SCT-Novel Chapter 185: Opportunity (6)
Chapter 185: Opportunity (6)
A meeting room at Netflix Korea.Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin and the team leaders of each department were gathered. Tablets and stacks of papers were spread across the table. The stacks were, of course, the synopsis and first episode script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon'. The script reading for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' had already been completed by Lim Hyun-jin and the Netflix Korea staff, and they were now exchanging final opinions.
Soon, Lim Hyun-jin asked the team leader sitting next to her.
“Did you inform CEO Heo Ki-tae? That the project has been confirmed as ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’?”
The team leader nodded.
“Yes, Executive Director-nim. I properly informed him. True to his personality, he laughed heartily.”
“Well, he’s always been a hearty person.”
With a smile, she pulled the first episode script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon' that was placed nearby.
“It’s entertaining, sure, but it’s a script that meets all the conditions I had in mind. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a script that incorporates wit so perfectly without going overboard.”
Her tone was filled with satisfaction. For reference, 'Tale of the Strange Moon' had been selected as Netflix Korea’s next project. Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin’s decision came with a speed surprising even to the staff, who had expected at least a week of weighing the many submissions.
However, Lim Hyun-jin made a decisive call the moment she finished reading 'Tale of the Strange Moon', without dragging things out. Then, an employee sitting to her right asked with a slightly concerned expression.
“‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ is definitely more interesting than the other submissions, I agree, but... will it be okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not sure how many episodes Writer Rojun has planned for Season 1, but will he be able to consistently produce scripts while working as an idol.”
Other staff members chimed in.
“If we wait, Season 1’s script will eventually be completed, but if it takes too long, that’s also a problem.”
It was a valid concern. Writing scripts consistently while keeping up with a busy idol schedule might be difficult, and even if it’s possible, it could take too much time and throw off the production schedule.
“Even if the head office is currently showing strong support, that push could weaken over time.”
For a writer, producing a 12- to 16-episode script is a war. It takes immense physical and mental strength, and if the production is confirmed, they must complete it no matter what kind of troubles arise. Because this process is so difficult, star writers are rare.
Just writing is tough enough, adding idol schedules to that?
Normally, it would be impossible.
Especially since 'Vanguard' isn’t just any idol group but currently at the peak of popularity. However, for some reason, as Lim Hyun-jin pictured Kang Rojun’s face now.
“Hm-”
She felt that Writer Rojun would complete the script at a speed no one else could imitate. And there was evidence to support that.
“Even during ‘Produce That 100!’ he completed a project, and this time, while all the other writers submitted synopses, he alone brought in a completed first episode. And when he explained ‘Tale of the Strange Moon', his eyes... they were full of life and energy. He had an overflowing vitality.”
Since the prediction and assumptions were well-grounded, Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin said firmly.
“I’ve made the decision to go with ‘Tale of the Strange Moon', and from now on, Netflix Korea has only one thing to do.”
She decided to trust the look in Kang Rojun’s eyes.
“We need to prepare so that once full-scale production begins, everything can move smoothly without any hindrance.”
Then, Lim Hyun-jin gave instructions to the staff.
“Start contacting the production company and recruiting the directing PD.”
Meanwhile.
Kang Rojun received a call from CEO Heo Ki-tae in front of the shop. Heo Ki-tae laughed heartily through the phone.
“Ha ha! I was surprised too! I didn’t expect Netflix Korea to make a decision this quickly! Congratulations once again, Writer-nim! Let’s aim to take over the world with ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’!!”
Rojun, having just received this explosive good news, was a bit surprised himself. He’d thought the decision would take at least a few days, maybe up to a week, but the response came just over a day after the meeting.
“Awesome! So my ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ is getting launched globally??”
Something inside his chest boiled up all at once. It was understandable. The fact that people all over the world would be watching a work he wrote, it would be strange not to feel nervous. His heartbeat grew stronger. Sensing the excitement in Rojun’s expression, Manager Kim Ki-baek thought to himself:
'Looks like the Netflix Korea deal went well.'
He immediately sensed the reason and let out a feeble smile. Soon after, with laughter threatening to escape and barely suppressing the urge to do a little butt dance, Rojun asked Heo Ki-tae over the phone.
“Thank you, I feel really good right now. It seems like everyone enjoyed ‘Tale of the Strange Moon'. So, what happens next??”
