Bad Boys on Set (1)
The College Player was undoubtedly a significant work in the history of American sitcoms. A "college sitcom" created by Olga Asimov, a legendary actress dominating Hollywood, who brought together various people from her extensive network. From Season 1, it aired to massive expectations and critical acclaim, quickly winning hearts with its cliché yet engaging concept of a country boy and city girls. It was a must-watch program for teenagers of the era, pulling in a massive 12.2% rating.
Paramount, the production studio, cast actors who were as unknown as possible at the time, under the banner of discovering "new stars for a new era." Of course, it was all a smokescreen. In reality, all the lead actors of The College Player were connected to Olga or the studio's network in one way or another. However, from the viewers' perspective, it was undeniable that the "fresh casting" played a major role in the sitcom's success. People always crave something new, and the rookies carefully selected by the studio possessed the talent to win immediate popularity.
After The College Player became a hit, the four actors playing the leads—Kyle, Max, Nancy, and Belle—received endless sponsorships, starred in commercials, and enjoyed immense love. Paramount Studios' plan to create new stars seemed to be working flawlessly. That is, until Frederic Pederson, the actor playing Kyle, was arrested by the police for resisting a sobriety check just as Season 1 wrapped up and Season 2 was about to begin. Fortunately, he was proven sober, allowing Season 2 to air without a hitch, but Frederic's mugshot taken at the police station had already spread across newspapers nationwide. Even after that, they continued to cause various incidents one by one. Despite the sitcom's soaring popularity, the actors' public images steadily rolled down into the abyss. By the end of Season 2, they were even embroiled in controversy over slacking off on set.
"So, while the show is still popular, the media has been questioning the lead actors' qualifications lately. Word is the studio is getting anxious about whether next season's ratings will hold up."
In a private suburban cafe, wrapped in the warm California air, Elena Asimov spoke from across the table. Having stepped out with a light heart at Sion's request, she had dragged him around, looking around the cafe with curiosity like a princess venturing out of her castle for the first time. But once they sat down and the conversation began, she laid out everything she knew about The College Player, as if reading Sion's mind. Determined to absorb every piece of information known to the daughter of Olga Asimov before joining the production, Sion organized his thoughts as he conversed with Elena.
"What do you think my mother-in-law is thinking?"
"...I wouldn't know. She rarely talks to me about anything other than acting."
Elena glared at him at the mention of "mother-in-law." The Vienna coffee sitting in front of her was still steaming.
"To be honest, I'm a bit jealous. You get to act with my mother before I do. Especially since she picked you after watching Fragments of You, which I starred in... If it weren't you, I probably would have been deeply hurt."
"What's wrong with me?"
"You did well. You. I learned a lot from you."
"I'm honored to hear that from my Ellie."
"Sigh... That's why I don't quite understand."
Elena took a sip of her coffee with a sigh and continued.
"Why a sitcom, of all things? I know it sounds a bit snobbish. But there is such a thing as 'status.' It feels like a stepping stone before entering the film scene in earnest. You've appeared as a supporting actor during your child star days, so isn't this your second time? I think the media will react with a lot of confusion."
"I don't care. I don't like putting labels on work."
"...I understand that. But I thought you would use Fragments of You as a springboard to start a proper adult career with a major studio."
"Hey, your mother is doing it too, isn't she?"
"My mother's position is completely different..."
Pausing for a moment, she said softly, "I... I hoped you would do a historical piece where the acting is the focus. Not just playing an ordinary person or doing romance... I wanted to see that deep acting of yours. I heard they're making a movie about the outlaw Billy the Kid..."
"I think my face is a bit too handsome to play that role."
"I know. It's not just 'a bit' handsome."
Oho, so she admits it.
Although he acted as if his nose was touching the sky, Sion was dancing on the inside, thoroughly pleased.
"You definitely have an aura. A charm that draws people in as an actor. You really didn't have that before. Is this the real you? Honestly, I don't know how to put it... but now, there's a certain intensity whenever you act."
"So, wouldn't I be able to make people laugh even more intensely in a sitcom?"
Besides, the movie based on Billy the Kid was going to be pushed back quite a bit in production. Sion didn't bother mentioning that and just smiled gently.
"Well, I am a bit of a sensation."
"That's true."
"...?"
Sion was the one caught off guard now that she kept readily agreeing with his cocky remarks. At his reaction, a playful, almost childlike smile—one never seen on her usual cold face—spread across Elena's lips.
"The trouble those kids caused is a drop in the bucket compared to the trouble you've caused."
The conversation instantly snapped back to its original track.
"Well, I've always lived a very diligent life as an actor..."
"Don't you remember when you were filming Deadly? You got caught renting out a club to party with other kids. Plus, you got into a fight with a fan, smashed a paparazzi's camera... What else did you do?"
"...I was a bit young back then."
"As long as you know. You won't do that anymore, right?"
"Well, of course. I've found something much more fun."
"What's that?"
"Acting."
