lit it, and began to smoke.

PS: Today’s update comes a bit early, and with fewer words. I’ve been going to sleep after midnight these past days, completely exhausted, so today I couldn’t manage anymore… Please forgive me, and I will try to make up for it with a longer update tomorrow. Continue shamelessly asking for your recommendation tickets and, in response to your questions, the book will be available on the 6th, so save your monthly tickets!

Chapter 38: Sir, Give Me a Role

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio | Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

With the lead actress for “High School Musical” selected, Wang Yang was in a great mood, and he continued with the casting of the other roles over the next few days. What he did not know was that Jessica had been refusing Miranda’s persuasion every day and finally lost her temper, which made Miranda feel both helpless and disappointed, eventually stopping her attempts to persuade.

A few days later, the lead actress for “Idle Hands” was determined, and Eliza Dushku was chosen. As for several important roles in “High School Musical,” the selections came out one after another. “Sharpay Evans” was played by Rachel who was very fitting in appearance, and even more so in her mature performances. Unlike the naturalistic acting in “Paranormal Activity,” “Sharpay Evans” required a slightly exaggerated theatrical performance. Being a drama student, this was exactly what Rachel wanted. In front of the camera, she was in her element and fully captured the essence of the character.

Zachary Levi also landed the role of “Ryan Evans,” which made him so happy that he turned several somersaults, nearly injuring himself. Although Zachary’s temperament was different from the original “Ryan” and his tall stature beside Rachel made them look more like siblings than brother and sister, Wang Yang still chose him. Zachary’s acting was passable, and he had a solid foundation in dancing and singing. He could create a comically endearing Ryan, making Sharpay seem even more “villainous.”

Securing this role meant Zachary would receive a substantial salary, and he could finally quit his supermarket job to concentrate on his acting career. He was so excited that he hugged Wang Yang and planted several wolfish kisses on his cheek. Eventually, seeing that Zachary wouldn’t let go and even wanted to continue kissing, Wang Yang had to resort to force, leaving Zachary lying on the ground to cool off for quite some time.

With Sharpay and Ryan’s portrayers determined, the selection of the black best friends of the male and female protagonists, “Chad Danforth” and “Taylor McKessie,” was not difficult. Chad Danforth was played by an 18-year-old Brazilian-American named Marcus Mans, who was skilled in dancing and singing; Taylor McKessie was played by a 22-year-old black girl with good acting skills named Martina Moon.

For the role of the pianist, Kelsi Nielsen, Wang Yang chose a girl of the same age named Zooey Deschanel. She had not appeared in any film or television works, but she had learned to play the piano from a young age and understood songwriting, which made her very professional and impressive during the audition. Although her height of 168 centimeters made her somewhat tall, Wang Yang chose her for her unique, sprite-like charm. She could create an entirely new style of Kelsi Nielsen.

After negotiations, the Flame Film Company signed contracts with all of them. They were to complete the filming of “High School Musical” and participate in the film’s promotional activities, and of course, they received their salaries. Currently, the highest salary went to Jessica; although she was not very famous, she was treated as the lead actress with a workload and perks to match, receiving a salary of half a million. Rachel was second, with her fame from “Paranormal Activity” earning her a salary of three hundred thousand; Zachary with two hundred thousand, Marcus Mans with one hundred thousand, and both Martina Moon and Zooey Deschanel with fifty thousand each.

After signing the contracts, they all had to start professional vocal and dance training, with courses tailored to each individual’s foundation. They had to learn enough before the later recording sessions, and the cost of training was paid by the Flame Film Company.

Meanwhile, the official website for “High School Musical” released the news and photos of these cast members, but there was hardly any reaction from the media. No big stars meant no coverage. Jessica Alba? Who is she? Oh, someone who has played TV roles before? In any case, she wasn’t very famous. Though she was very sweet looking, pretty girls were a dime a dozen—why report on the latest news of a girl with no fan base?

There were Rachel McAdams and Zachary Levi, who, after finishing a horror film, are now doing a school movie? Is the new star director trying to make a school musical that scares people to death? What a joke!

So, only a few online media outlets reported the news, and their focus was on Wang Yang, because compared to his movie actors, his popularity was actually the highest.

Of course, those fans who were following and looking forward to “High School Musical” became even more interested in this film. The image of the female lead did not disappoint them, but now their question was, why had the male lead not been finalized yet?

To find the right actor for “Troy Bolton”, Wang Yang had been racking his brains lately. He had searched all over Los Angeles’s talent agencies, but among the handsome guys willing to audition, he couldn’t find anyone who met his standards; the handsome ones weren’t sunny enough, the sunny ones weren’t charming enough, the charming ones weren’t tall enough, and they also had to look like high school students, not to mention the salary of a newcomer… None fit the bill.

“My dear boss, I think it’s time you took a trip to New York,” said Mark Strong with a kind smile, but still with a punchable air about him.

Los Angeles and New York, together leading the trends and culture: Los Angeles’s film industry is thriving, while New York is rife with fashion elite and Broadway plays. Often they complement each other, just like movie actors. Resigned to his situation, Wang Yang boarded a plane for the Big Apple, in search of Troy Bolton.

This was also Wang Yang’s first trip to New York, and compared to Los Angeles, New York seemed even more bustling and crowded, filled with a busy atmosphere everywhere. The constant coming and going on the streets left him feeling somewhat out of breath.

