Chapter 1464 - 752: First Impressions
"I just saw on my way here that Mélando Company released the names of two other actors for ’Killing Song,’ including Korean actress Jin Zhulin and Japanese actress Nakajima Hoto, and my friends are blowing up about it." Wen Xi said, "Did you know about this beforehand?"
Zhou Yun shook her head and said, "No, I haven’t been in contact with Mélando. I’ve only been communicating with the director, Tim Lang."
Wen Xi said, "If that’s the case, they didn’t tell you, but by Mélando doing this, they’re determined to go the international route with this movie and really value the Asian market, involving actresses from China, Japan, and Korea."
Zhou Yun said, "This movie has many roles inherently, with main roles even reaching over ten. It’s normal for Mélando to invite actors from so many countries; this story is originally a big massacre drama."
Wen Xi listened, looking at Zhou Yun in surprise.
"Wow, such a large-scale production."
Zhou Yun said, "Yeah, it’s based on a popular novel adaptation. If it weren’t for the main character’s original setting as Asian, they wouldn’t have approached me for the role."
Wen Xi: "Now Hollywood has more and more films centering around Asian leads, which is a good thing."
"It indeed is a good thing, providing us actors with many opportunities and making film themes more diverse," Zhou Yun said. "Hollywood now has a trend of attracting the world’s best creators. They’re very insular yet have all kinds of innovations. They themselves also export a lot of values but are starting to adapt other cultures to integrate their values. I feel they used to integrate technology, but now they’re integrating creativity. Despite many critiques of Hollywood’s arrogance, we cannot deny that indeed, all talented people can find opportunities there."
Wen Xi nodded.
"Yes."
Zhou Yun said, "I’ve always wondered when our country’s film industry can truly succeed. It seems like our success often can only be achieved in others’ environments. If we don’t rely on their systems, there’s no way to emerge with our own world-class masters. I truly hope that someday our country’s amazing creators won’t need to go to Hollywood or the three major film festivals to be recognized and appreciated by the world."
"That’s too difficult," Wen Xi said helplessly, "It’s something that may take many years to have hope of changing in the global landscape."
Zhou Yun nodded.
Wen Xi: "Actually, it’s already rare for us to have actors like you and Song Chi. No country lacks good actors, but to become an actor with international influence takes the right time, place, and people. We haven’t seen actors like this in a long time, and you’re still so young, with vast potential for development and long career longevity. Your existence can help many people open doors to the international scene."
Zhou Yun: "I hope so."
"Definitely," Wen Xi said, "Look, everyone really loves ’Deep Sea’ because of you. They go to see this movie and start paying attention to Yuk Chu. Even a brand wanted to contact Yuk Chu for collaboration but couldn’t get in touch, and asked me instead."
"Really?" Zhou Yun asked, excitedly widening her eyes.
"Really." Wen Xi said, "I’ve always felt you bring a positive significance to this industry. Because of your existence, people discover that Chinese actresses can gain international fans even without starring in English films. Although such situations might be isolated examples and not representative, where there’s one, there’s two. As long as your influence grows internationally, you will radiate to more people, bringing more into the world’s view."
Zhou Yun: "You said that, and suddenly I feel a lot of pressure."
"What pressure is there? You just need to do your work as focused as before," Wen Xi said, "Sometimes I really envy the acting profession. Unlike our line of work, no matter how good you are, in the end, it’s just you on the stage. What I want to do for our profession can only rely on the name Wen Xi to support others, unlike you, who can do things concretely."