I Will Live As An Actor Chapter 49

I will live as an actor Episode 49

Vulgata.

Bible in Latin. As you turn each page, more complex characters appear. Fortunately, I found the pronunciation and meaning translated into Korean, so there is no problem reading it. As I was concentrating as if I was studying for a test, the manager, who was glancing at me through the rearview mirror, spoke carefully.

“England, do you study foreign languages? But that curly handwriting isn’t even English. What country is it?”

“It’s Latin. I plan to study a foreign language in advance whenever I have time.”

“There are a lot of people who get sick of being told to study just English, but why are you studying a foreign language without even asking them to? England said you’re good at English too? I heard from the CEO that you’re the top student at school. Are you really that good at studying?”

“No, I was originally a nerd.”

“Hey, don’t lie.”

It’s true.

Studying depends on one’s mindset, and I was only able to do this because I had a certain level of confidence in foreign languages, especially English.

Nowadays, there are few celebrities who study foreign languages, but hopefully in the future, the Korean Wave will spread throughout Asia and overseas. If a Korean singer were to appear on the Billboard charts, who would they trust now? Thanks to this, foreign languages have become an essential course for both actors and singers from the time they debut.

The reason I felt the need to learn a foreign language came from an experience in my past life.

‘I was really embarrassed at that time.’

In my last life, when I was in middle age, I was caught at airport immigration because I couldn’t communicate well abroad. Due to the somewhat rough-looking atmosphere, they were mistaken for a gang. After that, I opened my eyes to English and gradually began to acquire other languages.

“Since you speak English well, it will be easy to advance overseas!”

Manager Lee Bong-chun is already drinking kimchi soup. That’s also true, as the copyright for the drama ‘Youth’ has been confirmed to be exported to Japan.

It was widely reported in the media without even an embargo, causing an uproar not only in the entertainment industry but also in the broadcasting industry. The copyright fee per episode has not been officially disclosed, but rumors say it is the highest ever.

“By the way, is it okay to film a commercial? Yesterday, you were filming a drama late into the night and couldn’t sleep for a few hours. If you’re too tired, tell me and I’ll try to find some time so you can get some sleep!”

Thank you just for words. Unless they are at the level of a director, it is difficult for a road manager to demonstrate their capabilities on set. How dare you call the youngest manager at the filming site “Royal Tuk”? This means that there is no time to stretch out your back to say hello here and there on behalf of your actor.

“It’s okay, bro. This is no problem.”

It’s not a lie. The intensity of filming for the drama ‘Youth’ is rather weak. How much did you suffer from the side script in your past life? By the end of filming, there is no real sense of war. Not only the filming team, but also the actors were exhausted and turned into green onion kimchi. However, the case of ‘youth’ was different.

Not only was there no side script, but the broadcasting station even rotated the C team out of consideration for the filming site. This is unusual considering that most people go as one team. Team BC was in charge of auxiliary filming for supporting or minor characters, so there was plenty of leeway on set.

That’s probably why I have time to film commercials like this.

“England, we’re here.”

Soon, today’s filming site is visible through the car window.

* * *

I decided to film a commercial because I thought the cow horn was too sweet. Despite numerous love calls, advertising was put on the back burner. Meanwhile, advertisers seem to have become anxious. Although it was not intentional, contract terms and guarantees have become better. It’s not a bad change for me.

‘It’s a perfume ad.’

This is an advertisement that CEO Kim Seong-hwan decided upon after much deliberation. There were proposals for advertisements on a variety of topics. However, this is the result of excluding anything that does not fit the image of ‘youth’ and choosing studio shooting rather than outdoor shooting. If I had only looked at money, I would have chosen the one with the highest guarantee, but it was a decision I made out of consideration for myself.

“The overall concept of Actor Jang’s today’s shoot is to express Actor Jang’s scent as if creating deformation. While the dancers around him make avant-garde movements, Actor Jang emphasizes a luxurious image at the center. When it comes to Deor perfume, it’s just Jang. “Today’s goal is to leave a strong impression on viewers’ minds, to the point where they think of the actor’s face.”

