Chapter 182
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 182
Chapter Title: Escape
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“...is what he said. I was scared because it felt like he’d really do anything.”
That evening, after the investment meeting.
Lee Hansol, Director Choi Daeman, and Assistant Director Park Jaemin gathered again at the same barbecue restaurant they had met at before.
At Hansol’s words, Director Choi, who was about to drink his soju, tilted his head. Hmm?
“From what the manager told me, he said they just quietly provided the investment funds?”
Park Jaemin, grilling meat next to him, nodded repeatedly.
“He said they didn't say much, other than coming to watch the filming once.”
Lee Hansol, who had just put a piece of meat in his mouth, mumbled as he chewed.
“I heard that too. Apparently, since *Yeok (Reverse)* was a historical drama, he didn't really know what was needed. Even if an amateur offered to help, Director Woo Jeonghan of *Yeok (Reverse)* would know better.”
Director Choi and Park Jaemin nodded in agreement. There was no director who could utilize the necessary elements for filming a historical movie more professionally and efficiently than Woo Jeonghan, the master of the genre.
“But our project is a zombie movie, isn't it? When you think of zombies, you can't leave out the US, and they even have a Plus+ original zombie drama.”
“Ah, I enjoyed that one. The makeup wasn't awkward at all.”
Lee Hansol nodded at Park Jaemin’s comment. It was quite popular not only in the US but in Korea as well.
“He said he got a little excited because it was a field he knew well.”
He’d said he was just a little excited, so Hansol had thought they might start the discussion over from the beginning. But the branch manager didn't take back his words. His blue eyes flashed as he waited for Hansol to speak.
Lee Hansol swallowed hard.
The maximum production budget Lee Hansol had discussed with Director Choi was 20 billion won. Even that was considered a blockbuster in Korea.
But at this rate, it felt like they were about to shoot a Hollywood blockbuster in Korea. To be a blockbuster in Hollywood, you needed at least 100 billion won. That was five times their expected budget.
“One hundred billion won!”
The private room fell dead silent. Only the sound of meat sizzling could be heard. Both Director Choi and Park Jaemin gulped. Lee Hansol felt a cold sweat break out just thinking about that staggering amount.
Just a few hours ago, Lee Hansol had escaped the Plus+ Korea office as if fleeing, saying he would discuss it with the director.
“My God. I never thought I’d run away from someone offering me money.”
Lee Hansol said, downing his soju. Thinking back on it now, he found it absurd that he had run out like that.
“...Can’t we just take it? They’re offering a lot. I think it’d be fun if we could make things go boom! and bang! like in Hollywood.”
At Park Jaemin’s words, Director Choi scratched his cheek. The more production funds, the better. More was always better than less.
But this was a commercial film. It wasn't a business where spending a lot of money guaranteed a proportional return; you could pour in a huge amount and still fail miserably.
“It would be great to take it. But since it’s a commercial film, we have to think about profits. If we spend 100 billion won and can't even break even, our company will go bankrupt.”
As an investor in Film Dream Production Company, Director Choi Daeman’s words made CEO Lee Hansol nod in agreement. Park Jaemin tilted his head. But didn't they have a trump card?
“But we have Seojun. Would it still fail?”
“Seojun’s fans will probably see it once. It’s the film’s job to make them want to watch it multiple times. And if a movie starring Seojun fails, my directing career is over.”
“Our company too.”
Director Choi Daeman spoke up.
“Let’s accept a reasonable amount of investment. If we take too much, I feel like we’ll spend it on unnecessary things.”
Lee Hansol nodded. After drinking a glass of soju, Director Choi let out a deep sigh.
“Honestly, I don't have the courage to spend that much, and I feel like getting carried away with grandiose ideas will just ruin the film.”
The budget Director Choi had in mind for this movie was a mere 20 billion won… He was startled and shook his head vigorously. No, what do you mean, *mere*… 20 billion is hardly a mere amount!
Director Choi downed a glass of cold water, dousing the flames of his swelling ambition. It seemed he was already getting carried away.
