章 18: Plot Twist (3)
Grade A or even top-tier? For 'Exorcism'?"
The employee, with an expression suggesting difficulty understanding, responded. In contrast, bulldog-like CEO Seo Gu-seob had a confident look in his eyes.
"If not, it doesn't make sense, does it? Originally, 'Exorcism' was trash that had been drifting for over 2 years after completion, wasn't it?"
"Ye-yes, that's right."
"But we provided Jung-hyuk as the main male lead and added investment. And although it was a squeeze, even rookies, right? How many things are being sorted out at once? Can such conditions exist for a mere short film?"
"They can't."
"But damn, he violated the agreement, didn't he? Even though Jung-hyuk's past might be a bit problematic, would you question it over a short film that's just a few millions worth in production?"
"…"
The employee glanced at Park Jung-hyuk on the five-seater sofa behind him and lowered his voice.
"Well, if they aim to win the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' with 'Exorcism'… it might be a bit of a concern."
"Who cares about that old story. The fact that they're making such a shitty film is a grace in itself, and Jung-hyuk is a gentleman. Even worse guys go to the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival' just fine."
While exhaling smoke from his cigarette, CEO Seo Gu-seob moved towards the five-seater sofa where Park Jung-hyuk was sitting.
"What does Director Park say? He took the rookies to Shin Dong-chun, right? Was there any sign of other actors when he went?"
"Ah-yes, yes. Except for the fact that he was in a meeting with an unknown actor, not particularly."
"Unknown?"
"Yes. It was an unknown actor without any fame."
At the words 'unknown actor', CEO Seo Gu-seob briefly clicked his tongue and reacted nonchalantly.
"Looks like he was interviewing some idiot for a minor role. We don't need to worry about such insignificant people. Did Director Park have anything else to say?"
"No, nothing else. CEO, if an A-tier or higher actor is now on board with Director Shin Dong-chun… Shouldn't Blue View Film Company know about it?"
"They should."
CEO Seo Gu-seob, who agreed, tapped the armrest of the sofa with his index finger. Meanwhile, Park Jung-hyuk, who was sitting on the left with his legs crossed, chimed in.
"Did the Blue Vision Film Company secretly pull some strings? Director Shin Dong-chun has a decent network."
Then, CEO Seo Gu-seop slapped his own thigh.
"Right. He's worked quite a lot as a drama PD in the past, so he must have made some connections… Ah, isn't Shin Dong-chun good friends with PD Song Man-woo?"
Park Jung-hyuk answered.
"They're close. They are like brothers."
"PD Song Man-woo has several top-tier connections behind him. If those two are in cahoots, it's not surprising that they cast A-list actors in 'Exorcism'."
At this point, an employee cautiously added an opinion.
"I don't think it's a top-tier actor. There's no merit. Even if 'Exorcism' goes to the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival'… An A-list actor is a bit too much, at best a B-list actor for a supporting role. Maybe Director Shin Dong-chun hesitated and chose a B-list actor out of fear?"
"Hmm-"
The implication was that he chose a safe B-list actor over Park Jung-hyuk, who had once caused controversy despite being a top actor.
"If it's B-list or lower, it's even more annoying."
Whatever the case, for Seo Gu-seop, the CEO of GGO Entertainment, this was a very irritating situation. If it gets out in the media, they would say Park Jung-hyuk was fired comeback film.
Moreover, the comeback film was just a short film.
If it's fortunate that the overall process was carried out very secretly. However, it didn't change the fact that GGO Entertainment was scorned by Exorcism's Director Shin Dong-chun.
"Ha- I feel like shit."
The bulldog-like CEO Seo Gu-seop's face was increasingly crumpled. He then coldly instructed the employee in front of him.
"Check around Shin Dong-chun. If an A-list actor is on board, rumors will circulate somehow. If there's nothing, he's taken some useless actor."
"Understood."
"And since he is starting all over, he'll be looking for investors. Soften them up, especially independent, short film production companies."
"…What kind of softening are you talking about?"
"Subtly hint that they shouldn't invest a penny in 'Exorcism'!"