He is an advertising director whose attire is so sophisticated that he can be considered a costume designer rather than an advertising director. You are truly stylish wearing a muffler in this hot summer. In addition, the green horn-rimmed glasses that match his bald head exquisitely create a trustworthy image. Anyone who looks at it will think, “Oh, this person is an expert.”

“Look. I like models who dress well like this.”

I put on my makeup and change my clothes. Advertising filming is a one-time thing. That’s why the advertising director sits next to the model while she’s getting her makeup done and constantly talks about the shoot. After learning the storyboard and going to the set, an unfamiliar person appears with the commercial director.

“Actress Jang is the CEO of this perfume advertisement.”

“Nice to meet you, Young-guk. This is Hwang Jang-mi, the representative of Deol’s Korean branch. You don’t know how hard we tried to recruit you, Young-guk. You said it would be difficult to advertise during the filming of the drama, so we were planning to wait until the drama ended, but I’m glad you decided sooner than expected.”

“Hello, I’m actor Jang Young-guk. Thank you for saying that, but Mr. CEO, is there a reason you wanted me as a model? I’m personally curious.”

The advertiser’s choice was surprising. Isn’t it natural? In later years, the number of men using perfume increased significantly, but it would not be an exaggeration to say that in the present era, it was the exclusive domain of women. However, I was a bit surprised that they chose me as the advertising model. If the plan was to capitalize on the popularity of ‘Youth’, the female lead, actress Seo Min-hye, would have been better.

“I think that soon there will come a time when even ordinary men will wear makeup and use perfume. Let’s just say it’s an investment for that time.”

Perhaps because he is a businessman, he has a keen eye. As she said, a time will come in the future when even ordinary men will have at least one perfume.

“In particular, the perfume ‘Pureté’ released by Deol this time is a masculine scent. There are many famous actors and models, but I was looking for someone who could clearly express that color beyond the TV screen. And then I saw Young-Kuk in ‘Youth’. As soon as I saw it, I was immediately impressed. “I felt it. It was an image that fit perfectly with Pureté.”

The filming proceeded smoothly under the presence of the advertiser.

With a cue sign, a man wearing a pure white shirt saying

“Pureté”

recites the name of the perfume written in French, then places his scented wrist behind his neck and gently presses it. The dancers dance like fairies on a set made up of lush bonsai trees, as if representing a forest. A man leisurely passes between them.

Every time he passes by, the fairies stop dancing and look at him in fascination. How was it possible for a mere human to deceive a fairy?

‘A distinct scent that goes beyond the cathode ray tube.’

As you know, there is no scent coming from the cathode ray tube. However, it had to be expressed through directing and acting. The man smiles faintly at the fairies looking at him. Then, with his long fingers, Younggeul picks up the perfume ‘Pureté’ lying on the side of the rock like fruit.

When I put the scent on my wrist again, the fairies approach me excitedly. But the man seems arrogant and doesn’t care. Then, as ordered by the director, he repeats a short but impactful line to the camera.

“Make Deol a pure man.”

* * *

This is a steak full of flavor and juiciness. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve been to a place like this since I only eat Korean food every time. In my past life, I would have definitely had wine, but since I am a minor, I have no choice but to be satisfied with sparkling juice.

“Does it suit your taste, England?”

I happened to be treated to dinner by Hwang Jang-mi, the representative of Deol’s Korean branch. Of course, the advertising director was also there. How could it not suit your taste? This is a restaurant I have frequented in my past life. When I nodded briefly and answered that it was delicious, CEO Hwang Jang-mi naturally continued speaking.

“When I monitored it in the studio, the picture was as good as I expected.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

“We wanted to create a natural, pure image that wasn’t artificial, and it was an image that fully conveyed the scent of our Deol just through the video. Viewers who watch the advertisement will definitely feel the same way.”

“It’s all thanks to the advertising director’s good storyboarding.”

