Zhang Yi

Biodata

Background / History

Zhang Yi was rejected by acting schools several times because of his distinctive looks. He paid for his own training with the Comrades Theater Troupe, but struggled to get roles. He was understudy to Yuan Lang in the troupe’s production of Elna Assault; because the lead never missed a performance, Zhang Yi never went onstage. He later worked odd jobs for the troupe and nearly completed a twenty-episode script before it withdrew the assignment. Encouraged by its political commissar, he began taking his headshots and résumé to outside auditions 6.

While auditioning in Hengdian, Zhang Yi was caught up in a confrontation between Shen Qi and three thugs. The two fought off the attackers and became friends. They exchanged casting leads, and Zhang Yi told Shen about the open call for My Own Swordsman, a production that had rejected Zhang Yi himself 6 7.

Zhang Yi later joined Migrant Workers as Guo Zhendong after his troupe’s political commissar recommended him to director Kang Honglei. He and Shen reunited on the production, though they worked mostly with different filming units. Zhang Yi finished his smaller part early and returned to the capital to seek more auditions 27 29 35.

Appearance

Zhang Yi’s looks have affected his casting prospects 6.

• He has narrow eyes and a scrawny build 27.
• His troupe ranked him among its three “ugliest members” and nicknamed him “Donkey Face” 6.

Personality

Zhang Yi jokes readily about his bad luck and Shen Qi’s better career prospects. He is openly envious at times, but does not try to undermine Shen. He shares audition information, asks a troupe acquaintance to look out for Shen, and believes actors can succeed through skill without submitting to exploitation 7 13 31 35.

Abilities & Skills

Acting

• In a Migrant Workers scene with Shen Qi, Zhang Yi conveys his character’s pleasure at seeing an old friend and his hesitation in asking about that friend’s future. Shen judges the performance natural and more accomplished than his own 32.
• Zhang Yi stumbles during the scene’s first take, losing a five-yuan wager he had proposed over who would cause a retake 31 32.

Writing

• He attempted to write a twenty-episode series for his troupe, which withdrew the project when he was nearly finished 6.

Relationships

• Shen Qi — Friend, fellow actor, and friendly rival. They exchange casting leads and promise to help each other if either succeeds 6 7 27 31 35.
• Xiao Jian — Troupe acquaintance who landed a role in My Own Swordsman. Zhang Yi asked him to look out for Shen Qi on that production 7 13.
• Kang Honglei — Director of Migrant Workers, which cast Zhang Yi following a recommendation from his troupe’s political commissar 27.