Episode 387 Overwhelming (16)
Cinematic universe. According to the definition of the film industry, it means that each film takes place within a single worldview. The characters and content of the film are all different, but ultimately, they take place in the same world. There are many other works that are produced similarly, including films, comics, animations, and novels.
Of course, in that case, the word ‘cinematic’ would have to be omitted.
Whatever it is, the large-scale project ‘Cinematic Universe’ planned by ‘Columbia Studios’ has existed in the world film industry, including Hollywood, for quite some time. There have been many attempts and many successful cases in various industries.
But if you only look at movies, there are few that are successful.
There are many reasons, but the most representative ones are the difficult level of production, the enormous production cost, the problems with the cast of actors, and the planning that takes a very long time. First of all, when you start a ‘cinematic universe’, it’s like moving on with the entire project at the same time, not just one movie.
It means that you can’t stop just because one movie is a failure.
Actors’ contracts are also difficult, and if an actor who took on a role is replaced due to some problem, the connection is reduced and expectations drop significantly. However, it is not possible to manipulate expensive Hollywood actors according to one’s taste. Although the ‘cinematic universe’ is a complex and difficult place, if this project is successful, it can build enormous profits and brand power beyond imagination.
However, it is clearly not an easy decision. No, it is close to impossible to even touch it.
It was said that Columbia Studios is planning or developing such a ‘cinematic universe’. The first thought that came to Director Ahn Ga-bok’s mind while listening to the explanation was.
‘Wow – even if it’s called ‘Columbia Studios’ – it’s surprising.’
It was both surprising and amazing. Deciding on a ‘cinematic universe’ could be something that could determine the rise and fall of a film company next year. Even if ‘Columbia Studios’ is a mega film company that is one of the ‘Big Five’ in Hollywood.
Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was sweeping his wrinkled cheek, changed the subject of his thoughts.
‘The first villain character to introduce our cinematic universe to the world – that’s why the title is ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’. Birth of a Villain, it’s a fitting title.’
The new title for ‘Pierrot’ is ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, but for Columbia Studios, the movie ‘Pierrot’ was like the birth of a ‘cinematic universe’. It must have included introducing it to the global audience. ‘We will attempt a ‘cinematic universe’, and the first villain of that world view is born in ‘Pierrot’.’
Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been thinking to himself, asked the executives across the street. It wasn’t perfect, but it was possible to communicate in English.
“Why are you telling me such an important matter now?”
It was a valid question. Currently, the general director of ‘Pierrot’ is confirmed to be director Ahn Ga-bok. However, if the ‘cinematic universe’ is involved now, the game will have to change. It means that the message was delivered too late. The answer was given by a bald man among the executives.
“I’m sorry, but there is a reason. First of all, it wasn’t decided whether Henry Gordon from ‘Pierrot’ would be included in our ‘cinematic universe’ or whether he would be a standalone film. It was recently decided that Henry Gordon would be the first entry.”
Contract issues, stories, etc., there were also ‘cinematic universes’ in various industries in the past. Characters who share a worldview but are excluded from the project. Then, the executive with a bald head began to explain. His briefing, which continued in a rather calm tone, took about 10 minutes.
In short, it was like this.
Columbia Studios began work on the massive cinematic universe project several years ago, and currently has several characters and scenarios, excluding Clown.
“We are planning to present individual character films that share a worldview, and ultimately, we are planning a work where those characters are combined into one film.”
At that moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok gasped inwardly. It was hard to even imagine how much the production cost of a movie with all those characters would be. But he asked the executive.
“So, does that mean that ‘Pierrot’ is included in the movie where all those characters are mixed together?”
“Of course. You can think of this as Season 1 of our ‘Cinematic Universe’. Of course, there may be changes depending on the situation. As of now, it is only in the planning stage of a project that has been conceived. That is why we at ‘Columbia Studios’ have high expectations and concerns for ‘Pierrot’.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was quietly listening to the explanation.
