Top Management Chapter 203-204

Chapter 203: Once You Start Being Swayed (1)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"CEO! What are you trying to do?!"

"Director Oh, don't act like this outside. Let's go inside the meeting room-!"

"Are you embarra.s.sed that rumors will spread that this is a mess? If you know that, then why do it!"

"No, that's not it. Let's sit and calm down-!"

"Do you think I can calm down? How can you do this to me!"

The one in frenzy was Director Oh Hyunkyung. She was almost yelling with hostility. The film production company CEO was stuck in the middle with a pale face soaked in cold sweat. It seemed he was trying to calm the fires as best he could, but Director Joo Jaechan poured oil to the fire.

"Why can't he? You signed the contract and handed over the production rights for that scenario to the film production company. Then it's their right to decide who to give the megaphone to. Isn't that right?"

"We already decided that I would be the one directing!"

"There was no clause about it in the contract though?"

"CEO! You promised to leave it to me! City Jungle is my project!"

"Of course, I would like to…!"

"If you want to get to the nitty-gritty, then it's my project! I'm the original writer who wrote the first draft! All you did was take it and embellish it a little!"

"What did you say? You rat!"

The argument quickly became a dog fight. They acted like they were the victims.

I pushed the brim of my hat down. I acted like a spectator who was hesitating on whether to call 112 or not. The employees were so dumbstruck that they didn't have the time to concern themselves with a spectator next to the door.

"Director Oh Hyunkyung. This is a business matter."

Someone joined in with a sigh. It was a man wearing a suit and sitting on an empty table. He seemed to a man of influence as they immediately quieted down. Their gazes were all focused on him.

"From an investor's perspective, we have decided that, unless it's a famous director, it would be better to go with a rookie director who won an award at a film festival than Director Oh. The picture will be good since he's also the original writer. There have been cases where a director's debuting film becomes a huge hit and people cause a fuss about how he's a monster rookie."

"Director!"

"What's important is that the film is a success. How about we settle this matter peacefully with you handing the megaphone over to him and getting credited as an embellishment writer."

Director Oh Hyunkyung's face turned red and pale at the man's words. The film production company CEO went over and said something to him, but he was steadfast with his decision. Director Oh Hyunkyung tried her best to persuade him and finally said with a desperate face,

"I have currently made an offer to W&U's Team Leader Jung Sunwoo to cast the male lead."

"Team Leader Jung Sunwoo? Is he interested in the scenario?"

My name was suddenly brought up. Their reactions were immediate. Director Joo Jaechan's eyes were wide open, and the CEO seemed to be in a sticky situation. Finally, the man in the suit, who seemed to be part of the investors, rushed in like a hyena that found a piece of meat.

"How far have the talks progressed? Does it seem positive? Who are you discussing for the male lead? Seo Jijoon? Im Joowon? Or the one everyone's up in arms about, Song Inho?"

"Mr. Nam Joyoon."

"Who?"

"He became famous with Alive. Don't you know him? He received praise as a scene stealer."

The man tapped his phone like he was searching for Nam Joyoon's profile before frowning.

"What the h.e.l.l? Are you planning on filming an independent film? Who's going to invest billions of won in a project with an unknown director and a supporting-role-level, washed-up rookie? There needs to be something we can put our hopes on. And here I was thinking you had some casting skills."

The man harshly ridiculed.

"Do you think the movie will be successful if you cast any actor as long as you have Jung Sunwoo promoting you?"

"He's not any actor. He's someone I decided after careful deliberation. I saw all the independent films he's appeared in and his image fits well with the male lead. He's also good at acting..!"

"You're so frustrating. If that was enough, then everyone would pick up theater actors from Daehangno and use them. Why would they bother pouring tons of money to try to get a top star? That's enough. CEO, if our director-change proposal doesn't get settled, then we're going to withdraw our investments and leave. You can look for other investors. Nam Joyoon… Now really."