“For now, the fact that your ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ has been selected as the project is top secret. In the first place, Netflix Korea hasn’t publicly announced this project yet. The smaller meetings will be handled by our Culture Drawer, and you, Writer-nim, just focus on writing the script for ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’.”
“Will production begin once I finish the entire script?”
“No, I think Netflix Korea will start laying the groundwork first, like contacting the production company. Since ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ will be a seasonal series, it’ll be a long-term project. Ah, by the way, how many episodes are you thinking for Season 1?”
Although there had been some changes following the meeting with Netflix Korea, Kang Rojun had already made plans before beginning the writing, so his answer came quickly.
“It might change once I actually start writing, but around 12 episodes.”
“Alright, I’ll relay that to Netflix Korea! Let us know once Episode 2 is ready! Congratulations again, Writer-nim!”
After ending the call with CEO Heo Ki-tae, Kang Rojun’s energy surged.
'I’d better start writing Episode 2 right away.'
About two hours later.
Having finished his grooming at the shop, Kang Rojun arrived at the parking lot of a large building. It belonged to BG Pictures, one of the top three film companies in the country and the producer of 'Blood Hunt'. A script reading for 'Blood Hunt' was scheduled in the main conference room in about 40 minutes.
Rojun stepped out of the car, his hair, makeup, and styling overall calm and composed.
He wore a black blazer and had his black hair down, covering his forehead. His makeup was also light.
At the moment, he was feeling a slight sense of tension.
'There are probably tons of top actors gathered inside, right??'
Though he’d done script readings before for 'Rental Lover' and 'Like a Kaleidoscope', this time 'Blood Hunt' was on a different level. The director was already a renowned master, and the cast was full of high-caliber stars.
'Back in ‘Like a Kaleidoscope', even though they were top Japanese actors, they felt unfamiliar, kind of like regular people. But this time, I know a lot of them, so I’m a bit nervous.'
Today, Kang Rojun would be acting alongside actors he’d previously only seen on TV or in films. That thought stirred both anticipation and a fluttering nervousness. Manager Kim Ki-baek, standing next to Rojun, spoke in a subdued tone.
“Hmm- are you nervous?”
“A little. Not like terrified or anything, just the right amount?”
“That’s not bad. Having some butterflies helps. If you’re too comfortable, you might slip up with your words. And also-”
Kim Ki-baek trailed off, then changed the subject.
“Are you going to do something like that sudden directing again, like during ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’? You’re also the screenwriter of ‘Blood Hunt', after all.”
“I won’t know until I’m in there, but I’m not sure yet.”
“It’s different from Japan, right? There are veteran senior actors and even legendary ones here. If you’re not careful, it might come off as arrogant. And the rumors... you’ll need to consider that.”
“Do you think I should hold back?”
“Hm?”
Kim Ki-baek tilted his head and asked back.
“If you were going to hold back, Neos would’ve stopped you already, right?”
“True, that’s a good point.”
“If you feel it’s necessary, go for it. Just do it politely. You were respectful enough back in ‘Like a Kaleidoscope'. Use about that level of intensity, okay?”
“Okay.”
Japan and Korea feel different. Kang Rojun and 'Vanguard' are based in Korea, and if he acts out of line in a script reading full of veteran actors, gossip will spread in no time. However, Manager Kim Ki-baek didn’t really try to restrain Rojun.
By this time, the main conference room of BG Pictures was already fully set up for the script reading.
Key staff and BG Pictures employees had already taken their seats, and even invited reporters were visible.
In addition.
“Hello-”
“Wow, long time no see?”
Actors were arriving one by one. Perhaps because it was a work by master-level Director Yoo Ji-heon, the actors were all high-profile. Even the supporting roles were filled with familiar faces to the public, and even minor roles had decent actors cast.
The atmosphere, for now, wasn’t bad.
“Hahaha, I saw you on a variety show recently! Weren’t you saying you’d never do variety?”
“No, the PD kept begging me to do it, so I gave in once. Just once.”
Thanks to frequent past collaborations, many of the actors were already friendly. In the midst of that, the conversation shifted to Kang Rojun.
“Isn’t that guy, Rojun-ssi? He’s coming today, right?”
“He’s both the screenwriter and an actor, so he should be.”
