Caught in Affairs with Superstar-Chapter 1040 - 604: Jiang Yuzhen’s Request (2)

Zhou Yun laughed and said, "But if it’s a film focused on the storyline, you can definitely make it."

"Maybe, but it’s something new, and I actually don’t want to try it easily," Kang Xin said, "Although people often say that film art is superior to TV art, I’ve never thought so. I don’t believe TV can’t be classic, and I don’t believe the artistic value of TV is lower than that of film."

Zhou Yun said, "People say that because at the time, the production cost of TV dramas was lower than that of films, making them seem crude, and to expand the number of episodes, they kept padding the content. But now the production cost and quality of TV dramas are not inferior to regular films; for example, the web drama ’The Bad Kids’ recently became a hit, and its audiovisual art reached a very high level."

...

As they chatted while eating, after lunch, Kang Xin had a script he wanted Song Chi to take a look at, and Zhou Yun went back alone to rest.

Halfway through the nap, someone suddenly knocked on the door.

Zhou Yun knew it should be Song Chi and went to open the door with sleepy eyes.

"Finished talking with the director?" she asked as she opened the door, only to find it wasn’t Song Chi who knocked.

"Zhou Yun, I have something to tell you." It was Jiang Yuzhen who came looking for Zhou Yun.

Zhou Yun looked at Jiang Yuzhen with surprise and said, "Yuzhen, do you want to come in and talk?"

"Yes." Jiang Yuzhen nodded and saw that Zhou Yun’s eyes were a bit sleepy and asked, "Were you napping just now?"

"Yes."

"Sorry for waking you," Jiang Yuzhen said apologetically.

Zhou Yun waved her hand with a smile and said, "I should wake up anyway, otherwise I won’t be able to sleep tonight."

Jiang Yuzhen followed Zhou Yun inside and sat down.

Zhou Yun handed her a bottle of mineral water.

"Xiao Yun, I won’t beat around the bush. I have something I’d like to ask your opinion on." Jiang Yuzhen said, "Recently, I’ve received an invitation to a TV drama, but it’s special because the producer is an American company, and it’s an American drama. I’m unsure whether to accept it."

When Zhou Yun heard Jiang Yuzhen say this, she hesitated and asked, "Yuzhen, can you tell me more?"

"Yes, that’s what I meant. I’m not familiar with the production company over there, so I want to ask you to help me assess it." Jiang Yuzhen said, "This show is a fantasy production, and they’re looking for me to play the role of a witch. At first, I thought it was a villain role, but later realized through their introduction that it wasn’t a villain; otherwise, I wouldn’t have accepted."

Zhou Yun nodded.

"Which company is it? Where will this show be broadcast?" Zhou Yun asked.

Jiang Yuzhen said, "It will be broadcast on HBO and their affiliated online platforms."

Zhou Yun said, "Is this drama produced by HBO?"

"Yes, if it weren’t HBO, I wouldn’t consider it at my age; what’s the point of getting involved in all this?" Jiang Yuzhen said, "But faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in my career, one can’t help but want to try it."

"Has the director and other actors been confirmed?" Zhou Yun asked.

Actually, if it’s produced by HBO, the quality should be assured; it won’t be one of those poorly made shows.

Then what is Jiang Yuzhen worried about?

Zhou Yun pondered for a moment.

"Yuzhen, is there something about the role that’s making you anxious?"

Jiang Yuzhen breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

"That’s right, this witch... she’s a lesbian."

Zhou Yun immediately understood.

Nowadays, LGBTQ+ roles are common in European and American film and TV.

In their works, it’s not surprising.

But for Jiang Yuzhen, a seasoned Chinese actress, especially one who just received an official award, taking on such a role could easily impact her current image, potentially negatively.

It’s caused by ideological and cultural differences.

Zhou Yun thought for a moment and said, "Yuzhen, I might not be able to provide practical advice since I lack similar experience, but if it were me, I’d look into what the role entails and its performance content, I mean whether there are any explicit scenes or parts our cultural environment can’t accept. If possible, I’d perform, if there’s a risk, I’d decline."

Jiang Yuzhen nodded.

"I don’t know the exact content I’ll be asked to perform; I haven’t received the script. They only gave me a synopsis and introduction," Jiang Yuzhen said, "They aren’t considering just me for the role. I’ve heard they’re also looking at a Korean actress and an Indian actress. Such eccentric but distinctive characters, indeed, I haven’t encountered such a role before, there are few of such roles for actresses in our film industry."

Zhou Yun said, "They’re unwilling to let you see the script unless you agree?"

Jiang Yuzhen nodded and said, "Yes, they said it’s to prevent script leaks."

When Zhou Yun heard this, she scoffed.

Major companies do protect scripts, especially during filming, to prevent spoilers. But if they want a specific actor to play the role, how could they not let them see the script to persuade them?

Zhou Yun thought for a while and said, "Yuzhen, if they won’t let you see the script, I think it’s safer not to accept. What if there’s dangerous content in it..."

Jiang Yuzhen hesitated for a moment and said, "Xiao Yun, do you have any contacts in the United States who could help me find out more?"

Zhou Yun understood that Jiang Yuzhen sought her help for this favor.