"Wow..."
Elena's eyes lit up like a husky seeing the first snow.
...Wait, I only said that to tease her, but she's taking it completely seriously.
"Exactly! Acting is indeed the most fun! Is there any greater joy than contributing to the world through something you love and excel at? I never imagined you would become the 'only' person I could talk to about this!"
Watching Elena look so deeply moved, as if she had met the only person in the world who truly understood her, Sion let out a small, bitter smile.
She really is still a kid. Trusting people so easily.
That was why he didn't want to betray this trust just yet. But at the same time, her excessive innocence left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Elena Asimov was born into an influential acting dynasty. Inheriting the careers and foundations built by her active parents, she had entered Hollywood without shedding a drop of blood, showcasing her talent and thriving in the industry without any major hardships. In Hollywood, where capitalism and networking ran deep, this was not even a point of criticism, but a perfectly natural privilege. Thus, she would never understand the position of an actor like Sion Lee. She couldn't comprehend how easily an actor who entered Hollywood without money or connections could be exploited and discarded in a playground built on capital and media power.
Changing the public's image is actually the easy part. You just have to be overwhelmingly handsome or deliver a hit once or twice.
For the past Sion, who had barely clung to the edge of the abyss by promising to "repay the public with my looks" rather than "repay them with my acting," regression had been a lifeline. Unfortunately, future knowledge was not a perfect insurance policy. If knowing the future automatically made one successful, wouldn't everyone succeed from the start? It was merely about taking the second chance grasped through reflection and regret, and using knowledge, experience, and everything else to sublimate and express it as talent day by day.
Playing the brat is second nature to me now, but it still feels like walking a tightrope.
Furthermore, it was only natural that she couldn't understand Sion's current inner workings—how he was trying to rebuild his ruined, near-abyssal industry reputation and establish solid networking, regardless of his actual skills.
Anyway, she doesn't seem to realize just how formidable her mother is.
Listening to her, she seemed to view that terrifying industry witch—whose television network rivaled Jack Nicholson's influence in the film world—as merely a slightly strict acting teacher or a senior actress who was decent at her job. Honestly, while it made him slightly envious, Sion found her naive, acting-obsessed nature to be her charm. Talking to her made him feel strangely healed without even realizing it.
"What are you going to do now?"
"I'm planning to rest for a while. I have to attend school."
"School? Where?"
"...Stanford. English Literature."
Elena's face instantly turned sour.
"You really don't watch the news, do you? There were quite a few articles about it..."
"Oh, look at you, studying so hard while acting."
"Because I want to be a good actress. I studied hard to fill in the experiences I lack."
Elena, who had puffed up with pride at Sion's admiration, quickly let her smile drop.
"I guess we won't be seeing each other for a while."
"Must be a relief, huh?"
"Yeah. I'll miss you. ...I was constantly surprised throughout the filming of this project. It made me realize what it's like to experience a world I knew nothing about. Becoming an adult... felt a bit daunting. But now, I feel like I finally have a goal."
"A goal to marry me?"
Pinch!
"Ow-ow-ow-ow...!"
Sion let out a cry of pain as Elena suddenly pinched his cheek. Elena, who hadn't reacted at all to the playful flirting that had occurred several times during their conversation, finally put her pent-up emotions into action. Yet, her face was full of playfulness. She had never behaved this way with anyone else before. The only man who could truly make her angry, surprise her, and make her laugh. Reluctantly releasing her fingers from his cheek, Elena whispered clearly.
"You're going to act like this with other actresses too, aren't you?"
"Of course, soon with Olga too..."
Sion, still joking around, saw Elena's glaring eyes and slowly backed his chair away.
"Don't do that. People will misunderstand."
"...Alright, alright. I'll tone it down."
"You're not saying you won't do it at all."
"Well, that's my identity, isn't it?"
"I'm going to ask for updates on the set every day. I have some friends over there even if it's not through my mother. If I hear you're doing this with any other actress besides me... you know what'll happen, right?"
"..."
"I'm just saying don't waste your energy on things like that. You don't need to."
Sion, who was about to grumble some more, shut his mouth when he met her firm gaze, which strongly resembled her parents'.
"Go and show them. Show those rookies who think they're hot stuff just because they got a little taste of fame. Show them what real acting is, and what kind of actor you are—the one who matched me beat for beat."
An arrogant smile, so haughty it assumed her thoughts were absolute law. In front of it, even the great Sion couldn't help but shrink back for a moment. It felt like he had somehow gotten himself into a real mess.
She says we won't see each other for a while, but why do I get the feeling I'll be seeing her very soon?
Sion felt a sudden chill from the inexplicable premonition.
「Movie Star Sion Lee Cast in 'The College Player'!」
「Joining Season 3... What is His Secret Role?」
「A Complete Breakdown of Sion Lee's Career!」
Newspaper articles poured out from all directions. Everyone reacted differently to the news.
"Sion... in a sitcom?"