“I’m curious. ‘Vanguard’ is crazy popular these days, right?”
“Totally! I listen to ‘GreenBee’ all the time!”
“He’s an idol, a writer, and even an actor. Isn’t that seriously amazing??”
“What’s even more amazing is that guy’s looks. He’s probably the most handsome out of everyone coming today??”
“Hahaha, you’re right. He’s unreal.”
“I’m gonna ask for his autograph when I see him today.”
On the surface, everyone was busy praising and complimenting Rojun. Some of them were certainly sincere. But not all of them were.
'Another idol again?'
There were actors who felt uncomfortable or dismissive.
'Is this just another case of an idol ruining the vibe?'
It wasn’t specifically about Kang Rojun, but rather because of past experiences the actors had. Having worked with idols on other projects, they had developed some biases and prejudice.
'Well, that Rojun guy seems to have some acting experience, so he’s not that bad, but I swear, I’m done with doing over ten retakes just because of idols who can’t act.'
Still, no one expressed it outright. After all, Rojun was the screenwriter of 'Blood Hunt', and 'Vanguard' was currently soaring in popularity. On top of that, it was rare for actors to openly reveal what they were really thinking.
Whatever the case, while the room was still buzzing.
-Swoosh.
Someone entered the reading room and gave a sharp 90-degree bow.
“Hello!”
It was Kang Rojun. The moment he appeared, all eyes from actors and staff focused on him. Regardless of that, Rojun followed up with a loud introduction.
“I’m Rojun! I look forward to working with you.”
Attention poured in.
“Oh my! Rojun-ssi! So nice to meet you!”
“Wow- it really is Rojun-ssi??”
“I’m a huge fan of ‘Vanguard’! I listen to ‘GreenBee’ all the time! Can I take a picture with you??”
The actors, in particular, showed a lot of movement. They all pretended not to care, but their eyes were glued to Kang Rojun’s face.
'Damn, he looks insane in real life!!'
'Ugh... this is the first time I’ve ever envied someone’s looks.'
'Is he even human? How can someone look like that??'
'He’s like CG. Seriously, doesn’t that face look like it was generated with graphics? I really wanna touch it just once.'
Kang Rojun found the actors’ attention to be fascinating.
'Wow- They're all actors I've seen!'
Actors he had only seen on TV in the past were now standing in front of him showering praise. The feeling was so surreal it gave him goosebumps on his arms. Just like that, Kang Rojun was surrounded by actors for over ten minutes, and the atmosphere finally calmed down only after Director Yoo Ji-heon arrived.
“Ah! Director-nim!”
As soon as Yoo Ji-heon, a master-level director with a face flushed like he’d had a drink and a list of hit works under his belt, entered the reading room.
“Hm.”
He met eyes with Rojun and spoke in a rough voice.
“Let’s do well.”
Director Yoo Ji-heon then led Kang Rojun to the head seat at the ㅁ-shaped table. Rojun’s seat was right next to the director’s, and once the two of them sat down, the dozens of actors followed suit, settling into the chairs marked with their character names.
Camera shutters from reporters began clicking.
Then, Director Yoo Ji-heon addressed the assembled top actors in a calm tone.
“‘Blood Hunt’ script reading begins now. First, I’m Yoo Ji-heon, the director of ‘Blood Hunt’.”
With that, the script reading officially began.
“Next is Rojun.”
As soon as the introduction was done, Director Yoo Ji-heon turned his eyes to Kang Rojun. With many actors watching, Rojun stood up from his seat.
“I’m Rojun, the screenwriter of ‘Blood Hunt’ and playing the role of Hook.”
The shutter speed of the reporters' cameras multiplied several times.
At that moment.
Japan was buzzing with excitement over 'Vanguard'.
Naturally so.
《[StarTalk] Vanguard, official album release in Japan today... Dual-hit expected in Korea and Japan》
《Unstoppable Vanguard drops music in Japan! First official move since ‘Produce That 100!’... Japanese fans buzzing on SNS / Photos》
Vanguard’s debut album had finally been released in Japan. But that wasn’t all.
GN Entertainment had also officially announced Vanguard’s concert in Japan.
《'Vanguard' lands in Japan! Following Korea, concerts to be held in Japan too [Official]》
The news had been formally released in Japan.