When filming a drama, the waiting time overwhelmingly outweighs the actual shooting time.
For supporting actors, it’s not uncommon to wait all day just to film a few scenes.
Thus, when entering production, it’s a cardinal rule in this industry to avoid making other schedules.
However, in the case of top stars with back-to-back schedules, there are times when they inevitably have to manage other schedules concurrently. Most of these schedules are planned well before production begins.
In principle, the shooting schedule is primarily arranged around the lead actors. Not only do they have the most scenes, but lead actors are often the busiest, making it necessary to prioritize their time. But this isn’t always the case.
In such situations, schedules can be adjusted flexibly depending on the circumstances. Since the wait time between scenes can vary greatly, it’s not impossible to change the shooting order to accommodate someone.
If there are special situations, like with Elder Yoon in the case of Yoon Seo-eun, the PD might adjust the shooting schedule accordingly. Normally, though, the schedules are discussed and adjusted beforehand.
However, one must consider that both lead and supporting actors receiving rescheduled shoots is quite a privilege. Since if one person is favored, someone else inevitably suffers. This is why actors can be quite sensitive about shooting times. Many actors perceive any changes in the shooting schedule that cause them harm as being disrespected.
Above all, no matter who you are or which drama you’re in, there’s an obligation to focus on the production. Yet, repeatedly requesting adjustments to all filming schedules is an extremely rare occurrence, even in an industry rife with peculiar situations. To the point that even Heavenly Yuah wouldn’t dare make such demands to the director. And yet, here a representative from Moon Enter is confidently making this unreasonable request.
“…So, what exactly?”
“Hehe, Luna’s schedule is decided on a yearly basis. Although she suddenly entered this project, we can’t just disregard the already planned schedule, can we?”
“If that’s the case, why did you enter the project in the first place?”
“I’m curious about that too. In fact, just continuing her regular activities might be better than joining this drama…”
Something along these lines.
Luna personally wanted to join this project, but the company isn’t particularly enthusiastic about it. Looking back, I remember the representative from Moon Enter didn’t even attend the private meeting held by Flame. I initially thought this woman was with a one-person agency, but judging from the atmosphere, it seems to be a sudden decision on her part.
“By any chance, is Luna coming back soon?”
“Yes, her comeback schedule is set.”
“Oh, dear…”
Even worse, it’s not just a simple schedule for an event or advertisement shoot—this is a comeback schedule.
This means she plans to combine her busy post-comeback schedule with the drama filming. But isn’t that a bit strange?
If it’s a comeback, wouldn’t it be possible to push it back?
The comeback timing is agreed upon between the artist and the company, after all. Could it be that the drama shooting and everything else has been forcibly pushed aside for the comeback? The situation here is confusing for everyone involved.
In situations like these, there are two options: Either replace the actor since filming hasn’t started yet, or adjust the shooting schedule on set to accommodate her.
Yang Yuli went through a lot of trouble to bring Luna on board, and now things have become rather awkward.
…
Here, the two people who seem to be most irritated are:
Min Dong-soo, the manager caring for Heavenly Yuah from Flame, and Director Bang Jin-gyu, the person in charge of this drama.
Honestly, it’s somewhat irritating to watch—even to me. The schedule adjustment isn’t the problem so much as the attitude of Moon Enter’s representatives.
They’re incredibly brazen about causing inconvenience to other actors while showing a blatant disregard like, “What are you going to do about it?” Even if Moon Enter isn’t overly concerned with Luna’s acting career, it’s still reckless behavior in an industry where nearly everyone’s connected. Could they possibly always act this way? If that’s the case, Luna must be an extraordinary artist indeed, enjoying overwhelming popularity that makes such behavior permissible.
…
Strangely, the other actors who’ll be indirectly affected aren’t reacting much.
Or rather, they’re trying their best not to show it. South Hyun-ho looks at the situation as though this sort of thing happens all the time but hasn’t voiced any objections. Idol Lion is also staying quiet, and Senior Kang Ji-woo just shakes her head without saying anything.
As for Luna, she’s glaring at the Moon Enter representative with her brows furrowed. Interestingly, this seems to be the first time Luna is hearing about all this, judging by her reaction.
This could get messier than anticipated.
“…Alright. Let’s adjust the schedule.”
The first to respond was Min Dong-soo, the Flame representative. Our company’s Min Dong-soo manager, who has taken over from the CEO to assist Heavenly Yuah, quickly acknowledged the schedule adjustment after receiving a signal from her.
Chronic-faced Heavenly Yuah appears to have judged that it’s better to simply concede instead of risking the more detrimental step of replacing a cast member. Observing her emotions, Min Dong-soo seems adept at understanding her intentions after working with her for so long.
