I Will Live As An Actor Chapter 50

I Will Live as an Actor Episode 50

The manager, who was sitting in the driver’s seat and taking a bite of street toast filled with cabbage, was shocked when he saw me. It looks like a bear caught stealing a bucket of honey. I feel uncomfortable because they can’t even eat comfortably while waiting for me, who doesn’t know when I will come out.

“England, is the audition over already?”

“Brother, let’s all eat slowly and talk. Since you have plenty of time, please stop by the restaurant for a moment while I audition.”

“No, just wait for me and see if people recognize your face and gather around. If you do that, you will win a one-on-one interview with the CEO. Ugh, it’s scary to even think about it.”

“The CEO is not that strict.”

“Don’t even talk about it, this is a secret, but the CEO’s nickname is Coin. He’s usually like a Buddha because the front and back are different, but it’s so scary when he gets angry. Especially when it comes to managing actors, managers can’t tolerate even the slightest mistake.”

It was unexpected. Isn’t CEO Kim Seong-hwan always showing off his good side? However, if you are a businessman, it is better to be clear about public and private matters. Songwon Entertainment will grow even bigger in the future.

“By the way, do auditions usually end this quickly?”

“Not usually.”

Thinking back on past life experiences, for high-profile supporting roles, the audition time is quite long. This is because the actor’s acting lines, tone, and understanding of the script must be carefully checked. The supporting roles are like this, but the lead role is even worse.

In extreme cases, there are cases where auditions last all day, so it is rare for auditions to end this quickly. At that moment, manager Lee Bong-chun asks carefully.

“Did it not go well?”

“That can’t be right. Don’t worry, Bongchun. We’re going to have a proper lunch. How about pork soup for the first time in a while? If you go straight along the main street and turn right after passing the rotary, there’s a Busan soup restaurant. It’s delicious!”

“Uh! England, have you been there too? You stopped by once on your way to pick up a pick-up. It just opened, but it tasted just like the food you had in Busan! But it’s not a room-type place, so can I go there? If people recognize me, “How?”

“It’s already past lunch time and since it’s a weekday, there won’t be that many customers. And why don’t we do some research? We have to eat and work too.”

This is a soup and rice restaurant that I visited often in my past life. At the time, it was a restaurant that had been open for decades. This is the place I always go to when I’m tired of living in Seoul or feeling the pain of failing an audition. If you have a spoonful of soup and a glass of soju, everything will be forgotten. Of course, since I am a minor now, I have to give up soju.

At that time,

there was only silence in director Shin Seong-hyun’s office. As if time had stopped. Everyone looks mesmerized. The first to break the fairly long silence was none other than assistant director Kim Seok-cheol. His self-talk spreads throughout the office, like paint spread in a bucket.

“You weren’t dreaming…?”

In the empty space, it seems like there is still an actor who gave a creepy performance. I didn’t even need to see any more scenes. Not only did he show perfect acting, but he even reinterpreted the script. There was no denying that he was the main character in the script, to the extent that it would not have been strange even if the scene just before had been captured on camera.

As evidence, the goosebumps that appeared like hives all over my body still haven’t gone away. At that time, assistant director Kim Seok-cheol turns his head and looks at director Shin Seong-hyun, who is sitting next to him.

“Director, no, Shin hyung. Contract! Did you sign a contract to appear? Stop dazing and come to your senses!”

“A contract? Where did you have the spirit to write a contract?”

“Oh really, what should we do? Should we go to Songwon now? Let’s try our best to meet the conditions they want, even if it means roasting the new investor somehow. We can’t film this movie if it’s not Actor Jang!”

Even the directing team members who opposed the head’s script revision nod vigorously in agreement. Even if it means spending half the production cost, you have to cast him.

In fact, asking for a private audition made me feel like I was committing high treason. Just as I was starting to wonder if Actor Jang might be upset and retract his decision. Everyone looks as if they are fascinated by what Director Shin Seong-hyun says next.

“Actor Jang is the new investor in our film.”

* * *

After eating lunch and returning to Songwon Entertainment, a familiar figure is waiting for me. In the representative office, CEO Seonghwan Kim and PD Kim Jin are sitting facing each other, and PD Kim Jin, the giant snake, spots me and waves his hand as if he is happy to see me. Seeing this, CEO Kim Seong-hwan stands up and explains more.

“Producer Kim, then please talk to England. The opinions of the parties will be most important.”