‘Huh- Should I like this?’
I felt honored and burdened. I, a veteran Korean director, was in charge of directing a project that would be the starting point of a huge project that would surprise all of Hollywood. It was obvious that this would be an unprecedented situation not only in Korea but also in all of Asia and even in Hollywood.
‘But what if…Woojin eats Namju?’
It was as if Columbia Studios was launching a huge project that was a life-or-death risk, with a Korean director and actor firing it towards the entire world.
Probably. No, it will 100% go down in Hollywood history.
While Director Ahn Ga-bok was lost in his endless imagination, the bald man among the executives across from him opened his mouth again.
“You will gradually learn more details. I plan to tell you everything I can. Oh, by the way, depending on the results of this ‘Pierrot,’ I may suggest other directors. So, please do your best for ‘Pierrot.’”
“······I think so.”
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“Thank you. And as you explained, ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ is a very important piece of work, so there will be quite a few people attending the open auditions and screen tests.”
It sounded like he was talking about the high-ranking officials at Columbia Studios.
“As you might expect, what you just heard is top secret.”
After that.
Kang Woo-jin is once again on the hellish schedule train. Currently, ‘Beneficial Evil’ Part 1 has wrapped up, so there is no filming for the project, but his work hasn’t decreased at all. That’s because his schedule outside of filming is enormous.
Woojin, who had a strong concept, thought.
‘How is this – isn’t it more intense than when we were filming??’
Rather, I think it was better when I was filming the work. It was probably to be expected. There were a lot of advertisements and pictorials, interviews and radio, various parties and events, SNS-related filming, recording and filming for the YouTube channel ‘Kang Woo-jin’s side character’, promotion and marketing of the movies that are currently being released, etc.
There it is.
『’Kang Woo-jin’ donates 200 million won to starving children in Jinju, also attends charity events』
Even the small events that arise amidst the New Year atmosphere. For example, attending Jinju’s donation-related event and the New Year’s special broadcast. Communication with fans could not be neglected.
『[Issue Pick] Kang Woo-jin does not forget to communicate with domestic fans before entering Hollywood, holds New Year’s fan meeting and fan signing event』
In addition to the fan meetings and fan signing events planned to celebrate the New Year, many others were held in Korea and Japan. Of course, these had to be held in both Korea and Japan.
Time melts.
If there is a production shoot, it is the main thing, so there are things that need to be cut out appropriately. Woojin is currently doing all of that. Of course, it wasn’t Choi Sunggeon who put pressure on him. In fact, all of this was Kang Woojin’s request.
If possible, I wanted to organize my schedule at least 20 days in advance.
That’s a good thing.
‘Ah- this is tough, first of all, subspace.’
He has a subspace for fraudulent items. Whatever it was, each day passed without a moment to breathe due to the hellish schedule. It was already the 10th day. While Woojin’s LA trip date was getting closer, the two movies that were released in Korea and Japan as year-end and New Year’s gifts still showed no signs of slowing down.
‘The Stranger’, which is causing a stir in Japan and even Korea, is maintaining its number one spot in advance ticket sales despite the release of new films.
[Viewing the number of viewers on January 9, 2022] [Daily domestic box office]
1. Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice / Release Date: December 21, 2021 / Audience: 620,132 / Cumulative Audience: 10,810,338
The same was true of ‘Leech’, which was a huge hit in Cannes and Korea and is currently enjoying the same popularity as ‘Strange Parasite’ in Japan.
『[Movie Talk] Japanese release ‘Leech’ surpasses 10 million!』
‘The Strange Parasite’ and ‘The Leech’ surpassed 10 million in their 4th week of release. This is due to the issues and artistic quality of the movies themselves, as well as special events such as Christmas and the end of the year. Of course, both movies received the highest ratings from viewers. ‘The Strange Parasite’, which was released in Korea, received rave reviews every day for Kang Woo-jin, and ‘The Leech’, which was released in Japan, was no different. Because they were released at different times, Woo-jin’s completely different acting was immediately confirmed.