Just then, Director Joo Jaechan joined in.

"I met Team Leader Jung Sunwoo at the short film festival afterparty. He seemed particularly interested in my projects. I even received his business card. He said that he really enjoyed my short film and to contact him if I had a good project."

"Really?"

Director Joo Jaechan glanced at Director Oh Hyunkyung before boasting,

"I'll try talking to him this time."

The film production company, Forest's CEO, peeked into his office as he wet his dry lips. He saw the back of a man sitting in a chair through the opaque window. Seeing his dark appearance, he looked like loan shark coming to collect money.

The huddled employees pushed the CEO's back.

"Go in."

"Don't hurry me. I haven't organized my thoughts yet."

"I think the ice in the coffee completely melted while you were organizing your thoughts."

After realizing this, the CEO placed the two mugs down and handed it over.

"They're both melted. Go make them again."

"They look fine for now."

"It's a flood, how is it fine? Quickly, no, slowly go make them again."

After sending the employee off, he pressed his chest and let out a sigh.

"Just as I thought I could take a breather after sending the directors and investor off…"

"He probably came because of City Jungle, right?"

"Did he like the scenario? I heard he's picky when choosing projects."

"It's not like it's for other top stars. It's for Nam Joyoon. Since he received a male lead role after now finally becoming slightly known as a supporting actor, this opportunity probably appealed to him."

"What do we do if he wants to sign a contract right now?"

The employees became silent at the producer's words. Their gazes gathered on the CEO, but he was busy shaking his leg and wiping his sweat with a handkerchief. He looked like he was about to have a mental breakdown and collapse. The employees continued talking.

"We need to decline. Is there anything else we can do?"

"It's not like this is a joke. What if our relationship with him sours because of this?"

"What can we do when we might lose our investments? To be honest, the reactions of other investors will probably be the same. We all opposed the idea in the beginning. We were simply persuaded by Director Oh Hyunkyung because of how confident she was."

"What if we say that we are in talks with other actors?"

"If we get caught, we will be cursed to h.e.l.l. Why don't we blame it all on the investors? That they were causing a fuss about how they didn't like the actor. Wouldn't it be better to whine about how much of a tough situation we're in?"

The CEO, who was slumped in one corner, nodded.

"Yeah, let's go with that. Producer Lee, you go and talk to him."

"I believe it's only right for an influential man like you to talk to him, CEO."

In the end, the CEO held two newly made cups of iced coffee and entered his office. His guest, Jung Sunwoo, who seemed to be lost in thought, got up after sensing someone was in the room. The CEO felt his fluttering heart squeeze. His guest seemed to have more influence and dignity.

"h.e.l.lo, CEO."

"Ah! Yes, you must have waited a long time. We were trying to quickly find some ice. In case you were hot."

Jung Sunwoo made smiling eyes as he accepted the coffee. The CEO squeezed into his chair and glanced at the man in front of him. He looked younger than he thought. Since he was supposedly twenty-eight on his profile, he was young in reality as well.

To be a team leader at a company like W&U at his age. He probably didn't have to brown-nose anyone with all those talented actors he had under him. After tasting a bitter taste in his mouth, the CEO got to the point.

"But why did you contact…"

"It's because of the City Jungle scenario."

"Why didn't you contact the director first…"

"I didn't know which director to call out of the two."

The CEO flinched in surprise.

"Pardon?"

"I heard that the production situation is chaotic right now. If that's not the case, then we can immediately talk about cast…"

"No, it is chaotic. We aren't in a situation where we can begin casting yet."

The CEO did his best to beat around the bushes now that he saw his opportunity. Jung Sunwoo listened while reacting back. The CEO initially thought that there would be an arrogant side to Jung Sunwoo since he was on the path of success at such a young age, but he was unexpectantly very respectful. The CEO's nervousness quickly dissipated.

At some point, his mouth was rambling on.