“Understood. Please send us the updated schedule once it’s ready.”
After Min Dong-soo, other representatives also agreed to the schedule adjustments. The actors communicated with their respective managers, and it seems a decision has been reached in this fashion.
It’s amusing how the gathered representatives can communicate just with a nod. How much experience do these people have?
Comparatively, my manager, Cheol-nam, is…
…Quiet.
That’s appropriate; rookies don’t have any authority.
However, with the current situation, I’ll likely be the one taking some unnecessary damage. Ultimately, with Luna and Heavenly Yuah as priorities, my larger share of shooting will be stretched out, forcing me to practically live at the set.
Of course, I don’t have the standing as a rookie to complain. Still, I had hoped to stay longer on set during the initial filming.
It feels like being caught in the crossfire of a whale battle, though.
“Are they crazy at Moon Enter?”
“How do they run their business this way?”
“Look at the actors here. Their value is no joke.”
“If they’re going to handle things this way, they should have refused this project from the start.”
However, I’m slightly worried about the negative reputation Moon Enter will gain through the grapevine among industry relations.
All this will inevitably reflect poorly on Luna too.
Their management skills are truly subpar.
*
“Yo, idiot.”
“…Ah, please stop calling me that.”
“Why not? That’s what I’m calling you, an idiot.”
“I’d rather not hear it from my senior.”
“Shouldn’t you feel honored? You’re being acknowledged as a true idiot by none other than me, an acknowledged idiot.”
“…Damn.”
Damn, that’s not wrong.
Currently, I’m at a bar with South Hyun-ho.
After finishing the script reading, he called me over as we were about to leave, suggesting a light drink before heading home since we’ll be busy going forward.
I thought it might be some kind of bonding session with the other actors, so I agreed, only to find it was just the two of us.
Worse, the bar resembles an enclosed room—perfect for hatching conspiracies—and feels eerily suitable for celebrities to relax undisturbed. With its dim lighting, it evokes old memories.
“Why didn’t you call Senior Yuah?”
“Huh? Senior Yuah? You’re supposed to know her better since you’re from the same company, but apparently, you don’t. That senior? She’s a homebody.”
“…What?”
Somehow, this conversation took a strange turn. I casually mentioned inviting Senior Yuah, assuming she’d like such dark places, only to hear she’s a homebody.
“Isn’t that right… hasn’t she been cooped up in her place for the past few months?”
That’s oddly suspicious.
She’s stayed in one place for months?
If it were Heavenly Demon doing that, my working environment would’ve been dozens of times more peaceful.
Would even a demon like Heavenly Demon dislike going out after becoming an entertainer?
This trait seems much different from Heavenly Demon, something I should keep in mind.
“Anyway, why did you ask me here?”
“Hey, do people with no agenda not meet?”
“No, I mean…”
“That’s right, our relationship…”
“Where there’s a reason but no real necessity to meet?”
“…Damn. Idiot.”
Such an intense friendship.
Are you secretly craving friendship?
Maybe it’s because there’s no one around you to call a friend. Whatever, it doesn’t matter.
Since we’re here, I might as well ask this knowledgeable person a few questions about the entertainment industry.
“What do you think of today’s events?”
“Hmm? What? Moon Enter?”
“Yes.”
“Insane. Shooting a drama while preparing a comeback…which moron came up with that idea?”
From his head-shaking, it’s clear to South Hyun-ho that this situation is far from normal.
“What about Moon Enter anyway?”
“Oh, them? They’re basically Luna alone. Luna literally sustains that agency.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, they do have girl group trainees, though.”
“If they’re good, idols can be lucrative.”
“Still, it seems they lack any real substance. In today’s world, their management style is simply… ridiculous.”
“Hmm…”
So, Moon Enter is an agency solely sustained by Luna.
“Speaking of which, Moon Enter has a pretty bad reputation.”
“Bad reputation?”
“Yeah, incapable.”
“Today’s events already made that clear, didn’t they?”
“Far worse than that.”
Fans always criticize their idols’ agencies, but apparently, Moon Enter is on another level.
Of course, accusations of overworking idols are common, but they also seem to do nothing about managing toxic fans or obsessive stalkers. Many informed fans think the only solution is a “Moon” exit. It sounds pretty hopeless to me.
“The girl’s really… everywhere…”
The only solution is an exit.
What bad luck she has, really.
“Why hasn’t she moved companies yet? I thought she’d be at least into her 7th year?”
I also think it’s reasonable to expect her to change companies if she has her own plans. But why does it seem she won’t?
Just from today’s events, it’s clear this doesn’t look like the conduct of someone facing re-contracting.
My head’s needlessly complicated by this whole thing.