As I turn the ball around, the advertising director smiles happily. At that time, CEO Hwang Jang-mi puts down the knife and explains further.

“Why don’t you take this opportunity to become Deol’s exclusive model? I’m not bragging, but Deol’s stock price is rising not only overseas, but also in Korea. Needless to say, it has a luxurious image as a luxury product. “I will suggest this to the CEO of the agency, but Mr. UK’s opinion will be the most important. In that sense, I would like Mr. UK to take charge of the new perfume advertisement that will be released in the next lineup.”

“Okay, Actor Jang. As the CEO said, why don’t we try to get it together again next time? The picture was too disappointing to film just one piece today.”

The advertising director seems to have joined forces with CEO Hwang Jang-mi.

Exclusive contract.

I wondered why this story didn’t come out.

In most cases, when advertisers are so favorable, they have similar reasons. The goal is to take advantage by signing an exclusive contract when the ransom (guarantee) is as low as possible. Anyway, in this world, depending on the work, the ransom price goes up through the roof literally in the blink of an eye, so it would be a worry.

In particular, the image of myself reflected in the eyes of a businesswoman who is currently rising through the drama Youth is a truly coveted product. Even if you refuse, there is a high possibility that you will persist. Still, just in case, I won’t say anything definite either positive or negative.

“I hope so too. Here, give me another glass of juice!”

To change the topic of conversation, I call the server in a rude voice.

It was only when dusk fell that

I was able to return to my grandfather’s mansion. just as expected. CEO Hwang Jang-mi showed persistence beyond expectations. In order to shake off her persistence, I also tried to manage myself without offending her. If I hadn’t had the experience of being middle-aged in my past life, I might have been offended by her wit.

“Whew.”

I open the script without even having time to lie down on the bed.

The rule is not to look at other scripts while filming a drama, but this time was different. Moreover, isn’t tomorrow the day of the personal audition?

Priest’s confession.

Just as a pebble creates ripples on a calm lake, to me, ‘Confessions of a Priest’ is such a work. It could be said that he awakened my talent as an actor and at the same time gave me back my compass in life. Since it’s that kind of work, it’s natural to want to pull it off successfully.

“Can I do well?”

At that moment, as if answering the question, the captivating words in the script steal our exhausted gaze. As if telling you not to lose sight of yourself.

* * *

audition.

In my past life, I was inseparable from auditions. When I was playing small roles without even an agency, I was busy signing up for auditions when they came out. Of course, I couldn’t even get the lead role. Being cast for a minor role or, if lucky, a supporting role was like a rain in a drought.

‘I feel like I’m back when I was a rookie.’

It’s a shabby building. This is where director Shin Seong-hyeon’s office is located. It may seem shabby, but it is also the reality of most film directors these days. In fact, it was common for even directors who made a name for themselves during the independent film industry to leave the film industry, unable to survive the unknown period in commercial films.

Even after finishing filming, if you don’t break even, you go bankrupt. As such, there is currently no proper sponsorship or investment system in place.

“Actress Jang, welcome.”

It appears that furniture and fixtures have been pushed into the walls to use the office as an audition room. Director Shin Seong-hyeon greets me with an apologetic expression. This is because having a personal audition while the script has been revised can easily damage the actor’s self-esteem.

But I understand him.

“Actor Jang, let me introduce our directing team. Starting from here, Mr. Kim Seok-cheol, who is the assistant director and scripter, and this…”

No matter how much he is the head, he cannot exercise omnipotent power. Moreover, this is the case with unknown directors. The production department can be said to be the central axis of the filming site. Each person is an indispensable and valuable resource on the filming site.

In such a situation, the director modified the script arbitrarily, so the backlash must have been formidable. It is the actor’s acting ability that puts all of that to rest.

“Hello, I’m actor Jang Young-guk. I hope you enjoy today’s audition!”

Director Shin Seong-hyeon and other members of the production department looked quite perplexed as he bowed his head deeply in a booming voice, just like when he was playing small roles in his past life. It seems he was dissatisfied with the audition and thought he might show up uncooperative.

