Top Management Chapter 205-206

Chapter 205: Once You Start Being Swayed (3)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

The project producer asked,

"Team Leader Jung, did you win the lottery?"

"If I did, I would be investing in real estate instead of a movie."

"Then what? Are you interested in small investments?"

"That's not it."

I licked my lower lip and said,

"I want to mobilize everything I can to invest in this movie."

The project producer's gaze alternated between me and the scenario. He looked like he was faced with a dilemma.

"… Why?"

"Because I'm so taken by the project that I want to invest in it, obviously."

"So taken… Please wait."

The project producer jolted up.

"Ten minutes… I'll come back before the ice melts!"

Having rushed down the hall, the project producer entered the CEO's office.

"CEO!"

"Oh! What great timing."

The SBE CEO said with a serious face nested on top of his locked hands.

"You remember 'Dating Time at 3rd Period'. The one we rejected because it wasn't fun? Apparently, Watermelon Pictures picked it up?"

"Pardon? Watermelon wants to film that? I guess we really are in a scenario famine."

"What do we do if it's a success?"

The CEO tapped his toes on the floor. His actions exuded how anxious he was. As his confidence and ego reached the skies after Alive's revolutionary success, he was becoming more distressed every day under the pressure that his next project had to be a success.

"Thinking about it again, I think it might have been good. Why did you have to reject it!"

"You're the one who told me to reject it! Your standards have shot up after Alive became a success! Also, the '3rd Period' or whatever, it's not good. If it becomes a hit, then that CEO used the luck of his ancestors. No, that's not the issue."

The chatting project producer waved his hand. Then he placed both hands on top of the CEO's desk.

"Team Leader Jung Sunwoo from W&U is here right now."

"Why? Is he looking for a good scenario again? I wish there was one too."

"No, he brought one over today."

The CEO's eyes widened. The project producer told him about the short conversation he had with Jung Sunwoo and all the information he was quickly able to find about City Jungle. The CEO, who had been nodding his head while listening, shared his thoughts.

"Now really? Was there nothing else to be obsessed with? Is he crazy?"

"I thought the same thing, but I suddenly thought about what a reporter had said."

"What?"

After Making Film and Pretty Girls' big hit, which resulted in an almost syndrome-like phenomenon, countless people have been talking about Jung Sunwoo. The project producer recalled the remark he heard on a late-night cable entertainment show.

"Although W&U's Jung Sunwoo occasionally takes crazy actions, those actions always ended up being an incredible success, so you can't call him crazy. If he does something crazy next time, I wish I could partic.i.p.ate as well."

The CEO's face soured.

"Then… shall we listen to what he has to say?"

"Team Leader Jung Sunwoo from W&U, what was his reaction?"

The Ant Capital employees across from him asked.

Director Joo Jaechan nonchalantly chewed on his sushi as he replied,

"It was really good? He was more positive than I expected. He said that he would give us a call after looking over it with Ms. Lee Songha."

"Someone like Lee Songha would be great! She has that hype factor and will do well in China."

"I thought that it would be good if he didn't swear at us for reversing Nam Joyoon's casting offer. It seems Team Leader Jung Sunwoo was quite taken by your short film?"

"Yes, I think he liked it."

The Team Leader Jung Sunwoo he had met at the afterparty acted very amiably towards him. Even though there were other directors who exceeded him, like those who won the grand prize and the excellence award, he felt that Jung Sunwoo was particularly interested in him.

It was well-known that Team Leader Jung Sunwoo recognized people who would be successful.

That was why he had thought that he might be able to get Jung Sunwoo to immediately sign on if he talked to him face-to-face, so his actions were slightly disappointing.

Of course, he couldn't say that. He first had to prove his skill and worth to the investment company employees in front of him. If he couldn't, then he would lose the director position he was finally able to get.

"Good work, Director Joo. But did he have nothing to say about the change in directors?"

"Yes, he seemed to easily accept it. Well, directors get changed in the middle of production these days."

"You know well."

Director Hw.a.n.g said while rubbing his chiseled jaw.

