Chapter 163:
With a profound tone, James received Honda's words with a faint smile.
"I believe Actor Kang Jinseok's acting is on par with other actors. Mr. James, you also acknowledged his high-level performance. He's good-looking too."
"I didn't say he was good-looking. My daughter, a K-pop fan, mentioned, Actor Kang Jinseok seems to be the most handsome among Korean entertainers.'"
Honda, inwardly thinking, Did his daughter say that?' chuckled to himself, then continued as if it were nothing.
"Well, anyway, if the director thinks he's good enough, he should do well in Hollywood, don't you think?"
James pondered for a moment in response to Honda's words. Then, clenching his fist, he spoke with a serious tone.
"Success in Hollywood doesn't necessarily require acting skills or looks. It's about star quality.'"
"If you say star quality,' could you specify exactly what you mean?"
"Well, it's a bit challenging to explain, but if I were to express it, it's the ability to turn an ordinary work into an outstanding one."
James took a moment to breathe after his statement. Sensing the delicate nature of the topic, Honda cautiously inquired,
"So, when the director sees him, does he perceive Kang Jinseok as an actor with star quality?"
"Well, in Asia, he's considered a tremendous star. Thanks to The Way They Chose,' he's somewhat known in the United States and Europe too. However, it's challenging to label him as a star.' Personally, I'm a fan, though."
Honda's expression subtly stiffened at James's words. The fact that Jinseok didn't fit James's criteria meant, in other words, that he wouldn't be cast.
In truth, Honda didn't particularly care whether James chose to cast Jinseok or not. However, the reason he was concerned about Jinseok was his personal ambition. He wished for the actor he recommended to be cast in James's project.
But judging from the way he's talking there might be a candidate in mind.'
At that moment, as Honda entertained such thoughts inwardly,
"But," James spoke with a meaningful tone,
"No one knows when or how a star is born."
""
"Just like I once said."
***
First Shoot Celebration Dinner.
They rented out a Korean barbecue restaurant near the accommodation. Surprisingly, we were the only ones there. Perhaps because of that, although it was a celebration dinner in Japan, it felt like the typical gatherings we had in Korea.
"Come on! Has everyone filled their glasses?"
Among the staff, Director Park,' who took on the role of the drinking party leader, raised his glass energetically and shouted.
"Originally, the first toast should be given by the director, but since the directors have their own space, I, the drinking party leader, Director Park, will give the first toast. As expected, when we toast, it should be refreshing!"
At that moment, as Director Park was about to give a typical toast
"Manager, you keep saying cheers.' I'll tell the director, and you'll be sent back to Korea."
The senior staff next to Director Park spoke in a playful tone. Although it was likely a joke, the senior staff was the type of person who could actually do it, so Director Park was taken aback.
After hesitating for a moment, Director Park quickly finished the toast with a forced smile.
"Haha Well, everyone, thank you for your hard work on the first shoot. We still have a long way to go, so don't tire yourselves out too much."
"Hey, stop with the unnecessary talk and just sit down. Let's just grill some meat."
"Yeah."
The somewhat robust Mr. Park getting scolded by a senior with an even higher position seemed amusing to some of the staff. Upon hearing this, Mr. Park squinted his eyes and menacingly asked, "Hey, find this funny?" causing the surrounding staff to awkwardly cough and avoid eye contact.
"Alright, everyone, just eat as you please. Don't use the excuse of no shoot tomorrow so drink excessively. Keep your alcohol intake in check, in moderation," the senior officer declared loudly, scanning the group.
"Yes!"
"That's right. Oh, and actors, please enjoy the meal too!"
The senior officer waved his hand toward the table where I was sitting, and some of the actors responded by shaking hands with him.
"Wow, having a company dinner here. I really feel like I've made it," one of the actors exclaimed.
"This place is famous, isn't it? I heard it's hard to get a reservation. How did they manage to book the whole place?"
"Look at the marbling on this beef. It's a true work of art, a masterpiece."
And so, the dinner began. Even though we had only started shooting a day ago, we had become quite friendly with each other through script readings and various meetings, making the atmosphere comfortable and relaxed.
After about an hour into the dinner, some of the actors began to stand up from their seats. Unlike the staff, it seemed like the actors didn't want to overeat and were content with eating a moderate amount.
"Should I leave too?"
Since the hotel was right in front of us, and staying here any longer might lead to endlessly indulging in the all-you-can-eat restaurant, it seemed like a good idea to leave as soon as possible.
"Sigh. It's a shame to leave this meat behind though."
Muttering with a hint of regret, I stood up from the table. At that moment, Ha Jun, who was dining nearby with other managers, quickly rushed over and asked, "Where are you going, sir?"
"I was thinking of getting up. If I stay any longer, I might end up eating too much."
"Oh, if that's the case, I'll come with you."
