Chapter 106
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: Double the Budget
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After sending the casting offer to Seojun Lee, Director Sarah Rothe sent the synopsis to every production company she knew.
She thought at least one would bite, but to her surprise, it was Marine Company. The response was so immediate that Sarah Rothe, who had sent the synopsis, was taken aback.
On the day of the meeting, the person Director Sarah Rothe met was Pailan Park.
A chilly atmosphere formed between Pailan, who wielded extensive influence even over Marine Company's subsidiaries, and Sarah Rothe, a director who had just finished her second hero movie.
"I've reviewed the synopsis."
"Yes. Thank you."
"I understand you're considering Seojun Lee for the lead role."
Meeting Pailan's sharp gaze, Sarah Rothe sat up straight. Racism was rampant in Hollywood.
Whitewashing was standard, along with fixed racial stereotypes. Even Seojun Lee, a perfect fit for the role of Jin Natra, had almost been passed over simply for being Asian.
'Though Marine Company's public image is different.'
And the person who had crafted that public image was Director Ryan Will. The tale of Director Ryan Will's fight to cast Seojun Lee was well-known through the grapevine. *Hmm. Should I try that too?* Director Sarah Rothe debated whether or not to cross her arms.
"Yes. That's right."
Pailan Park tilted his head slightly.
"Has he been cast?"
"What? No. Not yet."
"Director, do you think Seojun Lee will appear in your film?"
It was a strange question, one that seemed to presuppose Seojun Lee would refuse, regardless of her intentions.
Sarah Rothe blinked and replied.
"For now, I've sent the synopsis and script to Seojun Lee's Korean agency, Cocoa Entertainment. I expect to hear from them soon."
"Ah, so Seojun Lee doesn't have an agency in the US."
At that, Director Sarah Rothe tilted her head as well. It was something she had only learned while researching Seojun Lee for this project.
But Pailan Park knew whether a mere movie actor had an agency or not?
"Director Rothe. I have a condition."
"Yes."
*Is this the main point?* Director Sarah Rothe straightened her back. *Is now the time to cross my arms?*
"If Seojun Lee stars in it, we'll double the production budget."
"...What?"
Pailan's words made Sarah Rothe's eyes widen. This was completely unexpected. Pailan, who had been maintaining a cool expression, dropped the facade and let out a light sigh. He had tried to imitate Richard Bowen, but it just didn't suit him.
"To be frank, Seojun Lee's box office appeal is immense. Just look at the drama on the streaming site, Plus+. You can already guess the audience numbers for his next project."
"I see."
Sarah Rothe was also aware of Plus+'s growth. She had signed up to watch *Naeuiwon* herself. *It was so good. Emily and I cried our eyes out.*
"But since *Shadowman 2*, Seojun Lee hasn't been in any Hollywood films."
Sarah Rothe nodded.
"Between Marine, our subsidiaries, and even competing production companies, we're aware of quite a few scripts that have been sent to Seojun Lee. But he hasn't chosen a single one."
"I see."
"Besides, this is a music film, isn't it?"
"Yes? Yes."
Pailan Park smiled.
"Korea has a greater love for music films than any other country. Even if a film doesn't profit elsewhere, it can make a huge return in Korea. Just think about it. A music film starring a Korean actor. Can you imagine the profits you'd see from Korea alone?"
As Pailan Park laid out the numbers, Sarah Rothe's jaw dropped.
"Now, add to that the people all over the world waiting for Seojun Lee's next project. Their numbers have surely grown since *Shadowman 2*, especially after the success of his drama. Double the budget? We can recoup that in no time. We'll give you more if you need it."
Pailan's eyes gleamed.
"However, we need confirmation—a contract—that Seojun Lee will star in it."
Sarah Rothe, who had been preparing all sorts of reasons to convince Marine Company to cast Seojun Lee in case they objected, was left speechless.
"Uh, what if Seojun Lee doesn't sign on?"
"The synopsis is good. If you agree, we'll still handle the production. But the budget will be smaller."
Sarah Rothe nodded at Pailan Park's words. The conversation then shifted to the details of the film's production.
Sarah Rothe's music film would be produced by Whale Studio, a subsidiary of Marine Company that specialized in genres like romantic comedies and human dramas.
* * *
"Marine Company?"
Emily looked at Sarah Rothe in surprise. Sarah Rothe placed a stack of papers on the table.
"Yeah."
"Right, Marine Company has subsidiaries that make films other than hero movies. Whale Studio, was it? Marine, whale... it's all ocean-themed."
"Whale is going to produce it."
Emily breathed a sigh of relief. Although Sarah Rothe had made a name for herself with *Green Wing*, a music film was a completely different genre. She had been worried they wouldn't find a production company, but it seemed her fears were unfounded.
"Marine, no, Whale should be fine. But what made them agree to produce it?"
Emily's question brought back the memory for Sarah Rothe.
"They'll double the budget on the condition that Seojun Lee stars in it."
"Double?!"
"And they said they could give more if needed. It seems Seojun Lee is a bigger deal than I thought, both as an actor and in terms of box office draw."
Sarah Rothe recounted her conversation with Pailan Park to Emily. Emily nodded in understanding.
"Hmm. The budget is smaller since it's not a hero movie, but double... It's true that there have been several cases where Korea was the most profitable country for a music film. And if the lead is one of their own... I can see why Marine Company would make that offer."
"I just hope we get an answer from Seojun Lee soon."
"Let's get to work first. Seojun Lee aside, the production company is set, so we need to assemble a crew."
"That's why I brought this. Marine Company gave me profiles of staff who've worked on music films."
