A wide conference room. A gigantic TV hung on the wall.
The screen was silently broadcasting the news.
In front of the police station, Director Kim Jun-ki with his arms restrained and the swarm of journalists in front of him could be seen. Director Kim Jun-ki, wearing a mask and with a cap pulled low over his head, kept his head bowed.
—Do you have nothing to say!
—I will earnestly cooperate with the investigation. I apologize to the victims. I will pay for my sins and make sure I never show my face again.
And immediately afterward.
Pah!
Someone turned off the TV with just a few words following.
“He’s as good as dead. He’ll never be able to restore his life now.”
At this, those seated around the round table nodded in agreement. There were around ten people. They had gathered to discuss today an extremely important agenda.
The agenda was the progress of the ‘Busan International Short Film Festival.’
The chairman, the head of overall responsibilities, broke the silence first.
“Currently, the festival is scheduled exactly one month from now, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“It’s too late. Let’s push it up by a week, and instead, we’ll extend the submission period a bit. Our key is to host it as soon as possible. Once we enter the second half of the year, everyone gets busier.”
All nodded their heads while jotting down the contents discussed.
“The period suggested does seem to be the most opportune.”
One of the staff nodded in agreement.
In his opinion, the chairman’s words were quite reasonable. Whether it was the audience or the personnel, once the second half of the year rolled around, everyone would get extremely busy, naturally leading to their absence from the film festival.
“That’s true. Anyway, do we really need to mention the smaller details?”
“Yes, everything is proceeding well.”
“Good. So let’s move on with that… Hmm… what now…”
The chairman scratched his head as if troubled.
“From this point, we need to discuss the selection of the jury members for the film festival.”
Jury members.
This short four-letter phrase carried significant influence. Simultaneously, the faces of the staff seated around the table clouded with concern.
One carefully spoke up.
“The only jury member confirmed so far was Director Kim Jun-ki, but unfortunately, a problematic incident involving him has erupted. Now, it’s a situation where we haven’t secured any confirmations from any jury members. It seems like everyone is waiting to see each other’s moves.”
“Exactly. Unfortunately, such a thing had to happen to Director Kim Jun-ki.”
The chairman crumpled his face and rubbed his chin.
While it would be ideal for all directors to visit out of passion for the Busan International Short Film Festival, reality and expectations rarely align.
The world does not function solely on benevolence.
This implies that directors of a certain caliber and renown who come here should have sufficient reason to do so.
Thus, the person they intended to use as bait was Kim Jun-ki.
—Director Park, Director Kim Jun-ki will be attending as well…
—Director Lee, many others, in addition to Director Kim, will also be coming…
Yes, they had planned to reel in more recruits by linking their names like a chain.
—Unfortunately, the incident involving Kim Jun-ki has occurred.
Now, Kim Jun-ki’s name has become an obstacle instead.
The chairman clicked his tongue.
“We must clearly state that we are disassociating ourselves from Director Kim Jun-ki.”
“Understood.”
“And we need to bring in a new prominent director… Hmm…”
The contemplation didn’t last long.
The chairman quickly came up with a name.
“Director Ko Tae-min. I heard he’s making a new work themed around music, and he hasn’t started the project yet. Which means this is his quietest period. Let’s pursue him relentlessly.”
“For the prominent director, we’ll proceed with Director Ko Tae-min. How many proposal sheets should we circulate? How many jury members are we aiming for?”
“At the very least, we should have ten members to generate some buzz.”
“Got it. The more, the better.”
—Ta-tataak—
The staff member in charge of recruiting jury members began typing busily on their laptop as the chairman continued speaking.
“Set installation, jury recruitment—these are just the basics. Understand that?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Now, let’s brainstorm ways to attract as many people as possible. Let’s start with the invitees.”
One of the staff members met the chairman’s gaze and spoke up.
“Inviting actors should not be an issue. However…”
“However?”
“Inviting overseas prominent directors. Are we really going to pursue this?”