"Ah! Understood!"
"If he doesn't have money, he won't even be able to make it."
The growling CEO Seo Gu-seop turned his head towards Park Jung-hyuk on the left.
"Jung-hyuk, I'm going to give you a bunch of short film scenarios for the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival', so carefully review them and select one by tomorrow."
Park Jung-hyuk shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
"Yes, yes- but CEO, you're going to push for me strongly this time, right?"
"Do I have to say it? I'll definitely put my effort behind it, so you too, don't take it lightly and act with determination. Make sure you're at least selected better than 'Exorcism'."
"Eh, I have years of experience, you know."
There was no director who could dismiss Park Jung-hyuk if they only saw his filmography. It was quite impressive, after all. Soon, CEO Seo Gu-seop scrunched up his bulldog-like face.
"I want you to crush 'Exorcism'. This is a matter of my pride. If possible, produce a work of award-winning quality at the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival'."
He spat out the words filled with intensity.
"So that that Shin Dong-chun, that little shit, hit the ground with regret."
Afterwards.
Whether by design or by chance, the productions Kang Woojin got involved in began to pick up speed. At this point, the person who was most on edge was…
"Phew- Woojin's also confirmed, now I need to go around the film companies first."
Director Shin Dong-chun of 'Exorcism'. Since he had thrown out everything that was going on, contacting the production companies was his top priority. Thanks to this, Kang Woojin's contract was pushed back for now. They made a verbal agreement about the lead role and decided to sign a formal contract after the production company was confirmed.
On top of that, he needed investors. In other words, money.
The production company was not so much important as it was a basic requirement, and Director Shin Dong-chun needed to find investors along with contacting the production companies. There wasn't much time until the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival'.
"If it doesn't work out, I'll have to somehow get the money from my connections."
But there weren't many who would lend a large sum of money recklessly. Especially when it's a high-risk investment like a short film. In other words, Director Shin Dong-chun's situation became even harder.
It was as if he had gone back nearly two years.
If there was one difference from back then, it was that Kang Woojin was cast as the protagonist. Interestingly, unlike before, Director Shin Dong-chun was full of energy. He briefly informed his close older brother, PD Song Man-woo, of the current situation.
"Brother, I've tossed everything I had going with GGO Entertainment and I'm starting from scratch. Of course, with Kang Woojin as the lead."
Over the phone, PD Song Man-woo obviously cheered him on.
"That's good, well done. The road may be extremely rough right now, but if you look far ahead, that's the right way. How was it meeting Kang Woojin?"
"He was incredible. He showed affection for my 'Exorcism', and he understood the scenario more in detail than I, the director. It's like he's been in and out of the production. He doesn't seem like it, but he's passionate inside, you know?"
"He's the type who doesn't show it on the outside. The timing was good. Kang Woojin, he will soon be expensive."
"I guess so, when your work airs, there will be a flood of calls. Let's meet before the shooting and tell me a bit about Woojin's story. It's a bit awkward to ask him myself."
"I don't know a damn thing either. He's a friend shrouded in mystery. I'll tell you what I know. So, no contact from the other side?"
"Huh? The other side? Where?"
"Well, someone you wouldn't even imagine…no, forget it."
In the end, PD Song Man-woo still had a question.
"But where did Kang Woojin get your script?"
Director Shin Dong-chun shook his head.
"Ah- I was so distracted that I forgot to ask."
***
After Two Days.
Unknowingly, the weekdays have passed, and it's now the 22nd, Saturday. In other words, the weekend has arrived. Director Shin Dong-chun was still running around like crazy, and 'Profiler Hanryang' also boosted its progress with the same level of passion.
They were in the middle of pre-production.
All the remaining actors had been confirmed, and the sets and locations for the early scenes had been decided. Additionally, official scripts for Part 1 had been distributed to each of the actors.
Furthermore, the outlines for the script meetings and production meetings, poster shooting, and production announcement events had been decided.
With this momentum, C-Blue Studio started focusing on mid-phase promotions.
