Chapter 40: Beijing Film Academy Auditions and Callbacks

March 5, 2010, marked the day of the second round of entrance examinations for the Performance Department at the Beijing Film Academy (BFA). As the nationwide back-to-school season began, BFA saw a steady stream of students returning to campus.

Chen Jin and Su Wanyu had just reached the school gate when they spotted a massive promotional banner erected there: "Open Auditions for Director Zhang Yimou’s New Film at BFA."

"Please contact your class counselor to sign up..."

"Xiao Jin, isn't... isn't this the film you auditioned for?" Su Wanyu asked, gesturing toward the sign. "Why are they coming back to the school to pick more people?"

"I guess they haven't found the right fit yet, so they need to keep looking," Chen Jin replied, though he didn't really know for sure.

"No way. Didn't Director Zhang say there would be another time?"

"How would I know? Maybe he was just being polite."

"A big director like that, just going back on his word?"

"Alright, Mom, the entrance exam. Let’s focus on the entrance exam; that’s what really matters."

"Oh, right!" Su Wanyu snapped out of it, gave the sign one last subconscious glance, shook her head, and followed Chen Jin toward the Performance Department’s Building B.

Shortly after, a group of returning students walked by the same spot.

"Whoa, our instructor mentioned this in the group chat a few days ago, and it’s already starting!" one student said to a tall, sunny-looking boy next to him. The boy scratched his head, showing a grin. "Nah, it’s probably really hard to get picked, isn't it?"

"Come on, man, give it a shot! You might get lucky. Let’s go sign up together!"

"Right now?"

"You can sign up on the spot. If we go any later, the line will kill us!"

"Alright, let's go!"

The group headed toward the large conference room designated for auditions. Outside the door, a long line had already formed. Almost every performance student at BFA was looking to test their luck; many seniors had launched their careers starting from similar campus open auditions. This was a unique resource for BFA—after all, they held the most extensive network of directors in all of China. Seventy percent of the country's renowned directors were BFA alumni.

However, recent rumors circulating online about "BFA directors exclusively using Central Academy of Drama (CAD) actors" had forced the school administration to take the matter seriously, which was the catalyst for this open audition. Regardless of the rumors, BFA’s current Dean, Zhang Huijun, was determined to have his former roommate, Zhang Yimou, cast BFA students as the leads. Whoever started the rumor, they were going to put an end to it right there. Since the legendary Zhang Yimou—known for his preference for CAD actors—had publicly declared he was casting new talent, Zhang Huijun had to make his move. Zhang Yimou, of course, had to grant his old classmate this favor, given he was now the second-in-command at BFA.

Before the auditions began, Zhang Yimou sat in the conference room with two assistant directors from *Under the Hawthorn Tree*, along with a producer and a screenwriter. Two other assistant directors were unable to attend, as they were conducting another round of auditions in Jiangsu Province for both *Under the Hawthorn Tree* and *The Flowers of War*.

"Director Zhang, someone just told me there are a lot of reporters outside the school," assistant Pang Liwei said, leaning in to whisper in Zhang Yimou's ear.

"Reporters?" Zhang Yimou frowned. The last thing you want during auditions is media attention. Maintaining secrecy early in a film's production is vital for future promotion and PR. If word gets out too early, it causes nothing but trouble.

"Tell the school to keep the reporters away," Zhang Yimou said with a wave. He trusted BFA could handle it. As Pang Liwei nodded and left, Fu Lulu, who was sitting nearby, asked, "Director Zhang, can we start the auditions?"

"Wait a moment, there are reporters," Zhang Yimou said, frowning. He knew auditions like these couldn't be kept secret forever, but following them to BFA seemed excessive.

"Is it possible they aren't here for us?" Fu Lulu suggested, recalling the banners she saw upon entering campus—BFA’s tradition of welcoming examinees: "Where Dreams Begin." "The performance department entrance exams are happening this week, and there are a few celebrity examinees. The reporters are probably here for them."

Zhang Yimou grinned. "Is that so? Haha, I almost forgot! Are the performance exams today? Let me check."

Fu Lulu knew plenty of people at BFA, and after checking the school notice, she replied, "Yes, it’s the second round for the Performance Department, all day long."

"Chen Jin, who auditioned the other day, should be taking the exam today too," Fu Lulu added with a smile. Zhang Yimou nodded. "Hmm, this kid, getting into BFA shouldn't be a problem for him."

A moment later, Pang Liwei returned. It was a false alarm; the reporters were indeed there for the exam candidates. BFA had already implemented the necessary security measures.

"Then... let's begin!" Zhang Yimou said briskly. Since it was a misunderstanding, the auditions proceeded as planned.

***

Meanwhile, in Building B, the second round of entrance exams was proceeding methodically. Unlike the first round, which lasted several days, there were fewer than 500 candidates for the second round, so it could be completed in a single day. Candidates were grouped in sets of 20. Those who advanced to the third round would number between 200 and 300, and finally, only about 150 would remain.

Chen Jin’s turn hadn't come yet; he was scheduled for the 10:00 AM session. He wasn't in the same exam room as Li Xian, but he found himself sitting next to Yang Zi. Her mother, Ma Haiyan, was engaged in an enthusiastic chat with Su Wanyu, which was how Chen Jin discovered they had been assigned to the same room.

"Hey, 'First Place,' I heard from my mom that you auditioned for Director Zhang Yimou’s new film?" Yang Zi appeared much more mature than her age suggested. Having starred in *Home with Kids* as Xia Xue, she was well-known to audiences across China, and there were reporters waiting downstairs specifically for her. Chen Jin clearly didn't have that kind of spotlight on him, so Yang Zi’s outgoing nature was no surprise.

"No, I just happened to run into him at the school gate, and he took a few photos," Chen Jin replied. He couldn't reveal too much.

"Oh," Yang Zi said. "I thought it was an audition."

*Look at how much I’ve spooked her mom,* Chen Jin thought. *First, she calls around to investigate, and now she’s fishing for information. Anyone would think I have some massive backing.* It was clear that people in the entertainment industry were sharp; the slightest rumor sent them scurrying for information. No wonder gossip was so rampant in this circle.

"Do you know who the examiner is for the first round?" Yang Zi asked, trying to strike up a conversation since Chen Jin was so quiet. These exams were grueling, and she was the type who couldn't sit still. Most others were cramming with notes, but Chen Jin was the most relaxed person in the room, carrying nothing at all. Yang Zi at least held a piece of paper to look like she was studying, just to keep her mother from scolding her. It was pitiful, really—even a star like her was still under her mother's thumb.

"I do. Huang Lei," Chen Jin said.

"Oh, same as me! What time is your slot?"

They chatted about trivialities. If it weren't for the fact that Yang Zi would become quite famous in the future—and networking never hurt—Chen Jin wouldn't have bothered. Fortunately, after chatting for a while, Ma Haiyan noticed the exam time was approaching and pulled Yang Zi aside, likely to give her last-minute pointers.

Chen Jin caught bits and pieces of the conversation—rhythm, tone, and other professional terminology. He had to admit, Ma Haiyan was very professional. Just listening to her, Chen Jin felt his "Acting Skills" level up.

*Can just listening to a lecture improve my skills? Maybe those prep classes are actually useful?* Chen Jin thought, then dismissed the idea—he didn't have the time.

Just then, the door to the exam room opened. Ma Haiyan reflexively glanced inside, and a smile immediately spread across her face. She recognized the examiner—Xu Xiaodan, a famous instructor from the BFA undergraduate program.