What does this mean? When CEO Kim Seong-hwan left the office, PD Kim Jin and I were left alone in the representative office. The first person to speak was none other than PD Kim Jin.

“England, what do you think about the extension?”

“What tools are you looking for all of a sudden? Are you looking for a tool box?”

“Man, it’s not that, but what do you think about extended broadcasts? Sometimes, you’re like a ghost, and it’s only when things like this happen that you don’t understand! How could I have come all this way on a golden holiday to look for a toolbox? Are you really pretending not to understand?”

Of course.

How many dramas have graced your past life filmography, but don’t you know about ‘extended broadcasting’? It is a word that refers to a situation that is completely opposite to an early ending. Broadcasting companies only extend episodes for dramas with overwhelmingly high viewership ratings.

Increasing the number of drama programming episodes itself can be seen as changing the entire schedule for the year, so it is the same as making a big decision at the broadcasting station. Therefore, it is true that it is difficult to even discuss it unless it is a popular work that can take that kind of risk.

“Whose mouth did it come from? Director?”

“England didn’t look at you like that, but are you already trying to get in line with your superiors? What does it matter who comes out of someone’s mouth?”

It is important. If it had just been discussed, there would be no need for me to argue about this. PD Kim Jin meets my serious gaze and elaborates.

“Oh, that’s from the boss’s side. Is that okay?”

“Boss?”

“Okay, man. This is something that no one knows about except you and me on the filming set.”

her.

It’s a much bigger fish than I thought. The fact that the broadcasting station president himself made the move was as if it had already been confirmed through the discussion stage. Of course, the most important thing is the opinions of the writers and actors. As if reading my thoughts, PD Kim Jin moves forward towards me.

“They say ‘Youth’ is hugely popular in Japan right now, and it started airing on TBK two weeks ago, and the viewership rating for the first episode broke a record.”

“No, less than a month has passed since the copyright contract was signed, and it has already been broadcast?”

“Why? There’s no reason not to. It’s your heart that paid money to buy it. Isn’t that right?”

Oops.

I forgot that the current point was in the past. Later, drama rights were sold throughout Asia thanks to the craze called the Korean Wave. However, if you look at the terms of the contract, most of them are conditioned to be broadcast after the end of the domestic drama, and there are many reasons for this.

First, in the case of simultaneous transmission, the purpose is to prevent broadcasting companies from causing confusion at the filming site due to the influx of overseas fans. Second, if the show airs at the same time as Korea, overseas activities will overlap, and the rest period for the actors will inevitably be reduced.

However, at this point, such a manual is not systematically in place. That’s because although I’ve sold the copyright overseas in minor cases, this is the first time I’ve sold the copyright overseas for such a large amount of money. PD Kim Jin continues speaking as if to awaken his thoughts.

“That’s why there’s an uproar even among drama executives. I guess they said they would pay double the copyright fee for the extended episodes if the show was extended in Japan. They probably thought it was a profitable business since it was that popular.”

“From the broadcasting station’s point of view, it would be like throwing a ditch and catching lobsters. In addition to viewership ratings, you can get more overseas rights fees through Alpha.”

“Man, it’s embarrassing to say that. Why would I want to extend the show? Still, you won’t get an additional appearance fee for each extended episode. My salary is all I can get at best.”

“Why are performance bonuses deducted?”

“If you look at it, the UK is so young that you are so concerned about the broadcasting station’s situation? You said it well. How strong is the performance bonus for terrestrial broadcasters? Are you going to ask me to extend it to the point where I have to criticize it all night long to receive it? I asked you countless times as you peed at me from above. You see.”

“Writer Hwang would definitely have rejected it outright, and what did Minhye say?”

“Look, you look like a ghost. I haven’t even mentioned the story of Author Hwang, but I see you’re noticing it.”

It was obvious why PD Kim Jin came to the agency like this. Writer Hwang refused to extend the broadcast, so he is trying to coax the main actors. In fact, not only the main supporting actors but also minor roles welcomed the extended broadcast. Isn’t this natural? This is because you can enjoy more popularity as well as appearance fees as the drama is extended.

“Actor Seo’s agency said OK, but he said England will follow your opinion.”

I didn’t expect this. But my answer would have been the same as Seo Min-hye said.

“I am opposed to extended broadcasts. It is right for a work to end where the author has decided to end it.”

If it had been like my past life, the answer would have been different. However, didn’t you promise to live this life as an actor? Rather than being concerned about guarantees and popularity, I had a strong desire to leave behind a proper filmography.

