Hollywood:Starting out as an MV director

In fact, the casting process for Memoirs of a Geisha had already begun long ago.

Steven had instructed the company to start searching for suitable candidates across Asia shortly after the script was finalized.

Now, the results of their search were laid out on the table.

"Seiko Matsuda, Rie Miyazawa, Rei Kikukawa, Michelle Reis, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, Ken Watanabe, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi..."

Ethan read the names on the photographs one by one. For the first time, he felt the tides of history so close to him. Previously, when he interacted with Hollywood stars, he wasn't too familiar with them, so the experience felt less impactful.

But now, seeing these familiar names and faces before him, he truly felt the weight of altering history.

"Take a look. These are the actors we've shortlisted as the most suitable." Steven glanced at Ethan and Rob.

A staff member then brought over a board with the various roles from the film labeled on it.

Steven began pinning the photographs to the board, matching the actors with their potential roles: "Rie Miyazawa as Hatsumomo, Gong Li as Mameha, Ken Watanabe as the Chairman, Rei Kikukawa as Sayuri. These are our current role allocations. What do you think?"

"I don't think Gong Li should play Mameha!" Rob spoke up before Ethan could, opposing the suggestion. "Although Gong Li is stunning, she exudes a sense of defiance against conventions. I think she would be better suited to play Hatsumomo."

"I agree with that," Ethan nodded. He had long heard of Rob's admiration for Gong Li, and now it was confirmed.

Rob's assessment of Gong Li was spot on. In the movie, Gong Li indeed carried the film, delivering the most dramatic moments with her performance.

"Alright... that means we need to reconsider Hatsumomo's role." After Steven made a note, Ethan shared his own thoughts.

"I think Michelle Yeoh would be perfect for Mameha. She's poised, regal, and fits the role of an esteemed geisha. As for the Chairman, perhaps Tony Leung or Chow Yun-Fat could give it a try."

Steven frowned. "Why?"

Ethan shrugged. "Because Ken Watanabe looks a bit too old..."

Hearing Ethan's reasoning, everyone chuckled.

To be honest, Ethan had always felt that Ken Watanabe's appearance in the original movie didn't suit Sayuri at all. He looked more like a mentor or relative rather than a romantic interest.

Chow Yun-Fat, on the other hand, had a similar mature charm but carried a touch of elegance, which Ethan believed could compensate for his age and create a more convincing portrayal.

"You might have a point, but is Chow really more handsome than Ken?" Steven pondered. "Maybe their appeal lies in their different temperaments."

"We can arrange auditions," Ethan suggested. "Let them both audition for the Chairman and see who fits better."

"Alright, let's do that. Any other comments about the cast?"

Lisa, the technical advisor, chimed in, "I think Sayuri's casting needs more consideration. Rei Kikukawa isn't well-known enough."

That was a fair point. This was, after all, a commercial film with a production budget of $85 million.

Without big-name stars, box office success would be harder to guarantee.

Currently, Japanese actors lacked significant international recognition compared to their Chinese counterparts, who, thanks to films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and collaborations with Hollywood, were better established.

After hearing Lisa's input, Steven nodded. "Then we could try Zhang. She captures Sayuri's innocence and determination, just like in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

"That said, we shouldn't dismiss other actors. Let them all audition. I need to see their performances to decide."

The news of the auditions for Memoirs of a Geisha quickly spread, becoming an established fact.

However, this news caused little stir in America, as the general audience wasn't particularly interested in which actors were cast in a film about Asian culture.

But in Japan and the Chinese community, it created an uproar.

This was a Hollywood blockbuster, produced by Steven Spielberg, and entirely focused on Eastern culture.

Just the mention of a few names drew massive attention from the stars themselves.

Their respective agencies scrambled to submit resumes, eager to secure opportunities for their talents to join the cast.

In Tokyo, at Oscar Promotion's offices:

"This is a Japanese film! It showcases our cultural heritage—geisha!"

