Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Chapter 1149 - 643: Kang Xin’s Praise (3)

Cong Lan: "Sure, I’m actually looking for actors right now."

"I’ll send her information to you. Also, the project I’m currently filming will wrap up in two weeks. I’ll need to go to Beijing then, will you be there?" Zhou Yun said, "If you’re in Beijing, I’ll visit you, it’s been a long time since we last met."

Cong Lan: "Sure, I’ll be in Beijing editing the film for the next two months."

"Then it’s settled." Zhou Yun hung up the phone with a smile.

She then asked Cheng Shenlv for her personal details and sent them to Cong Lan.

The next day, Cong Lan messaged her, saying she could bring Cheng Shenlv along to meet him in two weeks if Cheng Shenlv had the time.

Cheng Shenlv nodded in surprise and said, "I have the time, my schedule is totally open."

Zhou Yun said, "Then we’ll visit him together."

Cheng Shenlv was somewhat excited, "Thank you, Sister Xiao Yun."

She didn’t expect Zhou Yun to move so quickly; it was just last night she asked Zhou Yun for help, and today Zhou Yun had already responded.

Over the past year, Cheng Shenlv had met quite a few producers and directors, auditioned many times, and understood how hard it was to get replies from these people.

Zhou Yun smiled and said, "You’re welcome."

...

If we disregard Kang Xin and Wen Yuzhen both accidentally falling and ending up in the hospital, the filming of "Chen Yin" went relatively smoothly.

There were no significant issues with either the funding or the filming process.

Kang Xin had expressed to Zhou Yun once, saying, "The reason so many directors like working with big celebrities like you or Song Chi is because when casting you, there’s never a worry about funding. You know, when I previously filmed with a group of very talented but not very famous actors, I went through three instances of investment withdrawal. The investors, fearing losses, pulled out after their initial investment. I nearly went crazy, so I no longer insist on not using big-name actors."

Zhou Yun nodded as she listened to Kang Xin.

"Song Chi told me he didn’t expect that after getting Sister Hongyu to act in ’Mother’, many TV stations and streaming platforms wouldn’t buy it, causing some investors and sponsors to withdraw. To finish the production, Song Chi had to fund it out of his own pocket."

Zhou Yun said, "Fortunately, the series is doing well now, and it’s already recouped its costs."

Kang Xin chuckled and said, "Actually, it’d be great if all big stars were as talented and well-natured as you and Song Chi."

Zhou Yun thought of Su Yan and Wei Ru Xue, smiling understandingly.

"But now, director, even if you don’t use big celebrities, many platforms are eager to buy your shows, right?"

Kang Xin waved her hand and said, "Honestly, as long as the actor isn’t someone I particularly dislike, I’ll consider whoever the platform wants for the lead. I used to think if the lead didn’t fit my ideals, I wouldn’t like the production’s outcome. Now, my perspective has changed a lot. Using a lead that’s commercially valued by everyone gives me more freedom in other areas, like the script or funding. Around eight or nine years ago, I had a project where I insisted on not using an investor-recommended actor. Though the investors didn’t pull out, they constantly interfered during the shoot, wanting to add ambiguous scenes or suggesting unnecessary ones be cut. If I disagreed, they threatened to withdraw. At that point, withdrawal meant halting the production, leaving hundreds of crew members unemployed. It was so stifling."

Listening to Kang Xin’s stories, Zhou Yun was quite moved.

Kang Xin said, "You must cherish the time you have now. This is when you have the most choice and say. Everyone respects your opinions, so you must be cautious in every decision and judgment. It’s not easy for an actress to reach your level, and your practices can elevate the industry’s standards."

Zhou Yun didn’t expect Kang Xin to hold her in such high regard.

Zhou Yun was at a loss for words in surprise.

"Director, you’re flattering me."

"I’m not flattering you; I’m just speaking the truth," Kang Xin laughed. "I’ve heard that every series you star in requires the cast to rehearse the script together before shooting. Is that right? Because of your insistence, many productions in the industry have adopted this pre-production script reading. Since your shows are hits and loved by the audience, the industry aligns with your practices; everyone believes there’s reason in what you do and follows suit."