If Jiang Ling were to play the female lead, there would be no question of suitability or chemistry.
Her absolute talent could overcome everything; in the face of such power, any issue would cease to be an issue.
Idol dramas also required promotion and hype to boost viewership ratings.
As a topic magnet who constantly trended, Jiang Ling starring in an idol drama was itself a massive selling point and a hot topic.
If she were to agree, the production team wouldn't even need to spend much on publicity; they could effortlessly capture attention and buzz.
This was the unparalleled influence of a platinum-tier artist.
Resources that other artists begged and pleaded for were easily obtainable for platinum artists, who were even courted to accept them.
"Miss Jiang, I know you're busy. Coming all this way from Shanghai, you must be here for the role of Ye Tianyu, correct? I, Chen, also believe your acting skills, looks, and demeanor perfectly suit the role of Ye Tianyu. If there are no issues, I can finalize it with you!"
Chen Mingzhang was a straightforward and genial person.
He got straight to the point, concisely stating his intentions.
Jiang Ling hadn't expected him to be so direct, wanting to finalize the role before even a few pleasantries.
"Ahem, Director Chen, I haven't even auditioned yet?" Jiang Ling coughed awkwardly.
"No need for an audition. I've seen most of the works you've acted in over the past two years, Miss Jiang. The role of Ye Tianyu isn't even a tenth as challenging as Li Shengnan. How could you possibly not handle it with your skill?" Chen Mingzhang's smile held a hint of fawning.
A serious drama actor with both excellent looks and acting skills starring in an idol drama was definitely a blessing to the masses and a boon to the audience.
If he could truly sign Jiang Ling, there would be no worries about future publicity, hype, or the drama's viewership ratings and reputation.
Selling the broadcast rights to the platform could even allow for a significant price increase.
One contract, multiple benefits – impossible to find even with a lantern.
"I don't have a problem signing, but you have to agree to two conditions?" Jiang Ling said.
"What conditions?" Chen Mingzhang pressed.
Directors usually made demands of actors; very few actors dared to make demands of directors.
Jiang Ling, however, had the capital and the strength to do so.
Jiang Ling stated, "First, I am agreeing to this role after reading the script. You must film this drama according to the script and not easily alter the plot, especially the crucial characterizations of the male and female leads."
The script for "The Prince Who Turns into a Frog" was largely the same as in her previous life, with only minor differences.
In the entertainment industry of parallel timelines, capital penetration was even more severe, and heavily modified scripts were common occurrences.
Idol dramas were a major victim of script modifications, and Jiang Ling naturally feared that later plot changes would ruin this classic work.
"No problem!" Chen Mingzhang readily agreed. "To be honest, I detest people who arbitrarily change scripts. Good stories are ruined by messy modifications and added scenes!"
"Second, the male lead must be chosen according to the script's description. I cannot accept anyone playing Shan Junhao as a narcissistic scumbag with no class or upbringing."
Jiang Ling feared nothing, but she was most afraid of someone botching the role of Shan Junhao.
If the role of Shan Junhao was ruined, no matter how well she acted, it would be in vain.
"Damn!"
Jiang Ling's words truly resonated with Chen Mingzhang.
He himself knew the importance of the role of Shan Junhao, which was why he didn't mind delaying the filming schedule and wasting several months to find the best actor for it.