“Actor Jang, could you please start with scene number 47? If you don’t have a script, we’ll give you a printout we’ve prepared so you can watch it.”

“It’s okay. How can you act after reading a script at an audition?”

I had already read the script to the point where it was worn out. In order to understand the world in the script, I visited the diocese and even met with the archbishop. Even more so, how crazy was I about this script in my past life? Even though he was not a religious person, he memorized the psalms. The protagonist’s age changed, but the situation was the same.

Because it was a scene I had already encountered in past life videos, I was able to come up with a better scene.

“Director, if you don’t mind, can I change the direction a little bit according to my interpretation of scene number 47? If you don’t like it after watching it, I will repeat it according to the original script.”

A look of surprise passes through Director Shin Seong-hyeon’s eyes. A movie script usually consists of about 150 scenes. He didn’t give any hints about the audition, but doesn’t that mean he memorized all the scenes? What’s more, he even came up with his own interpretation of it. I can’t believe it, but the audition has started.

“Scene number 47, reciting Lim Jong-gyeong!”

The assistant director’s voice replaces the slate.

It is a scene of breaking away from the responsibility of being a priest. There is a young man dying in a luxurious hospital room. While drunk, he caused a car accident that killed his family, and he became unconscious and was taken to the hospital. In the meantime, all kinds of life-extending devices are connected to the body to survive.

“Father, please make sure my son doesn’t get sick on his final journey.”

A member of the production department whose role is to receive lines. At that moment, she is startled. This is because I felt an inexplicable sense of discomfort when I saw England turning his head. However, as if it were an illusion, a gentle voice is heard next.

“Sister, I will now pray for your son. If you don’t mind, could I post a prayer in Orthodox Latin? I think that way, you too will sleep more comfortably.”

England looks at an empty space with no one in it. In the script, there is a young man lying in a hospital bed. The production team, including director Shin Seong-hyeon, watches the scene. Soon, a reverent and holy voice flows out. And that too in Latin, not Korean.

“The wicked have brought forth iniquity, and have brought forth misfortune, and have brought forth lies.”

Because it is Latin, the young man’s mother cannot understand it. All they can do is stare endlessly at the back of the priest reciting the death song and his child lying on the hospital bed. However, the production team becomes a filming camera and looks directly at the bride.

“He dug a pit and fell into the trap he made. His troubles return on his own head.”

As a priest, it is right for him to save the dying, but in reality, the victim’s family bleeds out on the cold floor and the perpetrator continues to live in this luxurious hospital room. Even though her child sacrificed innocent people, the mother cries out for her child to be saved.

How could one not feel a contradiction in that sight?

gulp.

Director Shin Seong-hyeon’s eyes opened as wide as a flower lantern. My fingertips are trembling slightly. That’s not all. Everyone was like that. This is because the expression on the priest’s face while reciting the Imjong-gyeong was gradually changing as if it were being cut off frame by frame.

Just as Jekyll straightens his bent back and becomes Hyde, the fine muscles move from the corners of the mouth to the small wrinkles in the eyes.

“His tyranny will come down on the top of his head.

(Psalm 7:14-17)”

The young man lying in the hospital bed vaguely opens his eyes. As if to represent that point of view, the production team moves forward with their stance. And the bride’s appearance appears in his eyes. The voice is devout and distorted in a grotesque way, but the lips are joyful and the eyes are razor-blue.

A priest who left the priesthood once again recites his final death message in Latin.

“Lord, punish him.”

Forever.

The young man opens his eyes painfully. Perhaps it is on the border between this world and the afterlife. Eventually, his heart stops pumping and the electrocardiogram on the central monitor draws a horizontal line. With a beeping mechanical sound, the priest’s expression becomes gentle as if it were a lie, and he completely transforms into a priest comforting a mother who has lost her child.

The directing team was left speechless by that brief scene. Not only did they make an empty scene look like a filming location, but the actor’s overwhelming acting skills made my whole body feel horrified.