Traffic Star Development Program

Chapter 10: My First Time Starring

This producer looks to be only twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, but his work style is exceptionally mature and calm, unlike that of a young person.

Moreover, there's always an indescribable sense of distance in his gaze when he looks at people, as if he's looking at a product rather than a living person.

Zhang Tianai shook his head, trying to clear these chaotic thoughts from his mind.

No matter what kind of person he is, as long as she gets a chance, that's enough.

For the next three days, Zhang Tianai locked herself in her small room and studied the script over and over again.

She rehearsed every line, every action, and every expression of the female lead, Zhang Pengpeng, in her mind countless times.

She even went online to search for men's behavioral habits and ways of speaking, trying to figure out the psychological state of a man who suddenly becomes a woman.

On the fourth night, her phone suddenly rang.

It's Zeng Hao.

"Meet at the entrance of Qin Palace Scenic Area tomorrow at 2 PM for the first meeting between the film crew and the audience."

"Yes, Mr. Zeng!" Zhang Tianai's voice was full of excitement.

After hanging up the phone, she paced around the room several times, too excited to sleep.

She arrived at the entrance of the Qin Palace scenic area at 1:30 pm the next day.

People gradually arrived; they were all crew members: photographers, lighting technicians, makeup artists, script supervisors, prop team members...

Zhang Tianai stood at the edge of the crowd, somewhat reserved.

At 2 PM, Zeng Hao appeared on time.

He was followed by a man in his thirties, who was probably the director.

"Is everyone here?" Zeng Hao glanced at the people present.

"Everyone's here," a middle-aged man in overalls replied.

"Okay, let me say a few words." Zeng Hao walked to the middle. "I am Zeng Hao, the producer of this drama, and this is director Peng Bing. 'Go Princess Go' is expected to be filmed in three months, with thirty episodes. Everyone will have a lot of work, but I can guarantee that as long as you do a good job, you will not be shortchanged by a single penny."

He paused, then continued, "Furthermore, the budget for this show is very tight. All expenses must be carefully calculated; not a single penny can be spent unnecessarily. Props can be rented instead of bought, sets can be kept simple, and actor salaries can be reduced wherever possible. I don't expect you to produce stunning visuals comparable to blockbusters, but you must ensure a smooth plot, a tight pace, and that the audience enjoys watching it. Understand?"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, some of them looking rather grim.

Zeng Hao smiled as he observed everyone's reactions.

This is an ultimatum. Those who need to leave should leave now. Complaining and causing trouble halfway through filming is what will truly cause problems.

Standing in the crowd, Zhang Tianai listened to Zeng Hao's words, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Actors should save money wherever possible"—she suddenly understood why her salary was only 1 yuan.

It wasn't because she was cheap, but because the producer had no intention of spending money on the actors at all.

"Alright, meeting adjourned." Zeng Hao said, turning to leave. "The first scene will officially begin filming tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. Everyone, please don't be late."

The crowd dispersed, and Zhang Tianai stood there holding the script, unsure of where to go.

At that moment, Zeng Hao suddenly called out to her.

"Zhang Tianai, come with me for a moment."

Zhang Tianai was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed.

The two walked to a secluded corner of the scenic area, where Zeng Hao stopped.

"Your first scene is tomorrow, how are your preparations going?" he asked.

"I...I've already memorized all the lines, and I've also designed the actions and expressions." Zhang Tianai's voice sounded a little nervous.

"Okay, then perform well tomorrow and don't be nervous." Zeng Hao paused for a moment, "By the way, get some rest early tonight, you need to get up early for makeup tomorrow."

"Okay, Mr. Zeng."

Just as Zhang Tianai was about to leave, she suddenly mustered her courage and whispered, "President Zeng, may I...can I ask you a question?"

"explain."

Do you really believe this show will be a hit?

Zeng Hao looked at her and remained silent for a few seconds.

"I believe it, and you should believe it too." His tone was very firm.

Zhang Tianai was stunned.

She looked into Zeng Hao's eyes and suddenly had a strange feeling.

That night, Zhang Tianai returned to her small single room and tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

Zeng Hao's words kept echoing in her mind—"I believe, and you should believe too."

Where does this absolute confidence come from?

She couldn't figure it out.

But she had a vague feeling that her fate might really be tied to this indifferent young producer.

At two in the morning, she finally drifted off to sleep.

In her dream, she saw herself standing on a huge stage, with countless audience members below and flashes of light from cameras.

Some people called her name, some asked for her autograph, and some said she was a big star.

She smiled happily and turned around to thank the producer who had given her the opportunity, only to find that there was no one behind her.

At six o'clock the next morning, Zhang Tianai was woken up by the alarm clock.

She washed her face, ate something quickly, and arrived at the film set at seven o'clock.

The makeup artist did her makeup and changed her into her costume, which took a full two hours.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the first scene officially began filming.

Zeng Hao stood behind the monitor, watching Zhang Tianai's performance on the screen.

The first item is a card.

The second one, another card.

The third one is still a card.

Zhang Tianai was so nervous that she was trembling all over and couldn't even speak her lines properly.

Director Peng Bing was getting impatient. "Can you stop being so tense? Relax a little!"

Zhang Tianai bit her lip, her eyes reddening slightly.

Zeng Hao walked over and said, "Let her rest for ten minutes and catch her breath."

He pulled Zhang Tianai aside, "What are you so nervous about?"

"This is my first time playing a lead role... I... I'm afraid I won't do a good job." Zhang Tianai's voice was trembling with tears.

"If you don't act well, just shoot a few more takes. No one will fire you for one bad take," Zeng Hao said calmly. "But in your current state, shooting a hundred takes won't make you any better."

Zhang Tianai lowered her head, not daring to look at him.

"Remember, you're not Zhang Tianai now, you're Zhang Pengpeng, a playboy who's traveled to ancient times," Zeng Hao said. "Unleash all your understanding of this character and your feelings about this story, don't think about anything else."

Zhang Tianai took a deep breath and nodded.

Filming resumed ten minutes later.

This time, Zhang Tianai was noticeably more relaxed. Although there were still some flaws, the feeling of the character was already visible.

Article 5, passed.

Director Peng Bing breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, next scene."

Zeng Hao stood behind the monitor, watching Zhang Tianai's performance on the screen, a slight smile playing on his lips.

It definitely has potential.

With proper refinement, she will still be the top star she was in her previous life.

The filming continued until 9 p.m., marking the end of the first day's work.

Zhang Tianai was so tired that she could barely walk, but she felt an indescribable excitement.

She finally got a leading role.

Although it was only the first day and the filming was very hard, this feeling was something she had never experienced before during her five years as an extra in Hengdian.

After finishing work, she dragged her tired body back to her apartment.

Halfway there, she suddenly heard someone calling her from behind.

"Zhang Tianai."

She turned around and saw Zeng Hao standing not far away.

"General Manager Zeng?"

"I'll take you back," Zeng Hao said.

Zhang Tianai paused for a moment, "No...no need, I can go back by myself."

"It's so late, it's not safe for a girl to be out alone." Zeng Hao walked over. "Get in the car."