“We have to. This year, let’s attempt everything feasible.”
“Understood. Which countries?”
“Country does not matter. We’ll circulate the invitations widely and bring in those who respond.”
With little time remaining until the short film festival, the meeting proceeded smoothly as they finalized one decision after another.
Just as the staff had jotted down notes amounting to over ten pages on various agreed-upon matters,
“Alright, let’s move on to the most important issue.”
The chairman adopted a solemn expression.
“As you know, the Busan International Film Festival has two sections—one is just the regular film festival, and the other is our short film festival.”
“Correct.”
“Even though they are part of the same event, the gap between the two is severe. The short film festival does not receive enough attention compared to the regular film festival.”
“That’s true. Short films are often regarded as inferior to regular films. Once directors or actors reach a certain level, they tend to avoid short films.”
“Exactly. The perception of short films as merely a stepping stone is the problem.”
Like a tutorial in a game that everyone encounters upon starting.
Many view short films at that level only.
For directors and actors of higher calibers, there is often no practical reason to engage with short films—it doesn’t make economic sense.
Why waste time on something when another project might yield greater benefits?
The chairman crossed his arms, his eyes lighting up.
“The upper management has decided to revitalize this year’s short film festival. How many times have I emphasized this? I’ve been asking for some sort of plan since almost two weeks ago. Let’s hear ideas from each of you.”
“…”
A brief silence ensued.
Then the chairman put on an intimidating face again.
“It’s not like the upper management only gives orders without backing them up. They’ve provided an enormous budget. So, how easy do you have it? All you need to do is come up with ideas without worrying about money. Do you often get such a good opportunity?”
Afterward, various methods were discussed.
“We should advertise using MyTube.”
“Perhaps we could consider inviting idols.”
“chairman, how about increasing the number of awards?”
The chairman took particular interest in the last suggestion.
“Increase the number of awards?”
“Yes. The real appeal of short films, after all, lies in raising awareness through award wins.”
“That’s true.”
“But if there are too few awards, there won’t even be a desire to participate. I suggest increasing the award categories. Adding categories like actor awards or special mentions to serve as bait.”
“Hmm…”
The chairman, arms crossed, fell into contemplation.
“If the number of awards increases too much, won’t the value of each award diminish somewhat? What’s your countermeasure for that?”
“Of course, we’ve thought about that.”
The staff member reassured him with a playful grin.
“Countermeasure?”
“Yes. We’ll establish the premise that there might not be any winners at all. We’re not forcing the distribution of all the awards. We’ll only award those works that demonstrate true value.”
“By increasing the possibility of winning to use as bait, but without giving away awards indiscriminately? Sounds good.”
The chairman immediately agreed.
“Great. Let’s proceed with expanding the award categories. This is a good start. Still, it’d be better if we had one more viable suggestion.”
That’s when it happened.
“Chairman, should we only focus on increasing interest?”
A hand was raised, cutting in suddenly.
It was from an employee who had been silent until then, a bespectacled individual.
“Why? Do you have a way to raise interest?”
“Of course. What’s trendy these days?”
“Hmm…”
The chairman thought for a second before nodding.
“That’s enough, that’s enough. I get what you’re trying to say.”
His expression, however, darkened immediately.
“No nonsense marketing strategies or anything like that. Don’t even bring it up. There are plenty of events that have fallen into disfavor by attempting such gimmicky marketing. They all plummeted eventually.”
“No, that’s not what I mean. It’s not nonsense marketing, is it?”
“If it’s not nonsense marketing, then what?”
“Let’s use streamers and Virtual YouTubers.”
The staff member grinned confidently.
Even though the chairman’s expression was still skeptical.
“Virtual YouTubers?”
“Young people these days have considerable influence from streamers and Virtual YouTubers. They’re much closer to their phones than they are to TVs nowadays. There are even more households without TVs these days.”
“That’s true. My daughter only looks at her phone too.”
