Chapter 26 of 100
Chapter 26
7 min read1,815 words
After showing off a bit, Chen Tian earned everyone's respect. The future, whether good or bad, was still unclear, so for now, he decided to remain himself, a diligent and inquisitive young man.
The basic elements that make Hollywood's film industry a world leader include not only powerful hardware but also an excellent software system.
From the meticulous management of firearms by the props team, one can see the professionalism. They showed Chen Tian the rigorous side of their work, wiping the guns repeatedly and having dedicated personnel guard them 24/7. The management of military uniforms was also orderly, with numbered storage, regular reporting of damage, and repairs. The large production team was like a real army, with clear division of labor and everyone working systematically.
Moreover, the leaders in various positions on the set were all top-notch in Hollywood, including editing, special effects, cinematography, makeup, and lighting, most of which were Oscar-level. This was the pride of Spielberg, the leader of Hollywood, and no one else could have such influence. Success is never a matter of luck, and Spielberg was no exception.
In terms of these hardware and software aspects, China, which was in the winter of its film industry, could not compare.
Chen Tian spent just a week on the set and felt more fulfilled than a whole year at school. He was increasingly confident that he had made the right decision.
He studied with a voracious appetite, seemingly open to all, but Chen Tian did not aspire to be a jack-of-all-trades. As someone aspiring to be a director, he at least needed to have a thorough understanding of Hollywood's various industries. He did not believe that an outsider with a phone could replicate those movies; he needed to keep learning and improving.
Spielberg was a hands-on director, so it was unlikely that much of the production would be entrusted to outsiders. However, Chen Tian's status on the set had clearly improved, not from management but from the extras.
There were so many extras that it was inevitable to overlook some, but if anyone had questions, they could always ask Chen Tian. He became a know-it-all, and even the prop master and lighting technician would occasionally consult him, and he could always provide the right answers without Spielberg having any objections.
It wasn't that Chen Tian was better than them; he just had the advantage of having seen the movie in advance.
In the evening, Chen Tian called up Vin Diesel to visit Tom Hanks together.
Vin Diesel had a free-spirited personality and a manly voice, making him easy to trust. As soon as he entered the room, he got straight to the point, "Idol, how's your injury? My scenes haven't started yet, and the captain is already out of commission. What are you doing sleeping on the floor?"
Spielberg didn't want to take any risks, so Tom Hanks was still resting.
In the room, the Oscar-winning actor had dragged the sheets to the floor, hoping to recover quickly.
Tom Hanks gave them the middle finger, "You're here, take a seat."
"Idol, I know a bit of massage techniques, learned from an old battlefield doctor in China. Unfortunately, I'm not very skilled, but it might help. Want to give it a try?" Chen Tian suggested with a smile.
He brought Vin Diesel along to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, as it would be awkward for two men to be in a room giving a massage.
Tom Hanks just wanted to get better quickly, "Alright, go ahead. If you hurt me again, I'll kick you."
"Ouch~" Chen Tian was startled, and Vin Diesel looked gleeful, grabbing a beer from the fridge to drink.
Chen Tian could only laugh dryly, "Hehe, then... idol, kick me lightly."
After one round of massage, Tom Hanks grimaced but still endured it, and anyone who didn't know better might think he had a masochistic tendency. But after the massage, he felt much better and said happily, "Hey, it seems to be working. My back isn't as stiff."
Vin Diesel was skeptical, "Is it really that effective? I thought you were going to kick him."
Chen Tian rolled his eyes, also relieved, "I'm not a professional, but if it helps, we can get a professional massage therapist to assist with the treatment. If you're not sure, it's best to consult a doctor first."
"Thanks, Christmas, Vin, I do feel much better."
After visiting their idol, the two went out for a drink. Vin Diesel's role was not large, but he still had to wait in Ireland. For such a movie, the pay would not be much, and it couldn't compare to Chen Tian's. However, as an actor, being in a big director's movie was more like a stepping stone, a way to get noticed by more directors in the future.
They returned to the hotel drunk. Back in his room, Chen Tian found that Kate had called and quickly returned the call.
"Christmas, I got the role, in 'End of the Disco'." Kate said excitedly on the phone.
"Is that it? Wasn't it already decided? What's so surprising?" Chen Tian feigned indifference, but he was secretly thrilled.
"Of course it's different. Before, it was just your guess, but now that I've signed the contract, it's really happening." Kate was still a bit excited, "Before, I had at most one movie a year that made it to the big screen. This year, this is my second movie that will be on the big screen, a significant breakthrough."