Before coming to New York, Flame Film Company had already submitted their casting requirements to the Actors Guild’s New York branch and some talent agencies, and needed time to wait for their responses. With nothing better to do, Wang Yang became a sightseeing tourist, visiting the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building by day, and Broadway musicals at night, all the while keeping an eye out for potential male leads.

Today, Wang Yang visited New York University’s Film School, just for fun. After high school, he had the chance to continue his studies here, but he ended up choosing the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Firstly, his favorite director Robert Zemeckis was a USC alumnus, so his admiration extended by association; secondly, the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco wasn’t far, and the climates were similar, not to mention that Hollywood, the mecca of movies, was in Los Angeles.

Walking on the university campus, Wang Yang was indistinguishable from the other ordinary students; his youthful face and fresh spirit. He sat on a bench meant for rest, watching the students pass by, feeling far from the hustle and filled with tranquility—a calm that could only be felt on a campus. After resting a while, he continued to wander the campus, taking out his digital camera to capture any beautiful scenery he saw.

After walking a bit further, Wang Yang suddenly felt that someone was following him. He had always been keenly aware in this regard and was unlikely mistaken. Frowning, he glanced behind him and saw a blond Caucasian of the same age looking in his direction. He was about 180CM tall, wearing an old grey overcoat, with messy hair and a pale face, resembling a vampire from a movie. Could it be he was following me? Wang Yang wondered, turning his head back around and continuing to walk for a while before stopping and looking back again. Sure enough, that guy was still behind him!

The blond haired man glanced at Wang Yang, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat, then turned to walk away. However, after a few steps, he stopped as if making up his mind, turned around, and ran towards Wang Yang. Wang Yang just stood there, waiting until the blond man approached, before asking, “Hey, buddy, are you following me?”

“Yeah, I recognize you.” The blond man’s haggard face broke into a smile, and he raspily said, “You’re Wang Yang, right?” Wang Yang nodded, saying, “Yes, it’s me.” The blond man extended a hand, introducing himself, “Mr. Wang, nice to meet you, I’m Michael Pitt, 17 years old.” Wang Yang shook his hand, and as Michael Pitt looked at him, he added, in a low tone, “I think you’ve come to New York to look for the male lead of ‘High School Musical.’ Do you think I’m suitable?”

“Oh, you?” Wang Yang was taken aback for a moment, not expecting the blond man to follow him for a self-introduction. He examined Michael Pitt, taking in the young face, pale blue eyes, full lips, and the messy blond hair, all giving off a sense of decadence, somewhat resembling Leonardo Dicaprio in certain angles, handsome indeed, but definitely not the “sunny handsome guy” type.

Taking his eyes off Michael, Wang Yang shook his head, “No, your aura isn’t right; you are, well…” Wang Yang thought for a moment before finding the right description, “like a singer in a dim bar, but I need a sunny basketball team captain.”

“Oh.” Michael Pitt was silent, he took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket, offered one to Wang Yang, who waved it away with a smile, “I don’t smoke. You shouldn’t either; you’re not of age yet.” Michael Pitt just smiled slightly, ignoring Wang Yang’s advice, pulled out a lighter to light the cigarette, inhaled deeply, and exhaled to the side before looking at Wang Yang again, “Mr. Wang, do you have any other roles that might suit me?”

High School Musical was an upbeat movie; there were no roles that required a decadent aura. Wang Yang smiled and shook his head, “Sorry, there aren’t any.” After yet another placid “oh” from Michael Pitt, who smoked deeply and refused to release the cigarette from his mouth until he suddenly started coughing violently, Wang Yang couldn’t help but walk over and lightly pat his back, “Buddy, you should smoke less.”

Once his coughing eased, Wang Yang pointed behind him, saying, “I’ve got to go.” After walking two steps, he turned back to smile at Michael Pitt, “Hey, they don’t care if you smoke in school? Be careful!”

“The school care about me?” Michael Pitt laughed self-deprecatingly. Did this young director think he was a student here? Watching Wang Yang walking farther away, he thought of his current situation, took a fierce drag of his cigarette and then stubbed out the remainder on the ground, hands back in his coat pockets as he quickly followed after Wang Yang.

After stopping again when he realized Michael Pitt was still behind him, Wang Yang turned and asked from a short distance, “Buddy, is there anything else?”

Michael Pitt approached, wide-eyed and gazing at Wang Yang, the struggle briefly crossing his pale face before he pleaded earnestly, “Sir, give me a role, please.”

Seeing him like this, Wang Yang thought seriously for a moment and shook his head, “I’m sorry, there really is no role suitable for you.” He didn’t knowwhat more to say, spread his hands, and added, “I really have to go.” With that, he continued towards the parking lot as it was approaching dusk and time to return to the hotel.

But when he got to the parking lot, Michael Pitt was still trailing far behind. Wang Yang didn’t pay him any mind; after all, High School Musical really didn’t have roles for a melancholic temperament. Retrieving the hotel’s rental car, Wang Yang drove slowly up to Michael Pitt, looked out the car window and said with a smile, “Goodbye, Michael. Remember, less smoking!”

Michael Pitt silently watched the car speed away, disappearing from view. He sighed, fished out the crumpled pack of cigarettes, struggled to pull one out, lit it, and began to smoke.

« SI-

PS: Today’s update comes a bit early, and with fewer words. I’ve been going to sleep after midnight these past days, completely exhausted, so today I couldn’t manage anymore… Please forgive me, and I will try to make up for it with a longer update tomorrow. Continue shamelessly asking for your recommendation tickets and, in response to your questions, the book will be available on the 6th, so save your monthly tickets!