In addition, the daily performances were enough to make the film industry press go crazy. The total number of viewers for the two films is already.
『’Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Strange Parasite’ and ‘Leech’ Surpass 30 Million Viewers in Korea and Japan! How High Will It Go?』
Because it exceeded 30 million.
At the same time in Korea, DM Production.
‘Beneficial Evil’, which is aiming for a worldwide launch in partnership with Netflix. The large conference room of DM Production, which is the executive producer of ‘Beneficial Evil’. Quite a few people are gathered here now.
The people sitting around the U-shaped desk all had familiar faces.
Netflix Korea’s General Director Kim So-hyang and executives, DM Production staff, ‘Beneficial Evil’s’ key staff, and ‘Beneficial Evil’s’ script writer Choi Na-na.
and.
“Okay, next.”
Even PD Song Man-woo, who just changed the topic of the meeting, looked quite different from before. He had lost weight and his cheeks were sallow and his skin was rough. He also had dark circles under his eyes. It seems like he is pouring his heart and soul into editing Part 1 of ‘Beneficial Evil’.
Writer Choi Na-na, who pushed up her round glasses as if worried about his appearance, asked him cautiously.
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“But, PD-nim. Are you really okay??”
PD Song Man-woo took a sip of the canned coffee in front of him and smiled with difficulty.
“It’s not okay.”
“Ah- Huh? Yes? Then go to the hospital and get treatment.”
“I already went to the hospital.”
PD Song Man-woo stabbed his own arm twice with his index finger.
“I’ve already had the awakening ringer several times.”
It’s about fluids for recovering one’s condition. However, for PD Song Man-woo, it seemed like an everyday thing and nothing special.
“It’s not that hard. I even filmed right up until I was about to die. Don’t worry.”
He was sincere. In the past, when the drama market was poor, he stayed up all night for up to a week. Soon, PD Song Man-woo, who had brushed back his messy hair, turned his gaze to the other side. It was directed at General Director Kim So-hyang.
“As long as I don’t collapse, editing Part 1 of ‘Beneficial Evil’ won’t take more than three weeks.”
It means that it will take two weeks for editing and one week for finishing. In short, the ‘Beneficial Evil’ processing will be completed within January. At this, General Director Kim So-hyang nodded with both hands clasped together.
“Yes, I trust you PD. I think there will be no problem with the official launch on February 3rd.”
“That’s right. Even if I die. No, even if I die, I have to do it.”
In fact, the launch date of ‘Beneficial Evil’ was already confirmed as February 3rd. The reason it hasn’t been revealed to the world yet is to prepare for an unexpected situation. It’s easy to change the schedule if or when there’s a problem before the launch. However, PD Song Man-woo was a professional and a big shot in the drama industry.
He was not the type of person to make mistakes that an amateur would make.
“We were able to shorten the time a lot by doing the editing while filming Part 1. Launching on February 3rd, there shouldn’t be any problems. So- what about the promotion and marketing schedule?”
Director Kim So-hyang answered right away.
“It’s ready, both domestically and internationally. From warm-up YouTube videos to SNS events to hook the media and public opinion, it’ll all pour out like a bomb once we get started. When do you think the first teaser will be completed?”
The first teaser to announce the official launch date and official launch of ‘Beneficial Evil’. That would be the starting point for the promotion and marketing of ‘Beneficial Evil’. PD Song Man-woo, who was sweeping his beard, answered.
“Hmm- I guess now is the right time, when there is a lot of interest in ‘Beneficial Evil’ overseas, and issues surrounding Woojin and Miley Kara are overflowing. The first teaser will be released in a few days.”
At the end of the meeting that had been going on for several dozen minutes, PD Song Man-woo asked the people besides Kim So-hyang to clean up their seats.
“It’s not finished yet. Let’s take a look at part 1 of ‘Beneficial Evil’.”
He said it very refreshingly.
“With the concept of pre-testing.”
