Dream Meta Studio is the only CG specialized shooting studio in Korea.
Since there are so many people looking to use it, the shooting schedule is often packed tightly.
Particularly for modern or science fiction works, this studio has a separate large set, so productions of these genres usually try to film here.
In the case of “Gold Rush, Joseon,” due to its unique Steampunk Joseon background, only a few scenes at the beginning were filmed here.
However, this work, with a modern backdrop and dystopian feel, was best suited to be filmed here.
It was possible to complete all the work here without the need to create a separate set.
Therefore, negotiations with this studio had been ongoing from the start. However, it was said that the negotiations fell through at the last moment.
Although the atmosphere was good in the early stages of negotiation, the sudden collapse left the production company quite flustered.
“What was the reason given?”
“They didn’t really answer specifically. They just said it was inconvenient.”
“Inconvenient? Is there anything else they mentioned?”
“Yes, in situations like this… No, I suppose we’ll find out soon.”
From the studio owner’s perspective, if they are unwilling, there’s nothing one can force them to do.
However, it seemed odd to me. Usually, if there were schedule conflicts, discussions would revolve around what dates were unavailable and when the availability would resume.
Since there was no follow-up action, it did seem a bit unusual.
On the other hand, it seemed like Heavenly Yuah had an inkling of something, probably due to her extensive experience in this field, though nothing was confirmed yet so she chose not to divulge anything.
And the answer came sooner than expected.
– A blockbuster of the year to ignite the season? Starring Yoon Ju-won and Jin Seo-hee. Genre: Noir-style SF Action.
– Production budget of at least 30 billion won, SF action blockbuster. “Revenge.” Starring Yoon Ju-won and Jin Seo-hee.
Apparently, something was so urgent that the news broke before the start of production.
“Predictable, isn’t it?”
“Yes?”
“Occasionally, such works use the entire set. But it’s not just any film, only works produced by D-Pictures.”
“Ah, that’s right. Dream Studio…”
If you’re in media business in Korea, it’s almost impossible to avoid dealing with Dream Studios.
They operate everything from cable channels to production and investment companies, as well as distribution. Half the theaters are owned by them as well.
And recently, they’ve even set up talent agencies?
Whether idols, solo artists, or actors, they are absorbing a significant number of people, making Dream Studios a true giant in the Korean media industry.
More importantly, Dream Meta Studio is originally theirs.
What can one do if the studio owner wants to film a movie in their own studio? Outsiders can only sit and wait.
Though Dream Studios usually doesn’t do such things unless it’s a really large-scale project, this feels like bad luck.
With the conclusion that we could not use Dream Meta Studio, a meeting was convened again.
This meeting was held only with the production company and the investors, not the actors.
Interestingly, I was invited to this meeting as well, as Heavenly Yuah insisted on having me join.
Does she plan on grooming me as an employee?
Out of curiosity about what would be discussed, I agreed, though the thought of ending up working permanently for Flame made me uneasy.
That is definitely not an option.
If it looks like it’s heading that way, Moon Suyeon and I will escape overseas together.
“If it comes to this, our options are limited. Delay the shooting schedule or make a separate set.”
“Wouldn’t both options lead to the same result? We need to start by making a set.”
“Essentially, yes. In that case, it’s better to just delay and start filming after their production is complete.”
“Can’t we use another set?”
“There are a few, but since they’re all shooting as well, waiting would still be the same.”
“Damn.”
It was evident that Dream Meta Studio was the only option they considered from the start.
Had they known earlier about the large-scale production from D-Pictures, they would have considered other options, but it seemed this situation came as an unexpected surprise.
Naturally, the discussion has turned into criticism of D-Pictures.
It’s unusual for a blockbuster with such a significant budget to start so quietly without a whisper.
“Seriously, this is nonsense. No warning, no idea what they’re up to. D-Pictures staff must be out of their minds.”
“Normally, these kinds of projects often have issues right from the scenario stage, so it is indeed unexpected.”
Indeed, this world seems run by double standards, as our production is also happening without prior notice.
At least they issued a press release, but on our side, even that hasn’t happened.
Though now, because of the studio rental, they must have found out about our production plans.
Initially, it must have been quite surprising for them to learn about an unexpected competitor popping up.
Maybe the sudden stop to the studio rental contract was due to an abrupt directive.
Likewise, their plans being exposed beforehand led to a rushed move, which ended with reporters catching news of their production.
For instance, they haven’t even announced the director, even though the film is so capital-intensive that it surely must have a known director onboard.
It’s strange that they’ve only announced two main actors so far.
Obviously, our production must have prompted their urgency.