Sarah Rothe sat down, and Emily took a seat across from her. They both picked up pens.
"How are you planning to handle the violin performances?"
"We'll have to hire a professional. The actors will learn the fingering and bowing timing to match the expert's performance."
Sarah Rothe replied to Emily's question. Her eyes moved quickly. This required a new sensibility, different from a hero movie.
She spotted a staff member who had worked on a music film she had enjoyed.
"His reputation isn't good."
"Really?"
A page was turned. The two women's eyes and mouths worked independently.
"It would be better to have an actor who's at least learned a little violin, right?"
"No. If we set that as a criterion, it'll be hard to find a good actor. It's not like the violin is part of basic education."
"Ah. That's true."
Another page turned.
"We'll have to find a good actor who fits the image first, then have them practice the violin."
"Won't that take a long time?"
"We'll see."
Sarah Rothe stopped her pen, which had been checking profiles, and looked at Emily.
"Would it take that long just to act out the posture?"
"We don't know how it will go, so it's best to allow for a generous practice period. Should we gather the characters who play the violin for group lessons?"
"That's a good idea."
Emily counted on her fingers.
"There are outdoor scenes, so the weather needs to be warm. Whale will decide the release date, but we can't completely ignore it. And we have to consider the actors' schedules, too."
"Hmm."
Sarah Rothe also thought about the schedule ahead.
"When do you think Seojun Lee's answer will arrive? We can't do anything until the budget is confirmed. I want to use good cameras! And good violins! And expensive everything else!"
"Let's start with the budget we initially calculated. We can always allocate the rest to the promotion budget."
Just as Director Sarah Rothe and Assistant Director Emily were diligently putting together the film crew, an email arrived. It was from Seojun Lee's new agency.
* * *
After sending Seojun's documents to his new agency, King's Agency, the members of Team 2 were talking with bittersweet expressions.
"Realistically, Hollywood is tough for us. It's almost impossible to grasp the local situation from Korea. That's why other actors all work with agencies there."
"We could establish a branch office, but Seojun is our only Hollywood actor. It would just be a money drain when he's not active, so that's difficult too."
"Still, it's a bit disappointing."
"The team leader, his manager, must be more disappointed than us."
Hearing that, An Daho, who was gathering scripts for Seojun, gave a wry smile.
"But wouldn't it be fine for you to go to the US, Team Leader? Your English has improved a lot in the last two years. The agency will handle all the big stuff, so if it's just about taking care of Seojun, you don't necessarily need to be an expert on America."
"That's right. Brown Black and White also take plenty of Korean staff with them for overseas events."
"It's definitely more comfortable to have someone you're used to working with."
Just then, an employee entered the Team 2 office.
"Team Leader. The president is asking for you."
"Okay. Thank you."
An Daho left the Team 2 office and headed for the president's office. He felt just as bitter. He never imagined that Cocoa Entertainment and Seojun had made an exception in their contract regarding overseas projects.
'I wanted to help with the Hollywood movie shoots, too... No. I'll just do my best here in Korea.'
Composing himself, An Daho knocked on the president's office door. He heard Seo Eunchan's voice telling him to come in.
"You called for me, President?"
"Yes. Have a seat."
As An Daho lowered his gaze to sit on the sofa, he noticed a child radiating a presence so strong it was strange he hadn't seen him until now.
"Seojun?"
"Hello! Daho hyung!"
Inside the president's office, along with President Seo Eunchan, was Seojun, who should have been at home. A surprised An Daho blinked a few times and sat down.
"Let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point. I'd like you to accompany Seojun for his overseas shoots as well, Daho."
"...Excuse me?"
An Daho asked, taken aback by Seo Eunchan's words. Seojun and Seo Eunchan shared mischievous smiles.
"Daho hyung, we rewrote the contract!"
"...Rewrote it?"
"Normally, a staff member from King's Agency would act as Seojun's manager during his overseas activities, but under the new contract, you can continue to support him. Of course, your salary will increase."
Seo Eunchan said with a smile. An Daho's eyes darted around before he spoke.
"But why...?"
"Because I saw you studying English, Daho hyung."
Seojun knew that whenever An Daho brought him scripts, he also carried an English book.
While Seojun was reading scripts or doing homework, An Daho, having finished his own tasks, never let the English vocabulary book out of his hands. His days off were always spent at an English academy. Sometimes, he would even converse with Seojun in English. He watched movies without subtitles and read scripts written in English.
Ever since the WTV Film Festival, An Daho had been devoted to studying English.
"I'm aware of it too. How hard you work as Seojun's manager, Daho."
An Daho's face turned red. He didn't think it went completely unnoticed, but it was still embarrassing.
Seeing this, Seojun giggled. He was proud that such a diligent and wonderful person was his manager.
"And Seojun will be able to act more comfortably with you by his side than with a staff member he's just met. King's Agency will handle everything else. If you need anything while supporting Seojun, just contact the agency."
Overcome with emotion at how Seo Eunchan and Seojun acknowledged his efforts, An Daho pressed his lips together and nodded repeatedly.
"Ah, I forgot to ask this first."
Seojun and An Daho looked at Seo Eunchan.
"You can still continue to work as Seojun's manager even if you refuse. You don't have to go to the US. Daho. Will you continue to support Seojun in the United States?"
"Yes! You can count on me!"
At An Daho's words, Seojun beamed.
"I'll be in your care in the US, too! Daho hyung!"
"I'll be counting on you too, Seojun."
In the end, Seojun and Seo Eunchan burst out laughing when they saw An Daho shed a few tears.
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