Chapter 630 - 627: You Can Try for the Second Female Lead

Chapter 630: Chapter 627: You Can Try for the Second Female Lead

"Director Keane, you said that if any of us wanted a part in this drama, we’d all have to audition, myself included. But why did Clara Grant get to be the female lead without an audition?" Faye Jennings said, smiling at Liam Keane. She then added, half-jokingly:

"Director Keane, you’re known throughout the industry as the most dedicated, serious, and responsible director. You can’t just abandon your usual principles for casting actors just because Clara is the CEO’s wife now."

Although she was joking, Faye Jennings’s words were filled with heavy suspicion. Relying on her status as Aegis’s top actress, she didn’t hold back.

Besides, Autumn Shelby was currently trying everything she could to pull Clara Grant from her position as Mrs. Quinn. Clara Grant’s position as Mrs. Quinn might not be secure, so Faye felt there was no need to be too deferential to her.

Liam Keane smiled, seeming completely unconcerned. "Faye, rest assured, I don’t cast actors based on their background, only their talent. Everyone knows that. So you don’t need to worry about it."

"Is that so? Then I just want to understand one thing. Why do the rest of us all have to audition, while Clara Grant easily got the female lead role without even showing her face? That’s not fair, is it?"

"What if I told you that Clara earned that role through her own talent?"

"She has talent?" Faye Jennings retorted.

"She doesn’t?" Liam Keane immediately countered.

His counter-question left Faye Jennings stunned for a moment, and she didn’t reply.

Liam Keane continued, "During the filming of *A Lifetime of Splendor*, everyone on set saw Clara’s performance. I’m sure you saw it too, right? She nailed every scene in a single take. I believe that’s something you couldn’t do when you were just starting out, could you?"

Faye Jennings was unconvinced. "Director Keane, don’t forget, she’s a student at The Nymphaea; she was professionally trained. I had never studied acting before my debut. There’s no comparison, is there? Besides, I’m not questioning her acting skills.

I’m just saying, even if she has the skills and ability, she’s still a newcomer. A newcomer who’s only been in one drama, in a supporting role. To have her carry the lead in her second project... others need to be convinced.

And what’s more, the audience has to buy it. Her performance in *A Lifetime of Splendor* might have been great, but it hasn’t aired yet. It’s useless if it’s just us saying she’s good. No one knows if she’ll be popular with viewers. Having an unknown newcomer as the female lead doesn’t exactly guarantee ratings."

Liam Keane smiled again and said, "Faye, don’t assume the audience is stupid. Viewers can tell whether an actor has skill and talent, and whether they can carry a lead role.

Besides, newcomers need a chance to gain experience, don’t they? If the company hadn’t given you a chance back then, an actor with no professional training like you would never have made it from a rookie to an A-lister.

Of course, I’m not denying your own hard work and your natural aptitude.

Also, let me tell you, I wasn’t the one who chose Clara for the female lead. The author of the novel, who is also the screenwriter for this adaptation, personally selected her. And I think her eye for casting is quite good. Whether it’s her image or her talent, Clara is more than qualified to play the female lead in this drama.

Faye, I know you wanted the lead role, but since it’s already been decided, you could try out for the second female lead. That role has a lot of room for a strong performance as well."

Liam Keane’s last sentence almost made Faye Jennings laugh out of pure anger. ’Her, play the second female lead? Her, play a supporting role to Clara Grant?’