"No, it's okay. I can go alone. You stay and enjoy, Ha Jun. The hotel isn't far-"
Just as I was saying this.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Katahiro clapped his hands, bringing a sudden hush to the bustling restaurant.
"I apologize for interrupting your enjoyable time. I have someone I'd like to introduce."
"Allow me to introduce Vice President Honda from Toho."
Katahiro gestured towards the man standing beside him.
"Many of you may already know, but during the early stages of production for The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World,' there was a slight misunderstanding between Toho and us, causing some trouble. Although it has been resolved now, Vice President Honda from Toho would like to personally apologize to all of you for that incident, so he's here with us today."
"Hello, everyone. I'm Honda Maru from Toho."
The sudden appearance of Honda caused a buzz among the staff.
"Toho's Vice President?"
"Came to apologize?"
The whispers and questions spread among the staff.
"I heard the director went through a lot because of Toho. We suffered too."
Honda glanced around for a moment before lowering his head and speaking.
"As Director Katahiro mentioned just now, there was a bit of a misunderstanding. It was entirely our fault, and I've come here to meet you all and apologize."
.
"I hope the rest of the shoot goes smoothly without any incidents."
Whether it was because the interruption during the dinner dampened the mood or simply because Honda wasn't welcome, the staff didn't show much of a reaction.
In response to the staff's indifference, Katahiro spoke with a composed smile.
"Come on, everyone, don't be like that. It's not just Vice President Honda who came to encourage you. Do you all know? Director James One is here. Director James, say hello."
"Good evening. I'm James One."
A man from behind Katahiro stepped forward, wearing a cap with three stripes, a logo of a sports brand.
Wait, James One?
"The Hollywood director?"
It was a name that anyone with even a slight interest in movies, let alone actors, might have heard of. In his younger days, he was known for making horror films, but in recent years, he has been creating one successful thriller after another.
The unexpected appearance of such a figure caught everyone by surprise, and my eyes widened in astonishment.
And I wasn't the only one.
"J-James One? The James One?"
-Why is he here?
-Hey, Sangmu. Get an autograph later.
-I can't speak English.
-Just say James Please, sign. I'm Sangmu.' That's all you need.
The reactions were markedly different from when Honda appeared. Not only the staff but also the actors sparkled with interest as they looked at James.
With a faint smile, James spoke, "You might think I'm just saying this, but I really love Asian films. Especially the charming and delightful feel unique to Korean works and the beautiful sensibility that Japan has in its works."
.
"And I believe that the work you're creating this time combines those two emotions I love. I'm grateful to all of you who are creating such a piece, and meeting you is truly an honor."
At James' words, the staff exchanged subtle smiles. Of course, there was no reason to dislike the atmosphere. Being praised by a master in the US film industry was something to be proud of.
"Well then, please enjoy your meal. I'll always be rooting for your creative endeavors and wishing you good luck in your work."
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
In response to James' words, the staff began to applaud in unison. I also joined in, applauding enthusiastically while gazing intently at James.
After a while, the applause gradually subsided. However, everyone's attention still lingered on James.
However, at that moment,
"Oh, you were there."
James glanced around and then pointed at me with a bright smile.
"Actor Kang Jinseok, could you please sign this? I'm a huge fan. If it's okay, can we sit together and have a meal? I have something to discuss."
"?"
James One is my fan?
Everyone in the restaurant turned to look at me simultaneously.
***
Two days later, filming resumed.
Today, the staff were bustling around, and I was going through the script.
However,
"The atmosphere feels a bit different."
Whenever the staff passed by me, they glanced at me curiously. We had shared a meal together, and most of the staff had worked together on the previous film, "Absolute Unlicensed Counseling," so it wasn't like I was a stranger.
Yet, the way they were looking at me was probably because of
"It must be because of Director James One."
An actor whom a successful Hollywood director called his "fan." It was only natural that the staff would find it intriguing.
Trying my best not to show any sign of discomfort from the staff's curious gazes, I continued reading the script.
"Actor Kang, how's your condition today?"
Director Katahiro approached and said, "Oh, hello, Director. I'm feeling good."
"That's good to hear. Today's shoot might be a bit long, and it might get tiring, but let's do our best. I trust you since you're an actor to the extent that that director' calls you his fan."
"Haha"
As I responded with a bashful smile, Katahiro patted my shoulder.
"I'm not trying to pressure you, but it's an important scene. You've done well so far, but today, I'll rely on you a bit more."
It is an important scene indeed.
Today's shoot involves the protagonist being somewhat reluctantly taken on a journey by the school headmaster. It's a scene where the protagonist meets the female lead for the first time, a part I had seen in the previous possession.
As is typical in many works, the scene where the main characters first meet is crucial. It practically marks the beginning of the movie in earnest.
"And I'm curious too."
I couldn't help but wonder how Tadano, who is extremely guarded and wary of people, ended up liking the woman he met at a ramen shop. It continued to occupy my thoughts.
"I'll do my best. I've been looking forward to this scene as well."
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