“Do you really think so?”

“Of course. It’s the same when drawing a picture. If you overextend the canvas, the picture will only become lighter. It’s unfortunate for those who have different opinions, but that’s my opinion.”

PD Kim Jin nods briefly as if he understands and stands up. I’m a bit surprised that PD Kim Jin, also known as King Snake, seems to have given up so blandly, but what can I do? Producer Kim Jin, who is leaving the representative office, has a light smile on his face, as if he has completely given up. It’s as if his eyes are saying this.

‘After all, I am good at seeing people.’

Not long after, CEO Seonghwan Kim enters the representative office again. I can’t help but feel sorry when I see his old shoes. Didn’t they selectively pick out the flood of advertisements and implement only a few? If it had been the president of another agency, he might have forced me to film by signing a contract right away.

“I’m sorry, CEO.”

“What’s there to be sorry about? Straighten your shoulders.”

CEO Seonghwan Kim smiles kindly and raises his thumb.

“As an actor, you have to be self-centered.”

* * *

Namhang Market.

The waves are calm, as if indicating that the late heat has subsided. Just as seagulls fly in pairs over the docks, young women walk in procession along the corners of the market. Even among the dialects of the Busan ladies, their Japanese pronunciation stands out.

“If you look at the road shown in the column, this is definitely the right way…”

“No, if you go this way, you’ll have to go back far.”

“Shall I ask the merchants?”

They are Japanese tourists. Because it borders the port city of Busan, a high percentage of foreign tourists visiting Busan are Japanese. However, they are not here to look at the market, but are wandering around looking for a destination, like people looking for something.

After wandering around the market for so long, the women stop in front of a familiar store and shout at the same time as if they have found gold and silver treasure.

“found!”

England, the son of South Port!

Several people come in pairs into a store with a stylish sign. Thanks to this, England’s mother and Mrs. Yang, who were talking inside the store, got up from their seats in shock.

Anyway, since it was the time when there were the fewest customers, the sudden visit of young ladies was unfamiliar. Even more so, I wonder what’s going on with this situation since it doesn’t look like he’s Korean and even sounds like he’s speaking a foreign language. At that time, Lady Yang steps in to replace England’s embarrassed mother.

“Namhang and what are you doing?”

This is a lady from the Yang family who had a fish stall at Namhang Market for a long time. A third language, a mixture of Korean and Japanese, is spoken fluently, as if they have only received foreign tourists once or twice in the meantime. But the Japanese seem to welcome even that.

“Toujin!”

“Toujin-sama!”

“Toujin? Hijiki is in season now. What do you keep saying? Because hijiki is a thing. Instead of that, gizzard shad is in season right now and it’s delicious. Why don’t you try it?”

Just as Ms. Yang was about to pick up the gizzard gizzard to show her, one of the tourists took out a photo from her bag. In the laminated photo was Kim Do-jin (UK), the main character of the drama ‘Youth’. At this sight, England’s mother, who was standing behind her, approaches, rubbing her eyes.

“It’s a photo of us…?”

“England, mother, please just sleep. What these women and children are talking about right now is not hijiki, but soup. Is it true that Yeongguk’s name in the drama is Kim Do-jin? These boys’ name is Dojin, right?”

“Hi! Dojin-sama!”

The Japanese tourists are happy, as if they finally understood what they were talking about. Tourists don’t want to take pictures with British mothers, so they buy all the seafood in the store. Didn’t he also buy the fish sold at Aunt Yang’s store? It will be a happening if it ends here, but this procession will continue in the future.

In Japan, the fever for the drama ‘Youth’ had just ignited. Thanks to the popularity of Britain, the heyday of South Port has arrived once again.

* * *

The second half.

As Cheo Seo (處暑) approaches. The filming of the drama ‘Youth’ was also nearing its end. Usually, the latter half of drama filming is literally without any war. Side Script Vigil (徹夜) is literally a series of penance, but the case of the drama ‘Youth’ was different.

It was a work that received full support from broadcasting stations. How could it be that broadcasters have come to say that it would be nice if filming was as easy as ‘Youth’?

“England, have you seen the article? I heard that youth dramas are very popular in Japan?”

Manager Lee Bong-chun asks in the car heading to the filming site. This is what I heard from PD Kim Jin, who visited the agency a few days ago. Moreover, the media also announced the great success of the Korean drama ‘Youth’ in Japan. This was an unusual event because the Korean Wave had not yet spread properly overseas.