"This is amazing! I'm really enjoying The College Player!"
"Ah, I was thinking of dropping it because it lost its touch at the end, but now I have to watch Season 3."
The general public was mostly positive. A movie star, whom they usually had to pay to see in theaters, was appearing in a sitcom they could watch just by turning on the TV! To be able to sit at home and watch his universally acknowledged beauty and his acting skills—which were said to have peaked in his last two projects—virtually for free! They were absolutely thrilled.
On the other hand, industry experts were somewhat puzzled.
"Sion in a sitcom? Didn't he surpass that level a long time ago?"
"It must be because of Olga Asimov. That woman never lets go of an actor once she sets her eyes on them."
"Since she has a vast network, it's probably a strategic choice for Sion. Or maybe it was his agency's decision?"
"He must be getting flooded with offers for major projects right now. Shouldn't he strike while the iron is hot?"
"Anyway, he's a truly peculiar kid."
In Hollywood, actors are generally perceived as "disposable." Indeed, actors who failed to reach an iconic status often flashed briefly like a faint star on a cloudy day, only to be pushed aside by the next "replacement" rising through the ranks. Therefore, they had to be as careful as possible when choosing projects, or sell themselves for the highest price while they were still in demand. But Sion's moves defied this conventional wisdom. Perhaps because of his young age—still a teenager—and the immense potential he had recently shown, his decision generated even greater viral buzz. Watching his news pour in day after day, becoming a hotter topic than the production of Season 3 itself, Sion realized with relief that things were unfolding exactly as anticipated.
This isn't bad.
Television, after all, was far more accessible than theaters. He realized he could showcase his acting to a much broader audience. Appearing in a single season of a sitcom in his late teens was a choice somewhere between "the best and the second-best" option. It would serve as the final nail in the coffin to completely erase his "terrible acting" reputation, even if he maintained his "brat" image.
And the absolute best part is that I'm not tied down to multiple seasons.
He never expected that, thanks to Fragments of You, he would gain Olga's backing through Elena and secure the job under such favorable terms.
Though, since I'm the only one getting all the hype, working harmoniously with the rest of the cast might not be easy.
Since this was a common occurrence in Hollywood anyway, Sion didn't particularly care.
Besides, hazing a new actor joining in Season 3 is par for the course. Who cares?
If anything, Sion was more concerned about filling the empty spots left by Tiffany and Alexa.
May 21, 1992. The day of the promotional poster shoot for Season 3 of The College Player.
Because the show was such a massive hit, a large crowd gathered at the set for the shoot. The studio was packed with over thirty people, including the photography, lighting, art, and styling teams, as well as the actors being photographed. A man standing in the center of the crowd shouted, making no effort to hide his irritation.
"Ugh, when the hell are we starting?"
"Uh... I'm sorry. I'll go ask."
"Let's hurry it up. If all the actors are here, we should start. What the hell is taking so long?"
The youngest member of the styling team scurried off in a panic to convey the lead actor's demands. Frederic Pederson. The lead actor playing Kyle, whose charm lay in his slightly rebellious, slacker-like vibe. Sitting next to him, Susan Hopkins, who played Belle, burst into laughter.
"Seriously, everyone knows what a terrible temper you have. Hey, it's not even time to start yet!"
"Tsk, I have a date after this. They need to pick up the pace..."
Those around him watched uncomfortably as Frederic kept clicking his tongue. But no one dared to complain. Since even the legendary Olga Asimov was waiting in her trailer for the shoot to begin, everyone just focused on finishing the preparations as quickly as possible.
They had changed. Back during Season 1, when the sitcom first started, these young actors had been polite, greeting the staff first. But now, they acted completely high and mighty, drinking alcohol and puffing away on cigarettes anywhere they pleased on the indoor set. Unable to wait any longer, Frederic looked around shiftily before putting a cigarette to his lips. He lit it immediately and exhaled a long drag of smoke.
"Ah, shit. Go smoke outside!"
"Whatever. Then you stop drinking alcohol here too."
Just as Frederic was snickering at an annoyed Susan, suddenly, a splash of water drenched his face, right over the cigarette in his mouth.
Oh my god.
He's dead.
Ah, do they have to redo his makeup...?
The situation was beyond sudden; it was shocking. All the passing staff members watched the scene unfold in utter bewilderment.
Unable to comprehend what had just happened to him, Frederic trembled with rage before leaping up from his seat and shouting.
"You motherf—!"
Just as he was about to grab the culprit by the collar, he realized the other person was significantly taller than him. He looked up, met the person's eyes, and shrank back the moment he came face-to-face with that overwhelming "beauty." Standing there silently with an upside-down tumbler in his hand, the actor, Sion Lee, pointed wordlessly to the no-smoking sign. Then, he openly scowled at Frederic.
"By the way, what did you just say?"
"..."
"Say it again. Without that garbage breath of yours. Do it."
It was the exact moment a true madman descended upon the set to educate the slightly crazy ones.