Chen Yiyang skimmed through the script.

The script was indeed good; however, even Chen Yiyang, an outsider, could see at a glance that the lead role required exceptionally high acting skills.

In the script, there are two protagonists who are nearly identical twins, needing a single actor to play both roles.

A suspense mystery show featuring one actor playing two characters presents a significant challenge in casting.

Since suspense and mystery emphasize plausibility, this plausibility must be reflected in the acting, not just the plot.

If the acting falls short and causes the audience to doubt, a good script can still affect the viewing experience and reviews.

So Chen Yiyang directly asked, "Do you have anyone in mind for the lead role in this series?"

"There is someone." Director Wang Wei hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "We had auditioned an actor who perfectly fits our requirements, but he has a flaw."

"What flaw?" Chen Yiyang asked.

"His current public image isn't very good."

"What's the name of that actor?" Chen Yiyang asked curiously.

"Pan Yuming," Director Wang Wei replied.

What a coincidence?

Chen Yiyang hadn't expected that this opportunity he stumbled upon would be connected to Pan Yuming.

He thought for a moment and then asked, "Is there a replacement actor available?"

"It's quite difficult," Wang Wei replied. "For the sake of the plot and ratings, the male lead we select is best between thirty and forty-five years old.

If too young, the appearance will be too juvenile, not fitting for the protagonist of a suspense mystery series. Too old, and they might not attract the younger audience, impacting ratings.

Among actors in this age range who are free, skilled, and not demanding a high fee, the only choice is Pan Yuming."

Chen Yiyang thought it over following Wang Wei's remarks.

He felt Wang Wei wasn't wrong.

This age range is indeed a bit awkward.

Those with good acting skills are either too old or already famous, having become movie stars or superstars.

The only downside to these actors is their price.

If this type of actor is invited, their fee alone would take up several million of the production cost.

Suspense mystery scripts are inherently hard to sell, with difficult returns. If a superstar is picked as the male lead, the rest of the production would have to save money elsewhere, potentially leading to a shoddy outcome.

If those demanding stars are not chosen, and the remaining actors disregard the young ones, there are few good choices left.

Since Director Wang Wei can consider Pan Yuming, it shows Pan Yuming is indeed suitable for this series.

Chen Yiyang thought about the intelligence saying it's a divine-level suspense mystery drama.

This unexpected opportunity adds greatly to Chen Yiyang's future reputation in the film industry.

It can prove that Chen Yiyang indeed has a keen eye.

The film star circle is different from other circles.

It's filled with undereducated people, generally very superstitious.

These might not be related, but it's hard to say there's no connection.

Mainly because many stars don't know how they got popular or if they can stay popular.

So many people believe in luck.

They think working with lucky people will bring them luck too.

If Chen Yiyang can consistently invest in several hit films, then it's likely that in the future whenever others in the film industry are producing films, they will require Chen Yiyang to invest a bit, to share the good fortune.

Hence, Chen Yiyang was hesitant about whether to support Pan Yuming despite his bad public image in taking this role.

"I plan to invest in this series, funding is not an issue," Chen Yiyang paused and continued, "However, this lead you selected, Pan Yuming, I have arranged to talk to him today, so let me invite him over."

After saying this, Chen Yiyang called his assistant to inform Pan Yuming to come directly here after getting off the plane.

By the time they were halfway through eating in the private room, Pan Yuming arrived.

"Mr. Chen, Director Wang, Writer Gu," Pan Yuming humbly greeted everyone upon entering.

Chen Yiyang gestured for Pan Yuming to sit down.

"You don't have a talent agency currently, right?" Chen Yiyang asked.

"That's right, I haven't signed with a talent agency for many years now," Pan Yuming quickly replied upon hearing Chen Yiyang's question.

"My previous talent agency was acquired by someone, so I took the opportunity to leave and develop on my own."

No wonder he's been criticized so heavily online, without many to speak for him.

Now Chen Yiyang understood why Pan Yuming ended up in this situation.

Unless you're a superstar, an average star without a talent agency faces the obvious downside of being attacked and smeared without recourse or ability to clear his name.

Even with a response, it could be overshadowed, never reaching the public eye.

This is why some popular stars, even if the agency takes 50-60% of their earnings, dare not go independent.

Because when independent, a personal studio can't protect itself against slander backed by competitors' agencies.

"Do you want to sign with my company?"

"Not exactly," Pan Yuming said, glancing at Chen Yiyang's expression before cautiously continuing, "I've opened a small studio myself, and I hope to affiliate it with your talent agency."

Oh, that makes sense.

Chen Yiyang thought and considered it acceptable.

The primary difference between affiliating a studio and signing directly under an agency is the degree of freedom.

Although the revenue split may be similar, a star can control their development path through their own studio without worrying about being misdirected by the agency.

Pan Yuming was once a famous actor, setting up his studio and deciding on his direction is not an issue.

The only issue is his situation with his ex-wife Dong Bai.

"Your ex-wife keeps tarnishing your name online, why haven't you responded?"

"Because there's no evidence," Pan Yuming honestly replied, "She accused me of domestic violence, I said I didn't, but no one believes me.

She said I'm addicted to gambling, I indeed gambled a few times during a trip in Macao, but the stakes were only a few thousand, just those few times."

The more Pan Yuming spoke, the more dejected he became.

Chen Yiyang also understood why Pan Yuming hadn't defended himself online.

Because Dong Bai knew too well what she was doing.

Dong Bai's allegations fit the stereotype of a bad guy that the general public naturally believes.

And these things are very hard for Pan Yuming to refute.

Pan Yuming would have needed 24/7 surveillance footage to prove he didn't gamble or commit domestic violence.

Plus, Dong Bai previously had a good public image, and people naturally trusted her not to lie.

"Mr. Chen, what should we do?" Director Wang Wei looked at Chen Yiyang, hoping he could make a decision.

Whether or not to choose Pan Yuming as the lead for White Night Chasing Killer.

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