"So I'm in a pinch. When I think of loyalty, obviously we should work with Director Oh Hyunkyung. Director Oh worked so hard trying to create this."

"Really?"

"I heard that she even took out a loan to pay a sizable amount for the rights to the scenario. However, the director who wrote the first draft seemed to have somehow talked to the investment company, as they suddenly called for a change in directors… It really was a bolt out of the blue."

"Director Joo Jaechan persuaded the investment company?"

"That fellow went around to different production and investment companies after receiving an award at the film festival, but his synopsis was rejected. He was rejected by the investment company we are working with, and it seemed he saw the City Jungle scenario over there. He decided to force his way in after finding out that the rights were signed over to the film production company."

"Then which investment company is it?"

Jung Sunwoo lightly asked.

"The investment firm, Ant Capital. We are in discussion for a 5-billion-won investment, so if we can't get them, then the production immediately falls through. But that doesn't mean we can just readily switch out the director. Once we start to get swayed, we'll probably be swayed by the investment company throughout production…"

Sighing, the CEO suddenly came to his senses and added,

"Until this is settled, there is going to be a stop on casting. Sorry…"

"CEO."

Jung Sunwoo, who was lost in his thoughts, asked in a courteous voice,

"Theirs is something I want to propose."

"Team Leader Jung!"

I was quickly flipping through the last half of the scenario when an employee quickly approached me.

"A director has come looking for you. Again."

"Director?"

"Yes, I asked if he had an appointment, and he said that he'll wait until you had free time."

For a second, I thought that Director Oh Hyunkyung had come again. She had called me a few times, but I had manually replied that I was in the middle of a meeting. I was wondering if maybe she couldn't wait any longer and had come to the company again, but the name that came out of the employee's mouth was different.

"He said he was Director Joo Jaechan."

"You told me to tell you whenever I had a good project."

Director Joo Jaechan said in the exact same place Director Oh Hyunkyung sat not too long ago. Their expressions had a similar side to them as well. Especially their pa.s.sion-filled eyes.

His mood seemed different every time I saw him. He looked well-mannered at the afterparty. And he seemed like a completely different person when he argued with Director Oh Hyunkyung. His gaze now was very similar to his future self.

"I did say that."

"This scenario. I believe you've received it from other channels."

He took out a scenario from his backpack. Or it was besides the empty director field.

It was a scenario I was familiar with.

"Yes, I read it."

"This is a project I had held onto for a long time since I was a student. I had certain circ.u.mstances which led its rights to be handed over for a while. That was why I couldn't bring it up when you asked if I had any other projects. Now the situation has changed."

His heated voice was filled with excitement.

"I think I'll be the one directing this film."

"Not Director Oh Hyunkyung?"

"She will be taken off the project and will have her name under 'Script Embellisher' in the credits. I'll be the one directing. I heard that you met with Director Oh once, but I had something I wanted to say about casting."

His eyes darted quickly as he examined my reaction before he added,

"To be honest, back when I was an aspiring director, this scenario was pretty much s.n.a.t.c.hed from me. I couldn't get a good price for it either. That is why I couldn't say that it was a scenario I wrote and completely regretted my decision, but it finally returned to its rightful owner. I will put my life on the line…"

I flipped over a few pages as I listened. There was no need to look at it. There was not a single character missing.

"The scenario is the edited version?"

"Pardon?"

"It's not the first draft you wrote."

Director Joo Jaechan replied nonchalantly,

"They are pretty much the same."

"I don't think so. I asked the film production company and received a copy. The first draft with no t.i.tle. I'm reading it right now."

I recalled the scenario I was halfway done reading as I said,

"They are completely different projects."

"They are completely different projects."

/ /

Chapter 204: Once You Start Being Swayed (2)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"Screenplays are things that increase in polish after numerous drafts."

"It's more like she took the idea and rewrote the entire script though."

"That idea is the most important. There is no final draft without the first."