"The movie production company can't refuse our demands because the project will be overturned if we pull our investments. They don't have any other investment distribution companies either. Nor do they have partial investors. Therefore, our words hold the most sway. No matter how much Director Oh Hyunkyung endures, you'll be the one directing."

"Thank you for the opportunity!"

Director Joo Jaechan bowed his head. His lips were subtle trembling due to his excitement. He had his debut project in his hands. It wasn't an independent film but a commercial one to boot.

Although his confidence took a blow after bowing down to moneylending investors, it had its value. He was able to take Director Oh Hyunkyung's edited scenario and position in one fell swoop thanks to it.

He planned on making City Jungle a success.

If he is able to make a box office hit once, production companies and investors will stick to him for his next project. Also, he could make those who didn't even give his scenarios and directing skills a glance regret not working with him.

"I will work hard in making the move to make you not regret investing in it."

"Please do."

Director Hw.a.n.g's eyes narrowed into slivers as he said,

"Director Joo, do you know the return on national movie investments?"

"Pardon?"

"It's in the negatives. -7%. You know that commercial films that released last year? The ones with at least a billion won in budget, not overall costs. According to the Korean Film Council, half of them flopped without being able to recover their budget. Only 16 actually reached their breakeven point. Investors go crazy about that. But do you know why they still invest…?"

Director Hw.a.n.g placed the City Jung scenario, which was in the seat beside him, onto the table.

"There are occasionally big hits. Not a large-scale blockbuster that every investor wants in on. Ones with good scenarios but lack public appeal or trendiness. Ones people don't have an eye one like this."

Director Hw.a.n.g continued while tapping on the scenario with his chopsticks.

"If something like this succeeds, we'll get a 200-300% return. This is why we are investing in this. That's why, please work hard in making it. It is why we changed the directors."

Director Joo Jaechan frowned. Director Hw.a.n.g continued,

"While you're better than a director, whose past projects failed, you aren't really a great pick either. We decided to bring you in as the director as you were the writer of the original scenario and told us that you would be most cooperating. If things don't seem to work out, then, like you said, directors could change mid-production."

"… Do not worry. I am confident in making the film a success."

Director Joo Jaechan said with a crooked smile.

He didn't plan on being swayed by the investment company like this. He planned on quickly bringing in other investors. If the number of investment companies increased, then Ant Captial's stake and influence would shrink.

He also had bait to lure other investors.

Team Leader Jung Sunwoo, who was receiving a lot of attention from investors with his Midas's Hand t.i.tle. Lee Songha, the international star that created hype whenever she decided on a project. If he put those two out there, other investors would undoubtedly be interested.

Also, Director Joo Jaechan was confident in persuading Jung Sunwoo.

The two people across from me were boring holes in me with their eyes.

The project producer, who rushed out, returned in ten minutes like he said. Along with the CEO of SBE Films. He seemed to have looked into the situation around City Jungle, as his expression was stranger than before.

The project producer started the conversation.

"I looked into it, and the production situation is a complete mess."

"It is."

A production company that couldn't a.s.sign a director they wanted due to the sway the investment company's move had.

The fight between an unknown director and a rookie director, who argued the project was theirs.

To be honest, it was surprising that a project being produced in a situation like this to have had such box office appeal and quality. This was probably why people said projects fated to succeed would succeed even if covered in c.r.a.p, while project not meant to succeed could not no matter how hard they tried.

I let out a breath and said,

"It's true that the situation is a complete mess, however, it's a project I would like to bring in. I believe the film's potential will greatly increase once the environment improves. That is why I was hoping to actively intervene and create that environment."

I shook my fishing rod with my quiet voice.

"A good environment?"

"For example, if a skilled production company joined."

I looked at the project producer briefly before turning to the CEO.

"Or looking for a trustworthy joint production partner."

"A joint production."

The CEO rubbed his chin. He didn't look completely uninterested, so I explained in more detail.

"The film production company, Forest, started off as a mid-sized import distributor, so they had many lacking areas in terms of production. That is why they are very open to joint production."