“But why are there so many people at the filming site?”

At the words of the manager behind the wheel, England sticks his head out and looks out the car window. Entry to the filming site is strictly prohibited for outsiders. By blocking access not only to the general public but also to reporters, this is to prevent the content of the second half of the filming from being leaked outside. But.

Busily.

There were really a lot of people. Isn’t there a lot of it as if you were at a concert hall? Not only the FDs but also the entire broadcasting station staff came out to stop them, but it seemed like it was not enough. At a time when even the car is stopped because it cannot enter the filming location, the door to the back seat suddenly opens.

“England! Don’t get off!”

Producer Kim Jin runs out in a hurry and quickly enters the car. PD Kim Jin’s face is not showing the usual composure. As proof of this, not only his face but also his back was full of sweat. If someone who doesn’t know you sees you, they’ll think you’ve done some exercise.

“Producer, what are all these people? They are too similar in age to be local residents, and they are all women?”

“Don’t say anything, they’re all your fans.”

“yes?”

“They said they were fans who came over from Japan as a group. It looks like some reporter wrote down the location of our filming site while writing about his thoughts on the drama in his column. I can’t just turn a blind eye when he brought gifts with his hands full and said he would give them to you. Even now. Through this, the FDs and staff come forward and use all their hands and feet to talk, but I don’t know if they can’t understand or they’re just pretending not to understand. This is how coercive they are. That doesn’t mean they can’t call the police. Oh my, Actor Seo’s car also came. .”

Producer Kim Jin turns his head and spots actress Seo Min-hye’s car close behind us. She is also unable to enter the filming site due to the current situation.

“England, don’t get out of the car just in case. Stay there for now. If you get out of the car for no reason, you might get in trouble. If things don’t work out, you’ll have to call private security and set up barricades. This is the first time in my life as a producer that I’ve ever had a situation like this. A first! ”

It was understandable that PD Kim Jin was embarrassed. Nowadays, there is virtually no fandom culture for actors, so dealing with it is bound to be immature. But my case was different.

In my past life, I have teamed up with actors who were idols many times and have seen all kinds of sights. In the vulgar language, it is called tribute, and there are many cases where the fandom not only gives food trucks, but also snack trucks and coffee trucks. I heard there were times.

‘So, I guess they’re going to use their energy and use idols.’

The more idols had a strong fan base, the sooner they debuted as leading actors. Because it was the same as securing viewership ratings. Of course, it is not uncommon for dramas that feature idols as leads to fail due to their acting skills.

“I will solve it.”

“What?”

“Youngkuk, that’s not possible. Hyung, come down and take a look at the atmosphere!”

The two tried to stop him, but it was already too late. Open the backseat door and walk towards the filming site. My manager and PD Kim Jin are embarrassed and follow me.

Trudging.

A scene I often witnessed at filming sites in my past life. Isn’t it a joke to say that you are training someone? I have often seen how idols boil down their fandom. So, from my perspective, I wasn’t scared or nervous. All I can think of is that I need to resolve this situation quickly.

“Toujin-san—!”

When I appeared, Japanese fans quickly got up from their seats and ran over.

“Everyone, please walk slowly and gather in front of me. People in the back, don’t push the people in front. If you get too close, people in the front might fall, so just stop there. You all came all the way from Japan to see me, right? ”

I never thought that the poor Japanese I had learned in my past life would be so useful.

On the other hand, the filming crew, Kim Jin PD’s manager Lee Bong-chun, and even actress Seo Min-hye and her manager who got out of the car were watching the scene. I can’t hide my surprise.

It’s surprising that England speaks Japanese, but the Japanese fans who used to not listen so much can be controlled by England’s every word. In addition, the eyes of fans looking at England are full of admiration and envy.

“I am truly honored to meet you all like this. I would like to meet each and every one of you, shake hands, and sign autographs, but as you know, I am busy filming right now. I will do my best to make time for overseas fans at my agency as soon as possible. “I’m going to do it, so I think you should just look at me face to face and then go home. In Japan, it’s called yubikiri (ゆびきり), right?”

A sign of promise by crossing the little fingers together.

As England raised their little fingers in the air, the Japanese fans also rushed to raise their little fingers in the air. Where on earth did they learn such manners? Producer Jin Kim and the entire filming team were literally crying out loud.