I propped my chin up and stared at Director Joo Jaechan. He looked like he desperately wanted to escape from this embarra.s.sing and uncomfortable situation. Director Joo Jaechan forced a smile as though he was suppressing his emotions.

"Did you perhaps talk to Director Oh Hyunkyung? I don't know what she told you, but the matter has been settled internally. She caused a ruckus at the film production company not long ago. There's a reason why the investors want to a.s.sign the project to me instead of her… You also said that you liked my directing."

His eyes gradually began to shine with madness.

"This is a project I must direct with my own hands. It's true."

I knew it too.

That it would become a great work in his hands.

While he couldn't keep his hands still, crossing and uncrossing his fingers, I said,

"Will there be any problems in the future?"

"Pardon? Problems?"

"Director Oh Hyunkyung. She seemed very attached to the scenario. It'll become noisy if she files a lawsuit once the movie goes into production. Articles will also mention actors' names."

Director Joo Jaechan blinked. Then, with an excited face, he jumped from his seat.

"You do not need to worry about that! No one would film a movie if you could sue investment and production companies with this. Who would work with a director like that?"

He glanced at my expression before chatting more excitedly.

"This. She already signed over the rights to the production company. Because the production company is adjusting the movie's budget, they'll have to do their best to cooperate with investment companies. That is why a lawsuit isn't worth mentioning."

"Not worth mentioning."

"Yes, Director Oh Hyunkyung will be credited as an embellishing writer. There are cases where a scenario goes through various writers, so you can't argue that it is your work because you edited it. This is how it works in this industry."

I nodded.

"That's right. That is how this industry works."

Around the time our talk was about to end, an employee knocked on the meeting room door.

"Team Leader Jung, you have another guest. The mood is a bit…"

The whispering employee trailed his words. Director Oh Hyunkyung approached from the half-opened door. She looked like she aged ten years. Thick veins filled her eyes, making the whites in her eyes look red.

"Sorry for barging in again, team leader!"

She bowed then stood rigid in place as though struck by lightning when she noticed Director Joo Jaechan. The person who looked like she was about to die now looked like she was ready to kill.

"You rat-faces bast…!"

"What great timing. I just happened to finish talking with the team leader.

Director Joo Jaechan nonchalantly stood up.

"Then I will await your call, team leader."

He bid farewell, as though showing off to her, before pa.s.sing her. Even though this took less than a minute, Director Oh Hyunkyung's complexion went from deathly black to pale white. She faltered like she had lost her spirit and sat down in the seat in front of her.

"How much of the situation did he tell you…"

"That the main investment company opposed casting Joyoon hyung, and that the director was likely to be replaced. This is the most unsettling production circ.u.mstances I have encountered so far."

Director Oh Hyungkyung's head drooped.

"I am truly sorry that things ended up this way after proposing it to you so confidently. I was sincere when I said that I thought Mr. Nam Joyoon was perfect as the male lead. This was something I should have persuaded the investment company. But the situation suddenly…"

"Of course, investment companies may have different options on the cast than you. Because they also have a big say on the matter. I understand the situation. What are you planning on doing now?"

As if my words stung, Director Oh Hyunkyung flinched. She simply opened and closed her dry lips for a moment before hastily getting up. She desperately pleaded,

"Team leader, I know this is a shameless request, but if you really like the scenario, could you consider Ms. Lee Songha or Ms. Son Chaeyoung for the female lead? Then I could try to persuade the investment companies again. If you have any conditions, I'll definitely…!"

Her teary voice dampened. She had been avoiding my gaze, worried about what my reaction would be, but now she raised her head and checked my expression. The next moment, her face dropped in despair.

I am in my mid-forties. An age overflowing with dignity.

I was the CEO of a global management company who wore a cla.s.sic suit, one that those British secret service agents would wear, and worked in a luxurious office akin to that of a penthouse apartment. After convincing myself this, I became more comfortable in confronting CEO Baek Hansung.