In any case, his intended budget was around 20 billion won (at the maximum), and he felt that if he took 100 billion and started adding this and that, it would just become a messy hodgepodge.
“If the script turns out like that, I have a feeling Seojun wouldn’t agree to film it either.”
Based on his gut feeling, honed from five failed attempts, Director Choi felt that if the script and synopsis changed that drastically, Seojun would not take the role.
*Gasp.* That can't happen!
Startled by the prospect of losing the actor who would be the number one contributor to the film's success, Lee Hansol quickly nodded.
“Yes. Understood. Let’s go with 20 billion!”
While the two were talking, Park Jaemin, who had been busy making and eating a large wrap with meat, spoke up.
“What about the camera, then? The one they use in Hollywood. The director of photography said it’s on his bucket list to shoot with it…”
At Park Jaemin’s words, Director Choi’s hand, which was just about to pick up a piece of meat, flinched.
The camera!
He hadn’t even thought about it. He had just assumed they would use the same equipment they always did.
Director Choi knew about the camera on his DP's bucket list. He had always loved the colors in the movies shot with it.
“And there’s that audio equipment we couldn't use because it was too expensive. That one. The sound director would be thrilled!”
Director Choi furrowed his brow. He knew about that too. A recording device that could capture even the smallest sounds a director wanted to express.
Director Choi pictured the footage he could get with that expensive camera and recording equipment.
*‘Damn, it would look incredible.’*
Director Choi, chewing on a piece of meat, turned his gaze to Lee Hansol. Understanding the look in his eyes, Lee Hansol nodded.
Having successfully stimulated Director Choi’s materialistic desires with just a few words, Park Jaemin smiled with satisfaction. It seemed this movie’s filming equipment would be on par with a Hollywood film.
* * *
Time passed as Director Choi Daeman worked on turning the synopsis and treatment into a full script.
The children, now on summer break, were enjoying their vacation to the fullest, and *Yeok (Reverse)* had finished its theatrical run and was uploaded to Plus+.
> Yang Juhui: I had an audition!
> Kim Jukyung: Me too! A different one from Juhui.
< I hope you both get it!
> Kang Jaehan: I’m still in the document screening stageㅠ I hope the results come out soonㅠㅠ
The first-years at Yeoul Arts Middle School were busy. They were studying hard at their acting academies, applying for auditions, and going to interviews.
Just like his hard-working friends, Seojun also had a lot to do. He spent his summer vacation checking the slowly growing script and preparing for filming.
> Richel: Are you not coming to the US this summer?
A message arrived from Richel Hill.
Last summer vacation, he had taken a short trip to the US. He watched Jack's baseball game and had a great time chatting with Evan and Richel. Since he usually traveled to the US during breaks unless something major came up, she was asking if he was coming this time too.
Seojun, who was stretching, sent a reply.
< I’m preparing for a shoot right now, and there are things I need to learn before filming starts. I’m a bit busy with that.
> Evan: Already preparing for your next project?
< Yes. I received a good offer.
> Richel: What is it? What kind of project? A Korean movie?
< Yes. I’m filming with the Demon Director.
> Evan: The Demon Director!
> Richel: I know him!
> Evan: I’m excited to see what kind of movie it is. Is it another exorcism film?
Seojun chuckled at Evan’s question.
< It’s a zombie movie.
> Richel: !
> Evan: !
It felt as if the surprise of Hollywood actors Evan Block and Richel Hill, who had never starred in a zombie movie, was palpable even from here.
* * *
Lee Hansol, now the CEO of the production company Film Dream, steadily took care of business. First, he found an office and contacted his former employees. Though few accepted the offer to return, Hansol was satisfied. Most of the essential employees he had hoped for had agreed.
“Hello.”
“It’s been a while, everyone.”
The employees, who had arrived at the new office with awkward expressions, gathered in the conference room. They were all familiar faces, yet seeing each other after several months felt strange.
Sensing the subtle atmosphere, Lee Hansol spoke first.
“It’s good to see you all. I never thought we’d meet again like this.”
“You’ve gotten a huge promotion, Team Leader. Oh, wait, you’re the CEO now!”