Saying they were very open to it was a bit of an understatement. When I asked Forest's CEO on what he thought about a joint production, he held onto my words like they were a lifeline. While their profits would be split if it became a joint production, but he seemed more interested in splitting the burden.

The CEO, who had been silently listening to me, crossed his arms and nodded.

"While we would have to read the scenario again, vaguely remembering it, it didn't really pull me in. I think the scenario was good, but because there isn't a lot of popularity for noir genre films in the country, I don't think it'll be a box office success. Comedy-dramas are mainstream right now, and this one is too dark."

"Mainstream? You're the one who created a zombie film with tens of billions of won and an all-star cast."

The CEO coughed at my words. I saw the corners of his lips rise. I heard he liked the review about how he persevered and pushed a nonmainstream movie to success while other production companies came out with mainstream movies that standardized the industry.

Anyways, I also came here because the CEO had a hand in various different genres.

On top of that, the project producer, the production producer, who was on Alive's set, as well as the investment support team that mediated investment companies. They all knew the industry like the back of their hand and were highly skilled.

The project producer asked,

"But if you're actively intervening, then are you going to decide the leads?"

"I am. Or else, there is no need to be so aggressive."

"Who are they?"

Their ears perked as they leaned towards me.

"We are still discussing it. I'll let you know once it's been decided. It's a promise."

The project producer's eyes narrowed at my words.

"Have you gone to other production companies?"

"I came to SBE first. I was thinking about going to Well-Made if I got rejected here…"

"First."

The CEO cut me off and picked up the scenario.

"Let's talk after reading the scenario."

"Ah, but I heard that two directors are vying for the megaphone? While the scenario is one thing, due to the characteristic of the genre, the directions of the director are very important as well. Depending on their directing skills, it could go from being 'charismatic' to 'corny'."

"Of course."

I nodded while replying. The project producer said,

"Have you decided which of the two you will have direct?"

"Yes, I did."

The reason for rejecting CEO Baek Hansung's offer was because I wanted to walk my own path instead of one someone else created for me. In order to not be swayed by the opportunity, but instead use it to my advantage. To not be swayed by my future visions, and instead, use them.

Did I want to make this project?

I did. It wasn't simply because it was a success in the future. I sincerely wanted to.

Then how did I want to make this project?

What would I have done if I didn't see the future?

My heart raced as I thought this. Then, I decided to take a different path from the one my future visions carved me. I stepped onto an uncertain path. I thought that the path would disappear and would be dark, but that was not the case. After stepping off the path, I could see countless paths at my feet.

A path that could lead to failure. A path that could lead to even greater success.

Under these uncertain circ.u.mstances, I was certain of one thing.

Each step I took was more enjoyable.

Director Joo Jaechan and Director Hw.a.n.g from Ant Capital entered the restaurant together.

This was a meeting to decide on our next steps now that the City Jungle director has been decided over a meal. They also planned on bringing up the topic of lead roles to Team Leader Jung Sunwoo.

"Director Joo, you said you haven't heard back from Team Leader Jung Sunwoo yet, right?"

"Yes, it seems he's planning on bringing it up when everyone's here."

"I think Team Leader Jung Sunwoo reserved this restaurant, so I think we can consider it a certainty."

Director Joo Jaechan laughed heartily at Director Hw.a.n.g's words.

The restaurant employee who guided them opened the sliding door. There were already a few people sitting inside. The two greeted them as they entered but stopped. Beside Forest's CEO, who was sitting rigidly, seemingly nervous, was Director Oh Hyunkyung.

Director Joo Jaechan spoke in an irritated voice,

"Director Oh, why are you here?"

"To talk about the film, of course. Do you think I came to see you?"

Director Oh Hyunkyung said, raising her eyebrow.

"No, what I mean is, why are you…!"

Director Joo Jaechan barely managed to contain his voice. He saw the people sitting across from Director Oh Hyunkyung. Team Leader Jung Sunwoo was sitting next to some people he was seeing for the first time.