"Did you bring your resignation letter?"

Ah, d.a.m.n it.

"Resignation letter?"

"That's the type of face you're making. You've been glaring at me for a while now."

"My face is always like that."

"I know that, but it seems particularly resistive today."

CEO Baek Hansung laughed in a low voice before asking,

"If not a resignation letter, have you come to prepare an exclusive contract?"

"Will you even do that?"

"If you want. I told you that I'll manage you like a celebrity. Do you also want a signing fee?"

"I want to do City Jungle."

I poured cold water onto the warming mood.

"I tried to forcefully give it up, but it felt like my insides were turning.

"Team Leader Jung."

"Even celebrities can express their opinion when they aren't considered rookies anymore. Whether it's years of experience or fame, I believe I have pa.s.sed that of a rookie. Also, above all, you are someone who respects the option of the celebrity."

I gave some lip service at the end, but the mood was still chilly. I felt like I would freeze to death.

CEO Baek Hansung frowned.

"Did I not say it so that you understand? Other celebrities can get back up if they fail once, however, your t.i.tle is like a sand castle. Once you fail, its strategic value collapses. I had thought I gave you a great offer."

"I also think that it was a great offer since I would be walking a smooth path if I just do as the company decides. If I just follow that path, my career would also be excellent. It's a great opportunity.

"So you are aware. Then why?"

"I had a similar experience. Once you start on that path, you end up getting hung up on it like an addict. And if that path cuts off, you get withdraw symptoms like a crazy person. It'll become difficult to take a single step on my own."

I swept away all thoughts on going on different paths and stared at CEO Baek Hansung. He was also staring at me. He no longer kept up his composure and gentle smile. He had no expression.

I brought up my conclusion, which I had wrung my brain to come to.

"That is why, rather than getting swayed my opportunities, I plan on using them."

"How?"

If a movie with a high risk of failure was a problem…

"I will increase the movie's potential with my own hands."

Strategic value. A sand-castle-like t.i.tle.

In order to not get hung up on those things, I will create my own worth through my own ways.

"A declaration of war."

"He's the only one who's ever declared war on the CEO. He'll be the only one ever."

"Even the Team 2 Leader, who's been at the company for so long, was cut off in an instant. Where does he get the courage? I think he's a sociopath or something. How can a normal person with over two years of experience declare war to his CEO's face?"

I corrected the fellows who were chatting near my desk so that I could hear.

"It wasn't to the point of declaring war."

"If you said, 'Screw you, I'm going to do things my way,' then that's a declaration of war."

"Did you prepare a resignation letter? You might end up having to leave without saying goodbye, so wouldn't it be best if we had a farewell party ahead of time?"

The Team 3 Leader, Kim Hyunjo, Chief Lee Bongjoon, and Chief Sung Uimin said one after the other. While they were joking, their faces were wrought with worry. Like they were certain I was going to be fired soon.

"Have you become tired of company life? Do you just want to act crookedly?"

"I'm not tired, rather I'm completely motivated."

"What?"

Amongst their dumbfounded faces, Kim Hyunjo rubbed his face as he asked,

"So what are you going to do now?"

The first place I went to was the outdoor filming set, a mud pool, of Good Friends. After greeting Producer Yoo Sooyoung, who became the main Good Friends producer after completing Making Film, I went to see the girls. They were on as guests as part of their comeback special, so all four of them rushed over to me.

Covered in mud.

"Don't come over."

"Why! Rather than giving us hugs for our hard work, are you running away from us because we are dirty? Were you that type of person?"

"I am. Don't come over."

"I don't want to!"

The four of them stuck to me, and soon, I was covered in mud. Lee Kwanwoo simply flinched his hands as he watched from afar. He seemed to have already been caught as his thick arms coming out his t-shirt and neck were covered in mud.

LJ even rubbed mud under my shirt as she grinned.

