The Best Actor Insists On Living With Me!-Chapter 1773 - 1763: Audition (4)
But her arrival still sparked some small discussions among those waiting in line outside.
Even without the recent hit "Divine Catcher," she was still a top-tier celebrity in China. She’s been popular for ten years, and while her reputation is mixed, being infamous is still a form of celebrity, and that’s an absolute truth. She is well-known throughout the Chinese-speaking world, or rather, the entire East Asian circle.
As soon as she appeared, many people gathered around to look at her. Among those auditioning were both big stars and newcomers, and the casting decision wasn’t based on fame but rather on how well one fit the role.
There were a few acquaintances around. Xia Siyu, though always giving off an image of being dominant and overbearing, would still greet familiar faces politely. This was the same with people from other countries; her English was good, allowing her to switch languages and communicate without barriers.
Xia Siyu arrived right on time, with Wei Jingjing helping her sign up.
Many auditioning cleverly dressed in the style described in the original work: a red high slit cheongsam, high heels, and long black shoulder-length hair. The entire audition site looked like a large COSPLAY area. Some, who were more professional, even replicated the favorite watches and jewelry of the characters described in the book.
Last time she met with the producer, she was reminded to dress a bit more formally. She randomly picked out a little dress and wore small leather shoes without caring much about the character’s suitability.
While waiting, Shang Feifei also arrived. It was evident that she was more prepared than Xia Siyu, also wearing a red dress and high heels, and with her hairstyle imitating the character as closely as possible. Shang Feifei mostly portrayed cool and stubborn characters in her acting career, rarely dressing in a sultry or sensual manner. This attire, however, was quite refreshing. But, it seemed a bit mismatched, like a good girl trying to be rebellious.
The two weren’t friends to begin with. Shang Feifei had a much broader circle of friends compared to Xia Siyu, and many people greeted her here. The atmosphere was much more enthusiastic than the group who merely watched Xia Siyu but rarely approached to talk.
Xia Siyu didn’t mind, just watching the scene from the sidelines.
She had attended countless auditions, and this one was only different in that before the interview, they asked about her English proficiency. If it wasn’t good enough, there was a translator available.
Of course, Xia Siyu didn’t need one, but she mischievously pointed at Shang Feifei, saying, "I think she probably needs it."
Shang Feifei’s English... previously, when they went abroad for a variety show, she was only at a conversational level. Later, they went to Cannes, and it wasn’t evident that her English had improved significantly. Although she graduated from a film academy and completed her undergraduate studies properly, people know that being able to honestly stay and study for four years at a film academy makes you a scholar in the entertainment industry. Even students from better schools sometimes struggle with spoken English.
Though Cannes was a year ago, Shang Feifei could have certainly self-studied English during this year. However, it seemed she did indeed have a need for a translator. But Shang Feifei brought her own translator, and during her audition, she took another girl inside. Presumably, if there was any communication difficulty, this translator would have to step in.
In these days, with the rise of China’s national power, more and more people are learning Chinese. But internationally, English is still a universal currency. Xia Siyu never thought before that it would be necessary until moments like these arose.
Though films can be dubbed, and knowing basic vocabulary is sufficient for filming, fluency in foreign languages is indeed more helpful for working abroad. After all, translators aren’t perfect; they can’t convey the director’s context and situation completely and transparently.
It seemed that many actors on site couldn’t pass this language threshold. Of course, language is just one factor. If the casting director favors you, even basic communication might be enough to win the role. Ultimately, it depends on whether you can portray the character well.
Auditions were ten minutes each, and soon after, Shang Feifei came out. It was hard to tell from her expression whether she succeeded or not, but having known her for years, Xia Siyu understood her well. If Shang Feifei were expressionless, it meant she probably didn’t quite make it; only when she looked relaxed would it be a sure thing.
Shang Feifei didn’t really greet Xia Siyu upon leaving; they just glanced at each other in the corridor and passed by. But fortunately, because of her, Xia Siyu’s anger toward Bo Yan was redirected to her.
Xia Siyu and Shang Feifei had auditioned together several times, with both successes and failures. Both remained quite calm and collected, trying their best but not being too concerned if they couldn’t achieve it.
Even though she wasn’t overly interested in the role, seeing Shang Feifei stumble made her quite happy.
After Shang Feifei, a Goryeo actress went in, and then it was Xia Siyu’s turn. With composure, Xia Siyu pushed the door open and entered. It was a small theater, with a chair placed on the stage, and sitting in the first row of the audience seats below were the film’s casting director, producer, and director. Two of the people Xia Siyu had dined with before, Steve and Producer Wang, were also present.