Chen Tian grinned, trying to tease her, "Is that all you aspire to? You've been in the industry since 1991 and are still a supporting actor after six years. If it were me, I'd have found a block of tofu to crash into long ago."
"Hey!" Kate was a bit upset, "Tofu can't kill you. The director is taking us out for dinner, I have to go."
Chen Tian panicked, "Don't hang up, I was just joking. Why is the director taking you out for dinner? Is he trying to hit on you? Oh no, I have another competitor. Kate, don't fall for that old man. I'm telling you, directors are the most perverted people in the world, it's so easy for them to hit on actresses..."
"Like you're going to be a director too." Kate's forehead dripped with three black lines.
"That's different. How many directors are as handsome as me?"
"… I have to go."
"No, no! Okay, I have something important to ask you." Chen Tian quickly said.
Kate smiled, "Go ahead, little virgin."
Chen Tian was speechless, "… That's not my nickname. You know, the 22 years of chastity I guarded were ended by you. If I have to have a nickname, I think 'the man who has been with Kate' or 'the man Kate has been with' would be good."
Kate's face flushed, clearly remembering that wild night, and she pretended to be cold, "Hmph!"
"… Okay, let's get to the point."
Chen Tian surrendered, "First, I don't think much of the movie you're in. No matter how well you act, it won't change your situation. You should spend more time looking at the script for 'The Sixth Sense.' That's your way out. I'll find a genius child to play Cole, and as Cole's mother, you shouldn't fall too far behind. If the acting gap is too big, it will be hard to wrap up."
"How genius? Your movie doesn't even have funding yet, and you're still in Ireland. Why are you already looking for actors?"
"At least an Oscar-nominated level genius child. I'm not exaggerating. As for the funding, don't worry. I plan to convince DreamWorks to invest in the next few months, and we'll start shooting by the end of the year, I promise!"
Although securing millions in funding would be a challenge for anyone, Chen Tian always managed to make it sound convincing. Kate pondered for a moment, "I'm starting to feel the pressure. Is this the important thing you wanted to say?"
"Of course not."
Chen Tian cleared his throat, "The important thing is, I love you."
"… Is that it?"
"Oh, one more thing, happy birthday, Kate. Your birthday gift is at your house. Also, say goodbye to that old man quickly."
Kate was touched but also a bit troubled, "Thanks. Christmas, don't talk about Mike like that. I've been with Mike for years, and I've only known you for less than a month, so don't rush me, okay? We can be friends…"
"Stop!"
Chen Tian quickly interrupted, "Friends who have already slept together? Don't fool yourself. Kate, at least give me a fair chance. Don't go back to Britain until I come back, okay?"
Hearing the almost pleading tone, Kate was moved and nodded, "You know, I'm shooting a movie and don't have time to go back to Britain."
Chen Tian was secretly delighted; this was a big encouragement. He didn't want to ruin Kate's birthday atmosphere, and he didn't want to make things awkward, "Thanks, I'm sorry I can't be there to celebrate with you."
"It's okay, I'll look at your birthday gift. If it's not good enough, I won't accept it. Good luck with getting the funding soon." Kate paused, a bit uncertain, "By the way… are you imitating my accent?"
"Ah~"
Chen Tian was taken aback, laughed it off, "Finally noticed, huh? I am indeed imitating you. I suddenly found that speaking with a London accent is very satisfying. Do you know an actor in the UK named Benedict Cumberbatch? He can speak as fast as he thinks and can modulate his voice like a machine gun. I'm practicing, but I can't make a dragon fly, breathe fire, and be cunning and authoritative with my voice yet. It's really hard, but I've found a little trick."
"What are you talking about?" Kate was completely confused.
Chen Tian realized he had said too much. He had been practicing acting recently, and he would go crazy practicing in his room, accidentally mixing things up. "Benedict" was still in university at this time.
"Nothing. Take care of yourself, and don't overwork."
Just as he was about to hang up, Kate suddenly said, "Want to learn the London accent? You can call me, but no more than twenty minutes a day." Then she hung up.
After a while, a wolf howl echoed from Chen Tian's room.
Vin Diesel, who was passing by with a can of beer, was startled, thinking a wild animal had entered the hotel. Seeing it was just noise from Chen Tian's room, he understood. As a good friend, he knew Chen Tian was pursuing a British girl and had been calling her every day. Being overly excited was understandable.
He shook his head, looking like a seasoned person, "Poor virgin… first love."
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