Team Leader Jung Sunwoo shrugged.

"Everyone's here. Shall we discuss the film now?"

/ /

Chapter 206: Once You Start Being Swayed (4)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"Well, let's hear what the situation is."

Director Hw.a.n.g of Ant Capital said in a leisurely manner.

Seeing this, Director Joo Jaechan also suppressed his agitation. There was no need to get agitated. Even if Director Oh Hyunkyung came here clinging onto someone's pant leg, she couldn't push him, who had strong support from the investment company, out.

Jung Sunwoo introduced everyone in this restless atmosphere.

"Also, this is the project producer from SBE Film."

"h.e.l.lo."

The business card the man handed out had his position, project producer, and name clearly printed. Director Joo Jaechan dazedly stared at the business card. SBE Film. The production company that produced the megahit film, Alive, with Director Choi Sungwon. It was also one of the places he brought his scenario to and was rejected.

Director Hw.a.n.g opened his mouth with an 'Ah'.

"No wonder you seemed familiar. How are you here together?"

"City Jungle may be a joint collaboration with us."

"With SBE Film?"

Director Hw.a.n.g's eyes widened. Then his gaze alternated between Jung Sunwoo, SBE Film's project producer, and Forest's CEO. Then, as if he understood the situation, he nodded.

"It seems Team Leader Jung Sunwoo acted as the bridge. It's great for investors if an experienced production company joins. You've also worked with Ms. Lee Songha before."

At this time, Director Joo Jaechan was doing his best to calm his excitement. This excitement was not of fury but high hopes. The higher the level of the production company, the higher his level and value, as the director, rose.

While Director Joo Jaechan was hyped up, the project producer licked his lips and replied,

"We are familiar. Also familiar with Mr. Nam Joyoon."

"Pardon?"

"With Mr. Nam Joyoon and Ms. Lee Songha as the leads, there shouldn't be any scuffles on set."

"Wait, I think there is a misunderstanding. We only wanted to cast…"

Director Hw.a.n.g glanced back at Director Joo Jaechan. His gaze clearly asked how he handled the casting matter. Fl.u.s.tered, Director Joo Jaechan shook his head and looked at Jung Sunwoo.

"Team Leader Jung! I clearly only extended the offer to Ms. Lee Songha."

"Yes, I received two offers. One for the male lead and another for the female lead."

"No, but we explained the situation. There was an internal miscommunication regarding Mr. Nam Joyoon…!"

"I hope that we can proceed with both."

Jung Sunwoo said with a smile. At the same time, Director Hw.a.n.g's expression stiffened.

"If we don't take Mr. Nam Joyoon, you won't give us Ms. Lee Songha, is that it?"

"That makes it sound like I'm selling you untalented actors. Especially when the casting offer first came to Joyoon hyung, Mr. Nam Joyoon. The male lead. I am certain he'll be able to do it better than anyone else. If you don't believe me, I'm fine if you hold an audition."

"Of course, you will be certain. He's your actor. And I don't think we need to hold an audition. Our views are clear."

Director Hw.a.n.g said resolutely.

"I oppose having Mr. Nam Joyoon as the lead. What are your thoughts, Director Joo?"

"… To be honest, I wanted to ask for Mr. Seo Jijoon as the male lead. The reaction when he worked with Ms. Lee Songha was quite good too. It just happens that he hasn't decided on his next project yet."

Director Joo Jaechan agreed, nodding his head subtly. He had been planning on bringing up Seo Jijoon once Lee Songha was decided. Any investors would drool with that lineup.

"Team Leader Jung. Could you reconsider with Mr. Seo Jijoon…"

"I think the role will better suit Mr. Nam Joyoon than Mr. Seo Jijoon."

His reply was as firm as Director Hw.a.n.g.

While Director Joo Jaechan was figuring out what to say, Director Hw.a.n.g clicked his tongue.

