Chapter 33

"Wait, your agent doesn't want you to take this role?"

Chen Tiandu scratched his head, worriedly asking, "Why? Could he possibly recommend you for a better role? You're not really going to give it up, are you?"

Kate shook her head, "Don't worry, I've been preparing for this role for half a year. How could I give it up now?"

Chen Tiandu didn't want to make it too difficult for her, "What about your agent?"

"He's no longer my agent," Kate said, somewhat irritably.

Her agent had finally revealed her situation to Michael, leading to a big argument. She had been with her boyfriend for over four years, and even though she was too young at the time, how could they just break up after such a long relationship?

She could only temporarily put it aside and focus on her work.

Chen Tiandu didn't feel the burden of being a third party; he was confident he could give Kate a better future.

Kate's pay for the film was as high as 500,000, the highest she had ever received. However, Chen Tiandu suggested she invest her pay in exchange for a share. Although the share from this investment would be less than 1%, it would definitely be more than what she would get now.

Kate wasn't short of money at the moment, and Chen Tiandu was very confident. She hesitated but finally agreed. Carsonberg was also helpless about this outcome; it must have been Chen Tiandu's idea. But not taking the pay was also fine; if it failed, at least they wouldn't lose more.

The casting was already halfway through, and the most important part was the audition for the role of Cole, which Chen Tiandu would personally oversee.

"Didn't you say you found a talented young actor?" Kate asked, puzzled.

"Indeed, I did. But you know, what comes easily is never as precious as what is earned through hard work. If I go to him now, he might not take it seriously. Attitude is important; if he can't perform well in the film because of this, it would be a loss." The actor he was looking for was still Haley Joel Osment.

Haley was discovered by a talent scout at the age of four and soon appeared in a Pizza Hut commercial, marking his first appearance on screen. In 1994, he starred in his first film, "Forrest Gump," and won the Young Artist Award and the Young Star Award, making him well-known.

However, there weren't many roles suitable for children in Hollywood, and this young acting prodigy must have been bored.

There were too many people in Los Angeles who wanted to be actors. Over the past few days, Chen Tiandu had interviewed over a thousand boys, some cute, some funny, some quirky, and some pretending to be mature. The auditions were lively and didn't make people feel bored, but Chen Tiandu still frowned and spoke less, as he hadn't met Haley yet.

This made him a bit anxious. If he had known, he should have sent an audition invitation earlier, at least to let him know that a film was about to start shooting.

"Christmas, haven't you found the right one yet? I think a few of the young actors were quite good," Vin Diesel said.

Chen Tiandu shook his head, "None of them are who I'm looking for. Their eyes aren't right. The role of Cole is crucial; if he doesn't perform well, the whole film will lack luster."

Kate also advised, "But we've been looking for three days and seen over a thousand children. Are you sure the person you're looking for will come to you?"

Chen Tiandu was silent for a moment before saying, "Alright, today is the last day." If he didn't find the right person, he would have to go looking for him.

"Next."

Just as he was thinking absentmindedly, a little boy walked in through the door.

Chen Tiandu's eyes lit up, and the faces of the other judges also showed a hint of a smile, all because this young actor was the only one who came to the audition wearing a little suit and a bow tie.

"Hello, what's your name?"

The casting director, Hankow, asked out of habit but was surprised to see Chen Tiandu leave his seat and walk up.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Haley Joel Osment."

Chen Tiandu extended his hand, "I'm Christmas Chen, the director of this film."

Vin Diesel and Kate Belsek looked at him in surprise. Did he know this kid? They didn't know what he was going to do.

"Hello, Mr. Christmas Chen."

Haley was still a bit shy but smiled and shook hands with Chen Tiandu, "How do you know me?"

Chen Tiandu smiled, "I've seen 'Forrest Gump,' and your performance was excellent."

The others were suddenly enlightened. No wonder he looked familiar; he was the young actor from 'Forrest Gump.'

"Thank you."

Haley was a bit pleased, "That was a few years ago, and I didn't have many scenes."

"But every scene was outstanding, enough to leave a deep impression."

Chen Tiandu smiled, "Are you here to audition for the role of Cole? How many times have you read the script?"

"Yes, sir. I read it three times last night and almost overslept this morning, but I managed to get here on time."

"Great! Can you give me a performance of the line 'I see dead people'?"

Haley thought for a moment and nodded, "I remember that part. Sir, do you want to give me some direction? In the past, directors always gave me guidance."

"Oh?" Everyone smiled. Although he was a bit precocious, he was still a child.

Chen Tiandu didn't hesitate, "The most important thing is the performance in your eyes. I don't need overly exaggerated fear in your body language or facial expressions. If your eyes can convey deep sorrow and a timid fear, this role is yours."

"Really?"

Haley's eyes lit up, "I need to prepare. Can you give me a minute?"

...

After sending Haley away, Chen Tiandu finally breathed a sigh of relief, "I think the auditions can end now."

Kate was curious, "Is he the one you were looking for?"

"Yes, what do you think?"

Vin Diesel and Hankow exchanged glances, shrugged, and Vin Diesel said, "This kid has a lot of expression in his eyes, but I don't think he's the best."

Hankow agreed, "In terms of the audition, at least ten kids were better."

Chen Tiandu smiled, "But he's the most suitable."

After more than a month of busy preparation, as Halloween approached, the production of "The Sixth Sense" finally began amidst a mix of emotions and an unusual atmosphere.

Thinking about the past, the uncertainty of pursuing his dreams across the ocean, and now finally having the chance to realize his dream of directing, Chen Tiandu was full of energy.

On the first day of filming, Jeffrey Katzenberg came to the set to watch.

Chen Tiandu knew his intentions; he was more likely there to supervise and inspect than to help.

He didn't mind, as his mind was completely focused on the film, and he could let go of everything else.

The first day of shooting was the scene where the psychologist Malcolm, played by Chen Tiandu, is shot and killed. If Cole's self-initiated audition was the first surprise in casting, then Charlize Theron, who played Malcolm's wife, was another surprise.

Charlize Theron, at the age of 20 in 1995, made her debut in "The Specialist" with a minor role. In 1996, she starred in the black comedy "2 Days in the Valley" and has been in demand ever since. This South African beauty, with her diamond-like beauty and excellent acting skills, quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood. Chen Tiandu did a quick search on her name; if the future remained unchanged, her achievements would be dazzling.

In "The Sixth Sense," she played a supporting role, and Chen Tiandu couldn't believe that the DreamWorks brand had attracted her.

But the future is always subject to change.

To him, she was just a beautiful actress who hadn't yet become famous.

...