"We must secure roles for our actors on that stage!" Vice President Inoue slammed his fist on the table. "Contact the American agencies we know and Sony. We must secure audition opportunities. Understood?"

"Yes!" The executives around the conference table responded in unison.

At Toho Entertainment:

"The role of Sayuri was practically tailor-made for Masami Nagasawa. Have her prepare thoroughly, and learn fan dancing within a month. I'll personally take her to Hollywood to meet Mr. Spielberg!" declared President Shoji Fujii.

"Understood!" The secretary nodded, her expression serious.

At Ken-On Agency:

"This film is a women-centered production. That gives us an edge over other agencies. Yamaguchi Tomoko and Kanno Miho are perfect candidates," President Ito Kyoko said, glancing at the newspaper on the table.

"But I heard Spielberg wants to cast Chinese actors. That's absurd! How can Chinese actresses portray geisha authentically?" As a staunch nationalist, he was visibly upset.

"If this movie casts Chinese actresses, it will be the greatest humiliation for Japan!"

Simultaneously, at HORIPRO's offices, CEO Hori Nobuyoshi smiled as he discussed the news with his secretary.

"This is fantastic! Ethan is the director of Memoirs of a Geisha. It's a golden opportunity!"

Their previous collaboration had unexpectedly borne such significant fruit.

"With this, as long as our actors land roles, they'll be internationally recognized and gain substantial domestic popularity upon their return."

He immediately called Ethan and secured a promise: as long as their performances were on par with others, they could be cast in supporting roles.

This was the best assurance Ethan could offer since he didn't have the final say over the leads.

In the meantime, Kyoko Fukada had been persistently seeking Ethan's attention, leaving traces of her advances everywhere—in the car, the hallway, even the restroom.

While Japan reacted passionately, China wasn't far behind.

Whenever a Chinese actress was rumored to be connected to the film, public discourse would explode.

People wanted to know if any of the three leading roles would go to a Chinese actress. Even one would evoke immense national pride.

Fueled by this sentiment, many Chinese actors actively reached out to the production team for audition opportunities.

In the end, over a hundred actors from multiple countries vied for a handful of roles.

Steven Spielberg, seasoned as he was, trimmed the list down, inviting only forty-plus actors to audition.

The shortlisted actors included twenty-eight from Japan, fifteen from China, and three from Korea.

Even a few Indian actresses expressed interest, though their understanding of geisha culture was questionable.

Amid this fierce competition, the auditions officially began in Los Angeles.

Ethan, Rob, and Steven sat in the audition room, reviewing actor profiles while waiting for the auditions to start.

Outside, Michelle Yeoh arrived at the venue, spotting many familiar faces.

"Hey, Ah-Fat, long time no see." She greeted Chow Yun-Fat, who was dressed in black and sitting on a chair in the waiting area.

"Michelle, long time no see." Chow Yun-Fat flashed his iconic smile and, as Michelle sat down, asked, "Are you familiar with Mr. Spielberg? This is my first time auditioning for his movie."

"Not very familiar, but I've heard he's a kind person." Michelle was down-to-earth, chatting with Chow like old friends meeting by chance.

"You shouldn't be worried about Mr. Spielberg. What you should be concerned about is the director of this film."

"The director? You mean Ethan? Isn't this only his second movie?" Chow Yun-Fat, having worked with countless directors of varying talent, didn't find Ethan particularly special.

"Even if it's his second film, the fact that Mr. Spielberg entrusted this project to him means he's highly capable," Michelle observed astutely.

"In the end, the director is the most influential figure in a film. Your focus should be on impressing Ethan."

"That sounds challenging. No one seems to know his preferences," Chow Yun-Fat laughed, adding, "Look at those Japanese actors—they're already giving it their all."

Michelle glanced around the waiting room and noticed several Japanese actresses practicing with fans, reciting English introductions, or nervously clenching their fists.

Their tension was palpable.

Michelle smiled at the sight, but before she could respond, the sound of high heels echoed from the hallway.

Turning to look, she saw Gong Li, dressed in a cheongsam, gracefully walking toward them.

...

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