bookrebus Chapter 195: Weak Dramatic Acting
Chapter 195: Weak Dramatic Acting
"Should I begin, then?"
"Don’t you need to prepare?" the producer asked curiously.
To be honest, Old Chenning’s request wasn’t unreasonable. The two actresses before her, who had some action experience, were asked to do the same, but they took quite a while to prepare.
Riley Perry’s response was to calmly take off her shoes, revealing a pair of small, white-socked feet. "I’m ready."
’So what if it’s indoors? I can use any prop to turn a chase scene into a dazzling performance.’
The people sitting in the main seats didn’t understand why she took off her shoes, but they would soon find out.
As soon as Director Chenning gave a nod, Riley Perry started running.
The audition room wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t small either—it was at least six or seven meters wide. In just a few steps, she was in front of the screenwriter.
Then, with a light leap, she flew onto the table, instantly executing a three-and-a-half-turn aerial flip, even pushing off the ceiling with one hand.
She landed on the back of the screenwriter’s chair, making the men in the room stare wide-eyed. The screenwriter shrank down, afraid of being stepped on, but her hand didn’t tremble in the slightest as she excitedly continued to record the video.
Riley Perry tapped her foot lightly on the chairback and leaped to another one. A few steps later, she shot forward, ran up the wall, did a somersaulting dive in mid-air, and executed a series of grappling moves as she landed.
Even though she was performing alone, she managed to create the vivid impression that someone was actually in front of her. In the end, she even slammed her imaginary opponent to the ground, reached for her hip, and snapped something onto the air. Damn, she even mimed putting on handcuffs!
"Excellent! That performance was truly excellent! What a pity, what a pity the setting is wrong. If this were outside, this scene would be absolutely spectacular!"
One of the investors couldn’t hold back, praising her while applauding. His enthusiasm alone made the room feel lively.
’The previous performance wasn’t nearly this spectacular!’
’No, they shouldn’t even be compared!’
’They’re not even in the same league!’
Not the least bit flushed or out of breath, Riley Perry bowed in thanks and then stood calmly in the middle of the room.
The screenwriter, holding her phone and watching the video she just took, said, "That was so powerful, truly so powerful!
I felt like I was watching an ancient swordswoman. It’s a shame this is a modern film."
After speaking, she looked up. "Oh, so you took off your shoes because you were afraid of dirtying the walls!
Without wires, how high can you jump?"
Riley Perry gave a conservative estimate. "Two or three meters, I’d say."
Director Chenning also gave a rare compliment. "Your action scenes are indeed excellent. President Chandler, what are your thoughts?"
’No wonder she was discharged from the hospital just a day after falling from the wires. Someone with real skills is just different!’
’Anyone else would have probably croaked on the spot, or at the very least, broken a bone.’
President Chandler was the film’s biggest investor, but he hadn’t said a word since Riley Perry entered. This was because he had invested in the film to promote his mistress, the A-list actress Jean Simmons, who was currently sitting outside waiting for news.
She had started as an action star, but after she became famous, she rarely filmed action scenes anymore. She’d been marketing a "beautiful" persona, and you could often see press releases about her outshining others on the red carpet.
However, her career had stalled in the past two years. When she learned that Director Chenning was filming a female-led movie, she pestered her sponsor relentlessly, desperate to land the role.
After all, in the years since she became famous, she had long neglected her martial arts training. When it came to dramatic scenes, she had no particular advantage either, so her only recourse was to put in the work in bed.
And she had indeed served her sponsor well. President Chandler had invested eighty million in Director Chenning’s new film. He never expected Old Chenning to just tell Riley Perry to wait for news, which displeased him greatly. When it seemed the director intended to sign this Riley Perry directly, Old Chase became even more unhappy.
"I feel her dramatic scenes aren’t as good as Jean Simmons’."
Director Chenning: ... ’You’re a truly accomplished liar.’ In his opinion, it was probably Jean Simmons’ *bed* scenes that were good.
Fortunately, President Chandler wasn’t the only investor present today. President Joan of Fengho, the second-largest investor, was also there.
"Old Chase, I’m not so sure about that. Leaving aside Riley Perry’s action scenes, none of the people who’ve auditioned so far have given a performance as brilliant as hers."
"Even her dramatic scenes were quite good. At the very least, watching her perform made me want to see more. Acting that can capture people’s interest is good acting. If she can attract us, she can attract an audience."
"This is an investment, after all. Making money is what’s most important."
’Go ahead and fool around with women if you want, but can you not fucking mix it with business?’
President Chandler’s expression soured. He was the film’s biggest investor, so what was wrong with appointing someone as the female lead?
’They’re acting as if casting Jean Simmons as the lead would make the movie flop.’
’However...’
He stroked his chin a few times. ’This little starlet, Riley Perry, is a real beauty.’
’She’s the most beautiful person he’s ever seen in the entertainment industry.’
"I’m just offering an opinion. Aren’t there still a few people who haven’t auditioned? We should at least see everyone before making a decision."
Director Chenning wrote something in his notebook before finally putting down his pen. "Alright, we’ll continue with the auditions. Riley Perry, you can go home and wait for our notification."
Riley Perry nodded, put on her shoes, and turned to leave.
Joanna and Rocco, who were waiting by the door, immediately crowded around her. "Let’s go. Head back for now. You have to film that variety show tomorrow. How about I go with you personally this time?"
Riley Perry knew Nana thought she’d been rejected and was trying to change the subject so she wouldn’t feel bad. She patted her agent’s hand reassuringly. "Let’s talk outside."
Joanna saw her expression. ’Does this mean she still has a chance?’
She instantly relaxed and faced the gazes of the other waiting auditioners with more composure. It wasn’t until they were in the elevator that she spoke again. "How did it go? Did Director Chenning just tell you to wait for a notification?"
Riley Perry: "There’s an investor inside, last name Chandler, who’s recommending Jean Simmons for the lead. Based on the seating arrangement, he’s probably the biggest investor. Another investor’s view is that they should go with the best acting."
There were only the three of them in the elevator. Joanna immediately understood what Riley Perry meant. "President Chandler? So that’s Jean Simmons’s sponsor. He wants to use this film to promote her. What was Director Chenning’s take?"
"From his expression, I think he was satisfied with my performance, especially the action scenes."
Joanna clapped Riley Perry on the shoulder. "Alright, you don’t need to worry about the rest. Leave it to me. As long as your acting is up to par, there’s no way the lead role in this film will go to someone else."
Rocco: ... ’Wow, I never realized Ria’s agent was such a badass!’
Riley Perry immediately melted into Joanna’s arms like a puddle of goo. "Nana, you’re so good to me! I’ll definitely work like a horse and an ox to repay you in the future!"
Joanna just felt a soft, fragrant bundle fall into her arms. ’What a situation. I’d be letting myself down if I didn’t hug her back.’ "It’s good that you know!
If you dare to quit the industry after getting a little famous like some others, I’ll beat the hell out of you, you little minx!"
"Hehehe, I made a resolution before I entered this business. I won’t stop until I’ve won Best Actress for both TV and film. Just you wait, you’ll be living the good life with me."
Hearing this made Joanna happy. ’If this kid really wins Best Actress for both, then even if she quits the industry, I’ll have no regrets.’