Regardless of their situation, ours is as follows: we are merely in the preparation phase, and there are no other confirmed schedules hence a delay is viable.
However, the catch is that while our company’s actors are not an issue, many actors have already been contacted.
If the schedule continues to be postponed indefinitely, the situation will change inevitably.
In this case, if these actors join other productions, there’s nothing we can say about it.
Though the specifics of the contract may vary, forcing them will only lead to unnecessary conflicts.
If part of our cast defects due to scheduling reasons despite our careful casting, it will inevitably complicate matters for us.
In other words, this means the production has to go ahead in some optimal way.
“Should we consider venues overseas, where we might find options unlike here in Korea, particularly in America?”
For the quality of the production, this is not a group content with making do haphazardly.
Certainly, Nam Hyun-a and Heavenly Yuah are not ones to compromise.
They would rather wait for Dream Meta Studio to become available even if it means actors may defect.
A better option would be to find a place providing Dream Meta Studio-level production environment.
Surely the likes of Heavenly Yuah and Representative Joo know such a place.
Heavenly Yuah, for instance, knows a place that could offer such facilities.
Seeing her quiet, I decided to ask her directly, confirming my suspicion correctly as her expression slightly changed.
While the production company’s representatives who are unaware of this situation are wondering what’s going on,
“Let’s first explore other shooting locations and meet again later.”
Thus concluded the meeting in a muddle, after which Heavenly Yuah called me separately.
It seemed like she wanted to close the matter I had brought up earlier.
Judging by the seriousness of her demeanor, it must be a weighty issue.
“Do you want to start filming right away?”
“Isn’t that what we all want? Considering the quality of the work, it’s the best option. I’m sure Senior Yuah feels the same.”
“Hmm…”
“If the whole company’s actors get involved and fail, that’d be a huge hit, so choosing the best course of action is right.”
“That’s true. But…”
Why is she hesitating?
Is it because she doesn’t like borrowing the strength of her family?
But listening to her, her concern wasn’t about that.
Rather, she seemed to be worrying about my relationship with her.
To be exact, about the dynamics between the two of us.
“To cut to the chase, it’s possible through Finesse.”
“Really?”
“But it would require borrowing the strength of her family.”
“Ah… Is that so?”
“That’s the problem. If we do, there’s a chance they’ll interfere with my work. My father would certainly.”
“Uh… Right?”
“And naturally, that would lead to interest being directed towards you, Mr. Siwoo.”
This is how things work.
Speaking of which, she was forced to return home at a bad time once before.
She mentioned not having visited home since debuting as an actress.
There seems to be some internal issues as well.
“But hasn’t it already been delayed?”
“What do you mean?”
“Grandmaster Heavenly Demon, or Chairman, they already know me.”
“…”
Yes, what?
Judging by her recent behavior, reports must have gone up several times already.
Indeed, while I’m unsure about Chairman, I’m confident that reports have reached Demon Queen.
As mentioned earlier, Selly, the Slavic pool thief in charge of Moon Suyeon’s coordination, holds a similar position in Martial Forest as I do.
Naturally, she must have been given the task of monitoring and reporting on Heavenly Yuah’s activities to Demon Queen.
Given that Martial Forest was like that, it’s naive to believe here it would be any different.
Though it hasn’t been an issue so far, it’s safe to assume that Demon Queen definitely knows about me.
Currently, Demon Queen is still recovering, so there have been no interactions, but eventually, conversations will arise.
Given that scenario, isn’t it the correct judgment to seize potential benefits?
Though I don’t have particular interest in S&M, it’s unnecessary to turn down something advantageous.
“I don’t have any issue, so let’s start filming.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Yes, not at all. If we’re staying in this company, issues will arise regardless. However, it also doesn’t make sense to leave and start anew outside.”
“That’s absolutely not an option.”
“Exactly.”
Yes, that really wouldn’t work.
Even from my perspective, that doesn’t seem viable in the current scenario; after all, extramarital relationships can’t be acknowledged here.
Still, it is somewhat amusing to see Heavenly Yuah here; she bulldozes everything in front of her, so perhaps her innocence in situations like this is amusing.
Would the return of Heavenly Demon’s memories make her react like this?
Well, considering Demon Queen tasked me with taking care of Heavenly Yuah without her knowledge, this reaction might be expected.
After all, schemes were more often initiated by Yahui Lee than Heavenly Yuah.
“Then I will try to make it work.”
For reasons unknown, Heavenly Yuah retreated happily, even whistling a tune, actively contacting the head office, and eventually securing even the studio.
Our shooting location was thus decided to be Los Angeles, USA.
The first detachment, including the main actors, set off for Los Angeles.
