Director Zhang was furious, watching the online outcry escalate.
He always kept his productions under tight wraps, only starting promotions after filming wrapped up, ensuring the quality of his work. This had been his practice for decades, without exception.
Now, with filming just beginning, to be swamped by so much negative news, how could he not be angry!
"Who leaked the news! Was the non-disclosure agreement just a game?"
Affected by the negative publicity, the production team had to halt filming. Every day of delay meant more losses. Moreover, with the crew's reputation tarnished, even if they managed to finish filming, the broadcast would likely not have a good outcome.
Director Zhang grew angrier the more he thought about it.
He called his assistant to his side, his face grim, and ordered, "Go investigate who leaked the news!"
He couldn't focus on anything else until this matter was resolved.
The assistant hesitated, then said, "Actually, I've heard some rumors about this."
Director Zhang looked up at him. "What did they say?"
"It seems to have been caused by Tang Xiaoying's inappropriate remarks." The assistant rubbed his hands, choosing his words carefully. "She auditioned too, looking like she was determined to get the role. Later... you decided to use newcomers, so she must have been holding a grudge."
Director Zhang snorted coldly and said, "Audition, audition, how would I know who to cast without an audition? Does she think because she won an acting award, everyone has to fawn over her? In my film, I cast whoever I want, and it's not her place to dictate!"
This was Director Zhang's temperament.
Once he set his mind on something, he wouldn't easily change it.
The success of a production involved many factors, and while actors were only one of them, they were crucial.
"I like using newcomers, so what? At least newcomers are lively and can take direction!" Director Zhang grew increasingly agitated. "When she was a newcomer herself, wasn't her acting mediocre? Oh, now that she's a bit famous, she's gotten arrogant! Her unchanging acting style, who cares about that!"
"Director Zhang, please calm down." Seeing his face growing darker, the assistant could only try to appease him. "Your wife repeatedly told you to avoid getting angry."
"Do you think I want to get angry? It's these people who are so self-important and can't see clearly!" Director Zhang cursed.
After venting, he gradually calmed down. "Go, contact Tang Xiaoying's agency and ask them what they mean. Are they saying they don't want to cooperate anymore!"
"This... wouldn't that be a bit much?" The assistant couldn't help but look troubled.
"What, have you taken any benefits from them?" Director Zhang raised an eyebrow.
The assistant quickly waved his hands. "You're wrongly accusing me!"
"Then do as I say. If we don't show them a bit of our power, they'll really think they're untouchable!" Director Zhang's position in the industry had been unshakeable for decades.
He was usually easy to talk to, but that didn't mean he didn't have a temper.
After dealing with that matter, Director Zhang gathered all the crew members for a talk. "Everyone, don't pay attention to the rumors outside. Just focus on finishing this film. I'll treat everyone to a meal after we wrap up."
With Director Zhang's reassurance, the actors felt much more at ease.
Especially Han Yutong, the newcomer, who bore the brunt of the pressure. She had cried several times in the past two days, seeing the comments on Weibo. Tang Xiaoying's rabid fans, in their efforts to defend their idol, had descended upon her social media accounts and unleashed a torrent of abuse, the nastiest they could muster.
As a young girl just starting out, she couldn't handle it.
Furthermore, she hadn't signed with an agency yet, so no one was there to speak up for her. She had to grit her teeth and bear it alone.
Su He felt sorry for the young girl and arranged for someone from her company to act as a temporary assistant. Of course, Su He had her own agenda; she wanted to sign this beautiful young girl.
Although her studio was focused on creative work, it didn't prevent her from signing artists.
After spending a few days on Director Zhang's set, Su He suddenly became interested in filmmaking. She had once fantasized about turning her future famous works into film and television dramas, casting actors she liked.
Now, she had taken the first step. In the future, her works would surely increase, and the probability of them being adapted for screen would greatly rise.
However, the cost of filmmaking was incredibly high, often requiring investments of tens or even hundreds of millions. If she could cultivate her own actors, the costs would be significantly reduced.
Thinking this, Su He pondered whether she should expand her studio.
Han Yutong was a newcomer she had her eye on, so she paid special attention to her.
However, to outsiders, this action seemed to confirm that she was using her influence to place people in the production. But what kind of person was Su He to easily compromise just because of a few online comments?
The more fiercely they attacked, the more she felt it was a good thing.
Because she was waiting for the day she could prove them wrong.
*
Su Lin also suffered from cyberbullying.
He debuted as a singer and had previously stated his intention to focus solely on songwriting, declining numerous acting opportunities. At the time, he had offended many people. However, his fans were very supportive, believing this was the correct attitude for an artist.
To specialize in music, not to chase quick money.
Therefore, the backlash was now most severe on this very point.
"So eloquently put, focus on creation, and now you're eating your words?"
"How high and mighty you were before, unwilling to stoop to acting. I didn't expect you to be swayed by money so quickly!"
"The music market isn't good now, of course, acting pays more! Who would refuse money?"
"Even a musical prodigy succumbs to reality, tsk tsk..."
Su Lin's agent was so angry she felt like her lungs would explode.
"Are their eyes glued shut with shit? We clearly said it was to support his sister, and he wouldn't take a penny!"
"Money, money, money, where do you see Su Lin making money? He's the one spending it!"
Su Lin was lying on the sofa, reading a script. Hearing his agent's nagging, he couldn't help but rub his temples. "Sister, can you let me memorize my lines in peace?"
The agent stopped and turned back in surprise. "You're not angry at all?"
"I've already noted down the most aggressive anti-fans. Remember to send them lawyer's letters later." Su Lin wouldn't waste his time getting angry with brainless people; he'd just sue them.
Seeing him so calm, the agent was slightly relieved. "Don't go online recently. And don't make any statements, understand?"
She still remembered the lesson from last time, fearing he would act rashly.
She had almost lost all her hair cleaning up his mess.
Su Lin nodded dismissively and then lowered his head, continuing to memorize his lines. It wasn't that he was being picky, but what kind of writing was Su He's? So cheesy!
Fans were like their idols.
Just as Su Lin was calm, so were his fans.
Over the years, what kind of storms hadn't they weathered? They had seen much bigger battles!
Su Lin was quietly filming, and his fans weren't bothering him. Instead, they showed their support through their actions.
As their idol was filming inside, his fans ostentatiously sent food trucks to treat the entire crew to afternoon tea.
"Are these all from Su Lin's fans? This is too luxurious!" The assistant director's eyes lit up upon hearing it was Su Lin's treat. Honestly, filming in this remote location, eating boxed meals every day had made everyone listless.
Su Lin glanced at the giant posters on the trucks, as if used to it. "Everyone has worked hard these past few days."
It was an indirect acknowledgment.
"Truly the fans of a top star!"
"This looks delicious, thank you Teacher Su!"