A comment from an employee who had been the mood-maker of the PR team even before the previous CEO left made everyone burst into laughter. As the atmosphere softened, Lee Hansol also laughed, feeling more at ease.
“Thank you for trusting me and coming back. I know you’re all worried about what’s next, but our Film Dream will be fine. Let’s keep doing a great job, just as we always have.”
The employees applauded CEO Lee Hansol’s words.
“Starting today, Film Dream will begin production on a new project.”
“...Already?”
The employees, who had expected it would take at least a few months to secure a new project, blinked their eyes. They hadn't anticipated finding a new project so quickly.
Lee Hansol nodded.
“It’s a film by Director Choi Daeman, who has worked with us before. He helped me acquire the company.”
With Director Choi, the work would be smooth, and his skills meant they wouldn't suffer a complete loss. Perhaps the company could become strong again. The employees’ eyes sparkled.
“What’s the genre?”
“Is it another niche one?”
Despite their hopes, what made them anxious was that Film Dream’s movies were not typically in popular genres. Lee Hansol spoke.
“The title of this project is *Escape*.”
The employees swallowed hard.
Escape?
A disaster movie?
That wasn't bad. Disaster movies with good CG were quite popular. However, the high cost of CG was a double-edged sword.
Or maybe a prison break movie?
If so, the setting would mostly be inside a prison. The production cost would be much lower, but its box office success would depend entirely on the script and the actors’ performances.
The employees’ minds, which had grown rusty during their unemployment, started whirring. As they were all pondering the possibilities, Lee Hansol said:
“It’s a zombie movie.”
…Excuse me?
The employees stared at Lee Hansol with blank faces. With a broad smile, the CEO of Film Dream, Lee Hansol, repeated himself.
“It’s a zombie film.”
With that one phrase, everyone in the conference room had the exact same thought.
*‘…We’re screwed!’*
Seeing the looks of horror on his employees' faces, Lee Hansol struggled to suppress a laugh. It was a prank that was fun no matter how many times he pulled it.
*‘Though the real surprise is yet to come.’*
“And the lead actor is Lee Seojun.”
…? Lee Seojun?
Hasn't it only been a short while since he finished filming *Yeok (Reverse)*?
At the appearance of such an unexpected actor, they had a lot they wanted to say, but the words wouldn't come out. One of the employees, who had just been opening and closing his mouth, managed to utter in a tiny voice:
“...CEO.”
“Yes?”
“...You haven't been scammed, have you?”
!
The employee’s question made exclamation points pop up above everyone’s heads. Their jumbled thoughts suddenly became crystal clear.
Of course! A scam! It’s a scam!
The employees’ gazes toward Lee Hansol turned to pity.
*‘Our poor team leader… he must have been going through so much…’*
Faced with their pitying looks, CEO Lee Hansol was at a loss for words. He never imagined they would think it was a scam.
*‘Well, there are people who commit fraud using Lee Seojun’s name from time to time…’*
Seeing Lee Hansol’s silence, the employees covered their mouths. It really was a scam!
“It’s okay, Team Lead—no, CEO. We’ll find a new project right away!”
“You haven’t signed a contract already, have you?”
“It’s CEO Lee, I’m sure he’s fine.”
“The police, should we report it to the police?”
As the employees, now convinced it was a scam, frantically sought solutions to save the company they had just returned to, Lee Hansol silently pressed a button on the remote he was holding. An image appeared on the pre-prepared screen.
The light from the projector drew the chattering employees' attention to one spot. Their eyes widened as they stared at the screen, growing as large as they possibly could.
*Gasp!*
The PR team employee who had been about to call the police dropped his phone without realizing it. No one reacted to the sound of the phone hitting the floor. They just stared blankly at the screen.
“No way…”
“Is that… really…”
Into the silence, so profound you could hear a pin drop, the CEO of Film Dream Production Company, Lee Hansol, spoke. His voice was more chilling than ever before.
“The lead actor of *Escape*, Lee Seojun.”
An image of a boy was projected on the screen.
It was actor Lee Seojun, with a serious expression, drawing a longbow until the string was near his lips.
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