From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

A situation comedy, a live audience, a live performance—clearly, this was a special test for Anson.

It's like theater and film are two different art forms; theater emphasizes the live experience, a continuous flow, where even mistakes can't be paused; film emphasizes direction and setup, undergoing repeated deductions, rehearsals, and shots, hoping to present the perfect effect in the end.

"Friends," however, falls between the two, not so serious but not so simple either.

Yesterday, Darren personally called to give Anson some pointers, and with the help of Chris, James, and other friends, Anson rehearsed at home for an entire evening.

In any case, this was Anson's first work as an actor, and having no acting experience, not even knowing how to stand in front of a camera, he now had to face both the camera and a live audience. This certainly required some practice and preparation.

In the morning, Anson arrived at the studio thirty minutes early to familiarize himself with the environment.

He admitted that it wasn't entirely to adapt to the venue; there was also some curiosity, some anticipation, and some nervousness, with different emotions intertwined.

Anson was no stranger to film sets, having worked on them before; but this time it was slightly different. Anson would be walking from behind the camera to the front. Just a change of position, and looking at the set again, the same venue, the same space, felt subtly different.

But Anson himself didn't expect that such an accidental action would make him the focus of conversation in Studio 24 on Monday morning.

When Jennifer Aniston arrived at the studio, this was the scene she saw:

Rustling, whispering, eyebrows dancing.

"What's up?"

Jennifer placed her bag on the chair, looking at the makeup artist, hairstylist, and production assistant's faces filled with gossip.

Immediately, several figures swarmed around her, their chattering voices intertwined, updating her on the situation, which made Jennifer slightly stunned.

"That's it?"

Jennifer spread her hands.

"Hey, girls, this is Hollywood. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last. You really don't need to be so excited."

"Image, please pay attention to your image, quickly wipe the drool from the corners of your mouths."

Someone immediately replied, "Yes, it's not the first time, but the point is, even if it happens every day, it's still worth being happy about."

"After all, it's not like we can see Brad Pitt's face every day when we go home."

Roar.

A burst of laughter, exchanging glances with dancing eyebrows, one or two teasing Jennifer.

Jennifer looked serious, "No, I didn't."

Despite her words, she couldn't control the upward curve of her lips, a hint of sweetness in her shyness, happiness radiating, betraying her true feelings.

Thanks to the popularity of "Friends," Jennifer was now a "America's Sweetheart" comparable to Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan.

Her hairstyle, her clothes, her bags, her taste, all became fashion indicators that women competed to imitate.

Some might say that movie stars and TV stars are ultimately different.

But now that Jennifer was about to marry Brad, things were completely different.

Without a doubt, Jennifer Aniston was now the girl who had the whole world.

To prove that she wasn't shy, the sweetheart straightened her hair and stood up straight, "I'm curious too. I'll go say hello now."

Roar, roar, roar.

The others booed, with expressions of anticipation, and some even played coy, "Don't worry, we won't tell Brad."

Jennifer turned to look at the crowd, her mouth wide open.

"You should. Make him jealous."

With a word, a burst of laughter.

Taking a deep breath, "Hey, welcome to Studio 24."

Anson was reading the script.

He could sense the gazes and the discussions, but precisely because of that attention, Anson realized that he needed to focus on the role.

After all, when the live audience entered the studio, the scene would be even more crowded and lively.

He was a little nervous and a little uneasy.

Sitting on that ochre sofa in "Central Perk" at this moment was like breaking the fourth wall in the movie "The Purple Rose of Cairo," connecting the movie with reality, entering the living space of "Friends" on the small screen, a subtle emotion rippling in his mind.

His fingertips were faintly numb, but beyond that, there was more excitement and elation, and he could hear the roar of blood rushing in his eardrums.

So, he needed to focus, to enter the role and get into the state bit by bit.

Then, Anson heard the greeting.

Looking up, Anson saw Jennifer's smooth long hair, a friendly and sweet smile on her face, without the airs of a top star. The approachable temperament of a girl next door made the conversation easy; coupled with the scene in the studio, there was indeed a feeling of "Friends."

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I taking your seat?"

Anson stood up with the script, indicating his position.

Jennifer was slightly stunned, and then she realized that Anson was breaking the fourth wall and entering the world of "Friends," talking to Rachel.

Jennifer looked at Anson's calm and composed smile, her expression cheerful, "No, no, no, this seat doesn't have my name on it."

After a pause, Jennifer continued, "Welcome to 'Central Perk'?"

The ending sound slightly raised, with hesitation and doubt.

Jennifer herself could hear the uncertainty in her voice, revealing an awkward expression, "My improvisation is a disaster, right?"

Comedy occasionally needs some sparks.

Anson's unexpected response showed a wit that didn't match his age, while Jennifer seemed a bit clumsy, as if she were the high school student here.

However, Anson didn't respond immediately, but looked left and then right, making sure there was no one else around, before pointing to himself uncertainly.

"Are you comparing yourself to me? Me? I'm just here today to show a face."

As he spoke, Anson gestured to his face—

He, a vase with no acting experience?

Pfft.

Jennifer couldn't help but laugh. She winked at Anson, "They all think that a vase just needs to stand there, oh, for God's sake, a vase has to stay beautiful and be funny, it's not that simple, I can give you some experience."

A vase looking at a vase, feeling a sense of mutual appreciation—

All along, Jennifer had also been considered a vase, responsible for beauty in "Friends."

Now looking at Anson, Jennifer couldn't help but think of her own situation, the scrutinizing gazes, curious eyes, and trivial discussions behind her had already labeled Anson.

But obviously, Jennifer had now learned to make fun of herself.

They still thought Anson didn't understand, but in fact, Anson saw it all; moreover, not only that, Anson had to go further, to a higher realm.

"Let me tell you a secret, they're just jealous, after all, besides being reborn, some things can't be changed."

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