"Team Leader Jung, I think you believe that investors are going to rush to give you their money if you act, but that's only if you push the right actors. We're talking about the lead here, the lead. It's too early to trust in Ms. Lee Songha since it's her first time playing the female lead in a film. If the movie flops, at least the actors will have played lead roles. The investors are taking all the losses. If you are going to pull Ms. Lee Songha too, then do just that."

After saying those sharp words, Director Hw.a.n.g looked at Forest's CEO.

"CEO, if this is how you're going to proceed with casting, then we can't invest in this film. How about we make you a list and you choose from there?"

The mood in the room became even colder.

Director Joo Jaechan's eyes quickly darted back and forth. If the investment company took command of the casting, then his plan would go belly up. Director Joo Jaechan was about to persuade Jung Sunwoo once more when he shut his mouth. Jung Sunwoo's reaction was strange.

He wasn't shaken up in the least in a situation like this. It was the same for Forest's CEO and SBE Film's project producer. They simply let out a short sigh or clicked their tongues. As though what was coming had finally arrived.

"What do you think, Director Oh Hyunkyung?"

Jung Sunwoo abruptly asked. Director Oh Hyunkyung replied in a serious manner,

"I said this multiple times, but I think Mr. Nam Joyoon is perfect as the male lead."

"Now really, here I was wondering what was going on."

Director Hw.a.n.g couldn't help but laugh. Director Oh Hyunkyung continued,

"I also received positive replies from other investors I have been working hard to persuade. Because they are partial investors, individually they don't make up a large amount, but I'll be able to persuade more partial investors once our leads are set."

"CEO!"

Forest's CEO flinched in surprise. Avoiding Director Hw.a.n.g's sharp glare, he supported Director Oh Hyunkyung with a gloomy face. Director Hw.a.n.g, who had been drinking cold water with a dumbfounded face, eventually place his cup down in a tossing manner before getting up.

"Then do what you want."

The sliding door loudly opened and closed. Director Joo Jaechan blankly looked at the door Director Hw.a.n.g slammed. The situation was progressing weirdly. At this rate, there was no doubt he would end up no better than an abandoned duck egg.

His eyes darted around. He looked at Forest's CEO, Director Oh Hyunkyung, and SBE Film's project producer.

And finally, at Jung Sunwoo.

He hastily spoke,

"Team Leader Jung, please give me a moment of your time."

Jung Sunwoo readily got up.

On their way out of the building, Director Joo Jaechan's mind was churning. This was a chance that the heavens had given him. He couldn't lose his scenario and his debuting work like this.

Although the CEO with no backbone supported Director Oh Hyunkyung, this was only because Jung Sunwoo and Director Oh Hyunkyung were of the same opinion. It was Jung Sunwoo who brought in SBE Film. The one who was in control of the current situation was also Team Leader Jung Sunwoo.

This meant that all he had to do was persuade him.

"Thinking about what you said, I think Mr. Nam Joyoon will also be fine. No, good. I can also persuade the partial investors Director Oh Hyunkyung mentioned."

Director Joo Jaechan said with confidence. Of course, he was certain.

Under the same conditions, he was certain that Jung Sunwoo would choose him.

"Please let me take care of the actors as we discussed. You also prefer my directin…!"

"I don't know."

"Pardon?"

"I saw Director Oh Hyunkyung's previous works, and I really liked her directing. It was surprising."

Jung Sunwoo tilted his head. It was difficult to read what he was thinking. That expression made Director Joo Jaechan feel more uneasy. He almost clung to him, trying to persuade him, but Jung Sunwoo's expression did not change. Director Joo Jaechan raised his voice.

"Team Leader! No matter how good her directing was, weren't they all failures in the end? Unless you're crazy, how can you entrust your actors to a director like that…!"

Director Joo Jaechan, who was expressing his frustrations, paused.

Jung Sunwoo was grinning.

"People asked me whether I was crazy on multiple occasions, but these actions weren't crazy to me. But this choice really is crazy. Logically speaking, the decision is clear, but I am making the illogical choice."

Jung Sunwoo, who was mumbling incomprehensibly, said in a clear-cut manner,

"Anyways, the person I want to entrust my actors to is Director Oh Hyunkyung."

