Free Web NovelChapter 312: Chapter 312: Fatal Encounter
Cecilia Vaughn also looked expectantly at Director Chapman.
As the creator of the character Blossom Vaughn, Cecilia had to admit, Claire Sinclair’s presence just matched perfectly when she immersed herself into the role.
After all, only a scene fragment was given, without any reference lines, no characters to interact with, no makeup by a stylist, not even a tangible prop to use.
In these few short minutes, you have to quickly decide your acting style and dialogue content.
This impromptu performance tests an actor’s foundation greatly.
But from the very first second of Claire Sinclair’s audition, she never once broke the immersion for the audience.
Moreover, as the scene progressed, it only drew one in deeper and deeper.
This is precisely what’s most rare.
As for her facial features, since there’s no makeup yet and with stylists watching, it shouldn’t be too bad.
...
Anyway, Cecilia quite approved of this girl named Claire Sinclair. Of course, her opinion was only for reference; it was up to the director next.
Cecilia also couldn’t help but look towards Director Chapman.
"Director Chapman, what do you think?"
Director Chapman neither affirmed nor dismissed, but stood up and gently asked Claire Sinclair.
"Besides in school, do you have any acting experience? If there’s any film work you’ve done, could you send me a reel?"
The little scene this young lady just auditioned for indeed brimmed with spirit and had moments that moved him.
However, under his command, there were many connections, let alone several award-winning actresses subtly vying for the role.
Among those actresses, some had appearances that suited the female lead better than Claire Sinclair. In terms of acting, Claire’s was a brief, dazzling moment, while the award-winning actresses, even if not astonishing at their peak, could at least assure not to be too careless in their play.
Claire Sinclair raised her eyelashes somewhat bashfully, shaking her head to Director Chapman with some embarrassment.
"Director Chapman, sorry, actually, I switched to the acting major in my third year, so I might be lacking in film material in this respect."
"I see... No wonder your acting leans more towards experiential rather than technical."
"Of course, each acting style has its pros and cons, and I don’t think choosing experiential is inferior."
Director Chapman tapped the table lightly, his gaze becoming complex.
—She’s a promising talent, but to entrust a major role so quickly seems hasty.
—Actually, for the male lead of "There are branches on the mountain," he had someone already in mind, a three-time award-winning actor, an outstanding thespian only twenty-seven, with a handsome yet reserved look.
But for the female lead, there’s more to consider. If no better option arises, they could later have Claire try out scenes with the male lead to check their chemistry.
"Miss Sinclair, please leave your contact information. If you pass the initial audition, you’ll be notified."
"Okay, thank you, Director Chapman."
Claire Sinclair nodded modestly, with a fitting smile and no apparent disappointment.
...
Claire Sinclair left shortly after.
Watching her back, Cecilia Vaughn couldn’t help but add a word to Director Chapman.
"Director Chapman, I truly think Claire Sinclair is a fine unpolished gem. Maybe she lacks polish and isn’t as known as other contenders, but the industry right now desperately needs fresh blood. Personally, I think you may want to consider giving her a chance."
"Actually... In my mind, the female lead, although different in appearance from Claire Sinclair, had the right aura during her audition."
Director Chapman nodded, speaking diplomatically.
"Alright, Miss Vaughn, as the original author, your opinion is important. I’ll take it into consideration."
With a few hours left until the auditions ended for the day, Cecilia Vaughn sat down, continuing to watch.
There were other impressive auditions afterward, but perhaps due to the deep impression left by Claire Sinclair’s performance, Cecilia felt they lacked something.
...
The selection for the female lead continued for three days straight.
Meanwhile, the official Weibo of "There are branches on the mountain" had already announced the choice for the male lead.
He was a renowned, talented film emperor, possessing exceptional charm.
Though Cecilia Vaughn wasn’t familiar with him, she had heard his name before and later researched his background, easily accepting the choice.
A pick by Director Chapman would not be lacking.
She also viewed performances in the audition emails sent by Director Chapman from various talented actresses.
Several were actresses Cecilia quite liked, but she couldn’t forget Claire Sinclair’s performance.
After thinking it over and over, she still pondered whether to suggest to Director Chapman to have Claire do a scene with the chosen male lead once.
—If Claire performs well, she hopes it could be settled like this. If not, so be it, or perhaps they could consider giving her a smaller role. For a newcomer, even getting a supporting role with such investment and under such direction is quite a privilege.
Cecilia carefully worded her suggestion before sending it out but ended up receiving a message from Claire Sinclair.
—Writer Vaughn, could I invite you and editor Mona Summers for a simple meal? Thank you both for speaking well of me to Director Chapman. Director Chapman said that if nothing unexpected happens, I might be chosen as the female lead.
Cecilia paused.
Almost simultaneously, she received an email from Director Chapman, confirming Claire Sinclair’s message.
—The provisional choice for female lead is Claire Sinclair, but since she isn’t very well-known, it will remain confidential until just before the premiere.
Turns out, Director Chapman tested several actresses with the male lead. Though all had good performances, many of them had collaborated with the male lead before, resulting in familiarity but lacking fresh chemistry, something felt off.
Director Chapman eventually thought of Claire Sinclair, and upon trying, felt wonderfully astonished.
—This interview was detailed with makeup and props, and even a scene setting was chosen. It was in this realistic context that Claire Sinclair finally matched Director Chapman’s discerning taste.
...
Cecilia Vaughn was also happy for Claire Sinclair.
She went along with Mona Summers, who was also elated; both felt a connection with this girl.
...
Claire Sinclair hosted the gathering at a place called "Above the Clouds," possibly out of courtesy, she even wore light makeup this time, looking even better than before.
An admirer of beauty like Cecilia Vaughn was satisfied with this female lead, and they enjoyed the meal pleasantly, talking and eventually becoming friends.
With food and drink enjoyed, it was time to head home. Remembering Claire Sinclair came by taxi, Cecilia politely offered.
"Claire, would you like me to take you home?"
"No need, my boyfriend is picking me up."
At her words, Cecilia Vaughn couldn’t help showing a surprised look.
"You have a boyfriend? I thought companies never allowed stars newly debuting to date..."
Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and with a roguish male voice, two handsome and tall figures suddenly appeared.
"Sis, Zion and I heard you’re dining here..."