『[Issue Check] The most anticipated work of the first half, 'Profiler Hanryang', is nearing the end of pre-production, preparing for script reading』
『'Profiler Hanryang' female lead 'Hong Hye Yeon' showcases her goddess-like beauty at a fashion brand party/ Photo』
『Will SBC succeed? The buzz around 'Profiler Hanryang' grows day by day』
Meanwhile, star writer Park Eun-mi was planning a change.
"Hmm-"
She sat down, watching a video on her laptop. The video showed Kang Woojin. It was a video where Woojin first acted as 'Park Dae-ri'.
Watching the video, writer Park Eun-mi said,
"Yeah, a bit more innocently. But when he acts, there should be a little hint madness in his eyes."
Inspiration began to pour out. It was an interesting picture. The feeling of being inspired by the character 'Park Dae-ri,' perfectly portrayed by the actor?"
Thanks to that.
-Ta-da-da-da!
With her quick hand, Park Eun-mi started to revise the script that was already out to Part 4. From Part 2 to Part 4. This revised version was roughly completed on Monday after the weekend. And when PD Song Man-woo read the completed revised version in the script meeting, he said.
"······ Ah, Writer Park."
With widened eyes, he praised Park Eun-mi.
"The script quality has improved several times! From the psychology of the characters to the density of the text… But not just the other characters."
No, he admired her.
"What's with Park Dae-ri? The depth is mind-blowing, isn't it??"
***
The next day, the 25th, Tuesday.
The location was a photo shoot. Dozens of staff, large cameras, and an actress in a suit were there.
"Nice! Miss Hye Yeon! How about we try taking off the jacket this time??"
It was Hong Hye Yeon with her long hair down. Dressed in a well-fitted suit and luxury shoes.
– Click! Beep beep beep!
She changed her expression and pose to match the bursting shutter, a true professional. Anyone who saw her would drop their jaw at her stunning beauty.
Then.
"Okay! We will change clothes and go again in 10 minutes!"
Upon the staff's shout, Hong Hye Yeon, who was taking off her suit jacket, moved to her spot. There, a team of nearly 10 people was already waiting.
"Sis, good job!"
A bottle of water and a cell phone were handed to Hong Hye Yeon. Then, she sat down with a stack of papers placed on the chair. The slightly worn stack of papers had the following words on the cover.
-'Exorcism'
So, the stack of papers was the script for 'Exorcism', and for the past few days, Hong Hye Yeon had been reading the 'Exorcism' script. The same was true at this site.
Just then.
-Buzz buzz.
Her cell phone rang. The caller was Choi Sung-gun, CEO of bw Entertainment, Hong Hye Yeon's agency. Since she had business with him, Hong Hye Yeon immediately answered the phone.
"Hey, brother."
Choi Sung-gun asked over the phone.
"Are you in the middle of a photoshoot? Can you talk?"
"Yeah, I'm on break now."
"Then I'll make it quick. It's about 'Exorcism', it seems production has stopped."
"What?? Why?"
"It looks like Director Shin Dong-chun has put a halt to it. The production company was Blue View Film. They are keeping it quiet, but I checked through my line, and GGO Entertainment seems to be involved?"
"…GGO Entertainment? I didn't hear anything about that?"
"They seem to have proceeded quite secretly. Anyway, put the pieces together."
CEO Choi Sung-gun began to speculate.
"Originally, GGO Entertainment was involved. But for some reason, Director Shin Dong-chun has stopped it. In the meantime, this guy Kang Woojin appears. It feels like that bulldog from GGO Entertainment screwed up and took a hit. If there's anyone who stinks lately in GGO Entertainment, who could it be? Park Jung-hyuk."
"Ah."
"It's time to bring him back slowly. This is just my guess, but GGO must have tried to white wash Park Jung-hyuk through 'Exorcism', right? But it didn't go well. The fact that Director Shin Dong-chun beat GGO in the picture scenario. Naturally, GGO Entertainment was pissed off and now they're breathing down the necks of independent and short film production companies."
"Breathing down their necks? What do you mean?"
"It seems GGO was also going to handle the investment. But if things fall through, Director Shin Dong-chun has to raise the money again. Do you think the pissed off GGO bulldog Seo Goo-seop will just stand still?"