"Take a look since you're here. Today's shoot is dirty and fun."

"Keep it dirty and fun. I have things to do."

"How is a manager busier than his girl group, who just made a comeback?!"

Im Seoyoung grumbled. At least they had the energy to chitchat. Lee Taehee simply breathed, completely exhausted. She seemed to have been stuck in the mud the longest as her appearance was the most spectacular.

Lee Songha avoided my gaze as she asked,

"I look like the p.o.o.p emoji right now. Should I go take a shower?"

"No, you look good, like microwaved chocolate ice cream."

"Chocolate ice cream?"

Her voice brightened. Lee Songha glanced at my face before smiling.

"Your face looks brighter."

"Yeah, thanks for the mud pack. I put a scenario in the pa.s.senger seat for you,"

"A scenario? Did you come here to give me that?"

Lee Songha's eyes shined. I nonchalantly shrugged.

I was worried she would pick it if I showed that I was interested in it.

"For multiple reasons. I wanted to see you girls before you went on your out-of-city schedule and give you a new scenario I received so that you could read it during your free time. Let me know if you're interested."

Like someone said, a project was chosen by both the manager and celebrity.

I left the set and drove to a small supermarket near a one-room apartment. Nam Joyoon was putting rice, curry, black bean sauce, meatb.a.l.l.s and the like in a yellow shopping basket.{1} He made an awkward expression when he saw me.

"How did you know I was here?"

"It's not like it's my first time seeing you. You're probably buying stuff to fill your fridge with since I was coming over."

Nam Joyoon just laughed. I stacked his basket with rice and fruits and placed it on the counter as I said,

"I brought over another scenario."

"Movie?"

"Yes. I think it's best to read up to this one and decide on your next project. I'll ask a nutritionist to set up a diet for you, so follow that starting tomorrow. You need to maintain your body if you are going to work all day and night."

Nam Joyoon's expression completely changed when I mentioned filming.

The expression of the middle-aged woman at the counter also changed.

"Did you get a job? Oh, that's great news when you were going around with nothing to do!"

After leaving Nam Joyoon, who was the official b.u.m in his neighborhood, I dropped by my house. I wiped away the mud still stuck here and there, paid particular attention to my attire, and once I had a clean appearance like a salesman, I drove out to Chungmuro.

Amongst the densely populated forest of buildings, I found one with a huge banner of Alive and entered.

The moment SBE Film's project producer saw my face, he shook his head.

"I don't have any. Really."

"What?"

"Didn't you come to ask for any new, good scenarios?"

"Not today."

Only then did he greet me happily and led the way.

"I definitely thought you had a condition for coming. I'm now more afraid of phone calls from you than debt collectors. I told you I will contact you when we receive a good scenario. We have our relationship from Alive. It's a promise."

"How many times have you made that promise?"

"Ah, but all the good scenarios have dried up these days. There are none!"

We entered the meeting room while joking. An employee quickly brought over some drinks.

"But if you didn't come to see scenarios, then why…?"

"I wanted to show you something."

"You do? Show me?"

I handed the project producer an envelope. He received it with a dazed face before taking the City Jungle scenario out of it. After scanning the t.i.tle and synopsis, his face became even more perplexed.

"It's a scenario? I think I saw this before?"

"It also came to SBE?"

"Unless a production company has an idea and is setting it up with a writer and director, most scenarios floating around Chungmuro without a production company usually pa.s.s through our company. We reject most of them for various reasons. I think this was one of them."

"Was it not good?"

"I don't remember it well, but it probably was if we rejected it."

He closed the scenario he was glancing through and asked,

"But why did you come over to a production company with a scenario… Don't tell me W&U is interested in production films? Is this a project W&U is investing in?"

"No, I am."

I replied while shaking my head.

The project producer frowned like he had just heard some amazing nonsense.

{1} Those are references to well-known instant foods.

/ /