Chapter 84
Nathan asked, “What do you mean?”
“Today, the project team decided on an open–air stage as the venue, and we’ve set no limits on the audition content or scene. The actors are simply asked to perform a segment from a novel about Phoenix, allowing maximum freedom for them to express themselves. We hoped for some surprises. But everyone ended up choosing traditional scenes like singing, dancing, or playing the plano, which is all too standard. While it fits the typical image of a well–read, and gentle female lead in movies and TV shows, it’s definitely not Phoenix!
Phoenix is a product of the international mercenaries, growing up without the concept of family or friends, only knowing the duty of following orders as a soldier, and the cold, remorseless demeanor of an assassin,
In my mind, she should be spirited and commanding, a beauty that’s fierce and refreshing. Not the delicate and gentle beauty of a high–society debutante, but a raw, unpolished wildness and strength!*
Standing aside, Cedric twitched his eyelid when he heard “high–society debutante” and “delicate and gentle“, his gaze landing on the man Ripping through the casting book, who paused slightly.
Was Director Smith indirectly hitting at Ms. Nightshade with his example? Who else could embody the traits of a high–society debutante and delicate gentleness better than Ms. Nightshade?
Still, the pride in Ms. Nightshade was unmistakable, otherwise, she wouldn’t have disregarded Orion for so many years.
“Hahaha.”
Nathan laughed, “It’s widely known in the industry that Director Smith, you are extremely picky and meticulous, and it’s certainly true! Your description just now, it’s hard to find such a person not just in the entertainment industry, but in the whole world. After all, novels and reality are different. Could there really be someone who steps right out of fiction?”
Kevin nodded, “Exactly. But thanks to Starlight Media’s trust in letting me direct this year’s S+ level project, I’m committed to selecting actors who truly fit the characters.”
Backstage at the Glory Building.
Isabella had just finished her audition when she saw Xanthea walk into the makeup room with a backpack, followed by Miranda. “Well, well,” she strutted over with her arms crossed and her chin up, “just as I expected, you came to audition.” Xanthea didn’t even bother to look at her, sitting directly in front of the makeup mirror, “Aren’t you here because of me?”
Caught off–guard, Isabella choked, and then signaled to her assistant, “So what? I just wanted you to know that in front of me, you are nothing!”
“Exactly!” Wendy chimed in, “Isabella just performed a ballet, a Swan Dance, and received a thunderous applause. The director, assistant director, producer, everyone was praising her, saying the role of Phoenix is tailor–made for Isabella!”
Auditioning for Phoenix with a Swan Dance? Xanthea almost burst out laughing. Had she misunderstood the novel, or had she walked into the wrong set?
“Isabella, what’s your obsession with the Swan Dance? Ever since that school performance in middle school, you’ve been holding onto it, wanting to compete with me again. Too bad, it was just a spur–of–the–moment thing for me back then, and I’ve forgotten how to dance it now.”
Isabella retorted, “What are you babbling about? Who wants to compete with you?”
The makeup artist approached, looking at Xanthea’s natural beauty reflected in the mirror, momentarily unsure of where to begin.