Choi Sung-gun's prediction was close to the answer. At this, Hong Hye-yeon, who had frowned, suddenly stood up.
"So you're saying they changed the lead actor, but now they don't have the investment money, so they can't produce 'Exorcism'?"
"What if that's the case?"
"How much is the production cost?"
"Only Director Shin Dong-chun would know."
"...…"
For some reason, Hong Hye-yeon, who had been lost in thought, mumbled into her suddenly enlightened phone.
"Brother, our bw Entertainment is also preparing for an investment project, isn't it?"
***
Meanwhile, at the same time. In the workshop of writer Park Eun-mi.
Kang Woojin, with an emotionless expression, sat upright at the kitchen table of the writer's office.
'It's a workshop, but it's just like an apartment?'
He came at the call of PD Song Man-woo. Woojin had just arrived, and on the other side of him, PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi were seated.
At this time.
"Woojin."
PD Song Man-woo with a goatee smiled lightly, breaking the ice.
"Is this your first time at writer Park's workshop?"
Kang Woojin had been controlling his mind continuously since arriving at this workshop. It was to put on a strong front and pretence. In a way, this was a battlefield. Of course, only for Kang Woojin.
'Complacency is forbidden.'
Thanks to this, Kang Woojin's face was composed. It was a bit excessive, and there was a subtle madness in his eyes, which he himself did not realize.
"Yes. That's right."
"Haha, it's called a workshop, but it's not different from home."
"That seems to be the case."
"But Woojin. Let me ask one thing before we get to the main point."
PD Song Man-woo, with a small smile, suddenly asked Woojin.
"How did you get the 'Exorcism' scenario?"
Out of the blue? Given the lack of response, it seemed that writer Park Eun-mi was also aware, and something came to Kang Woojin's mind at this point.
'Oh, right. Come to think of it, this PD Song, this old man, he was a friend of that square-jawed director, right? It was a surprise to me that they were somehow connected.'
Well, whatever that was, it was a bother to explain in detail in this situation. There was no need to lie either. So he just answered appropriately. Compressed and condensed.
"I got it from an acquaintance."
"Acquaintance?"
At the same time, Kang Woojin added a spoonful of arrogance.
"Is the source of procurement important?"
"Haha, no, no. Honestly, that's just my simple question, and what I'm really curious about is why you chose 'Exorcism'. At this timing."
"...…"
"I heard from Director Shin Dong-chun that you had a fondness for the scenario?"
Writer Park Eun-mi chimed in at the end of the sentence.
"Our drama is also in progress, but do you have a reason to go all the way to 'Exorcism'? Park's role is not easy, is it? I'm a little curious why you, Woojin, would specifically seek out to do 'Exorcism'."
"Are you curious?"
PD Song Man-woo answered for him.
"Honestly, it's a bit risky to gamble? It's a short film and the current situation isn't too great. But now, Woojin, how should I put it, you seem to be filled with too much certainty."
It was true confidence. The basis for the judgment was the void space that Woojin alone had. The ranks of works that can be seen there. Whatever it may be, Kang Woojin chose an answer. However, an appropriate pretense and gravity are needed. It's not great to avoid answering since he has to deal with the two giants for a long time. A long-winded answer is also ruled out.
While being chic and slightly vague.
'Yeah, let's go subtly. I can't talk about the void space anyway.'
Then Kang Woojin's mouth opened.
"It was just a feeling."
"...…Feeling?"
"Yes. The biggest reason I chose it was the feeling."
This should pass. Kang Woojin praised himself. On the other hand, PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi stared at Woojin from across the table. Then, PD Song Man-woo asked with difficulty.
"Are you originally… good at feeling things, Woojin?"
"I'm somewhat that way."
At Woojin's confident answer, PD Song Man-woo murmured to himself.
'Feeling. In other words, the eye or instinct for seeing a work. Hu- If 'Exorcism' really does well, this guy.....'
It was a deep exclamation.
'He's already a unique monster, and he even possesses keen instincts?'
The snowball of another misconception just set off.
*****
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