Director Joo Jaechan swore under his breath. His chance was slipping from his fingers. Malice surged up from his belly. If they were bent on pushing him out, then he also had a way to make this a complete mess.

Director Joo Jaechan revealed a crooked smile.

"… I'll sue."

"Sue?"

"City Jungle is my work!"

It was now Jung Sunwoo's turn to laugh. Laughing like he was refreshed, he said,

"We'll put your name in the credits."

"So that it's not even worth suing over."

"You're going to regret today once the film flops!"

I let Director Joo Jaechan's curse in one ear and out the other as I went back in the building. Director Cha Jaeho, who was directing Supernatural, also mocked me, saying that I would regret it. I didn't know why they were all so impatient to pray for my future.

I was returning to the room when I saw someone standing in front of the room.

It was Director Oh Hyunkyung.

"Team Leader Jung."

"What are you doing outside? It's time we go in and discuss the film for real."

"I wanted to thank you. You undoubtedly had other options."

Options, huh?

Director Joo Jaechan, or even other, more trustworthy, directors.

I did consider it. Even while I was watching Director Oh Hyunkyung's previous works and thinking she really didn't lack skills but was really unlucky. Even while I reminded myself that the emotions I was feeling from the scenario were all from Director Oh Hyunkyung. Even while seeing her constantly on the move to change the situation.

Still, the tips of the scales didn't fully lean towards her.

"They said they wanted to do it."

"… Pardon?"

Looking at Director Oh Hyunkyung, who was confused, I remembered.

"What project do you want to do?"

As soon as I asked, Lee Songha, as if waiting, put out three stacks of paper. One was a drama script, the other two were drama proposals. Just as I gulped dryly, Lee Songha spoked,

"I'm still undecided between the three of them. I haven't picked out the drama, but for the film, this."

Lee Songha placed a scenario over the drama script and proposals. City Jungle. I relaxed as soon as I saw the t.i.tle on the front page. Then my suspicions began to bud.

"Did you hear anything at the company?"

"About what?"

"No, what do you like about this scenario."

Lee Songha replied nonchalantly to my question,

"The scenario is fun. And, above all, the female lead is impressive. She also has a large role. There are a lot of dramas where the female lead has a large part, but it's rare to find in movies. I think I'll regret it if I miss out. Also…"

Lee Songha smiled slightly before adding,

"It made me think that the director who wrote the script became very attached to the character as she wrote it. I thought she would film me with that sense of attachment."

I asked Nam Joyoon the same question.

"Hyung, which one do you want to do?"

"This one."

Nam Joyoon took out a scenario from a tower of them.

"City Jungle. The one you gave me last. It interests me the most."

"… Why?"

When I asked with narrowed eyes, Nam Joyoon calmly replied,

"Because it's fun."

"You find all scenarios fun."

"It's more fun. Also… This caught my eye."

He took out something that was carefully placed in a transparent file. A colorful paper. It was the casting offer that I first received from Director Oh Hyunkyung. The sincere, earnest, embarra.s.sing offer.

"It's been ten years since I last received something like this."

Although I gave it to him in hopes he would be charmed by it, I didn't think it would be this effective.

Nam Joyoon scratched his neck as he said,

"I don't care if it's a brief role, I want to do this movie."

"That's what they said. Both of them."

I looked over after speaking. Director Oh Hyunkyung had a strange expression on her face. Her brows were contorted, and the corners of her lips were raised. Like someone who didn't know whether she should laugh or cry. I let out a short breath before greeting Director Oh Hyunkyung once more,

"So please take care of us from now on."

Leaving Director Oh Hyunkyung, who was standing rigidly, I opened the sliding door.

The room was filled with dark clouds. SBE Film's project producer was on the phone wearing a serious expression, while Forest's CEO's deathly pale face seemed to have already been soaked in the rain. He looked over at me and mumbled,

"Our main investor is gone. Now, what do we do…"

"We need to find other investors."

Immediately, from now on.

/ /