“Exactly. Streamers and Virtual YouTubers primarily perform on mobile platforms. Let’s give them a try. Regardless of the outcome, exposure is guaranteed.”
“Hmm… Virtual YouTubers? Are they that popular?”
The chairman still wasn’t entirely convinced.
Still, it was strange to see this usually sleepy and lifeless employee suddenly brimming with passion.
“Young people these days should just always work like this…”
Nevertheless, the employee confidently continued.
“Of course, we’ll give the advertisements to the most popular ones. If we give an ad to the most popular one, it will automatically spread to all the Virtual YouTuber viewers.”
“Well, you go ahead and take care of that yourself.”
■■■■■
Meanwhile, in the editing room of the short film “Sword.”
The space resembled the Great Wall of China, formed with energy drink cans stacked high on the desks. It was now so cluttered with trash rolling around the floor that they couldn’t even stack anything else.
Despite the messy, almost garbage-like environment, people diligently stayed and worked. These were none other than Director Park Jun of “Sword” and a couple of editing staff.
Ta-da-daak—
Ta-da-daak—
Only the sounds of the mouse and keyboard could be heard.
There was no conversation between them.
Ta-da-daak—
As if forgetting both time and hunger, they stared at their monitors with shadowed eyes. The editing program on the screen was being used nonstop in minute intervals.
And hours later.
They shut down two out of the three computers.
Drrrrk—
While moving their chairs towards the remaining powered-on computer, they stopped working.
They no longer worked.
They simply marveled at what they had created.
“…”
All three stood with crossed arms, silent.
And after some time.
Finally, when the video ended.
“…”
They silently exchanged glances.
Their faces, though unrecognizably haggard, easily communicated the emotions they held. It was something that all three had profoundly possessed.
“Finally…”
The three linked arms in a circle to form a circle with their shoulders.
The name of that emotion was pride and joy.
“We’ve done it!”
“Done! Done! Done! Done!”
“Finally, we’ve finished! Finally!”
The short film “Sword.”
It was literally a sword. The sharpened blade was now ready to be swung toward the short film festival.
.
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, in the editing room of the short film “Wind.”
“Hmm.”
Yang Ha-rin quietly sipped her coffee.
In stark contrast to “Sword’s” editing room, this place was wide, immaculate, and even luxurious, filled with high-class snacks and drinks. Moreover, the editing team was spotlessly clean, devoid of any burnout appearance.
All were waiting for Yang Ha-rin’s reaction after reviewing the edited version directed by Jo Eui-shin.
“Yes. It seems to be flawlessly completed.”
“Hahaha!”
Director Jo Eui-shin finally grinned.
“All thanks to Miss Ha-rin’s brilliant performance!”
“Director Jo, you’ll surely win an award soon.”
“That’s right! It’s only natural!”
Looking from Yang Ha-rin’s perspective, “Wind” was truly magnificent.
It was obvious. From the very beginning, “Wind” was designed primarily to win awards. Hence, it utilized an enormous budget, even for a short film.
“Director Jo must have quite a wide network.”
Moreover, Yang Ha-rin knew that Jo Eui-shin also had quite a wide network. At least, there wouldn’t be any worries about losing out on awards due to connections.
Afterwards, Yang Ha-rin left the editing room and got into a van.
On the way back to CT Entertainment’s building, the representative eagerly asked:
“Did everything go well, Ha-rin?”
“Yes.”
“How was it? Was it completed alright?”
“There were no issues. I believe we might win an award.”
“Is that so?”
The representative, looking extremely satisfied, nodded.
“Right! And by the way, I’ve just received some information…”
The representative immediately whispered something into Ha-rin’s ear.
Ha-rin raised her eyebrows slightly.
“So? They’ve completed it?”
Yang Ha-rin smirked.
The news that the short film “Sword” had been completed.
Normally, it might have irked her, but this time, she found it oddly exciting. Given how magnificent “Wind” was, she was confident to trample over any competition.
“Su-a…”
Yang Ha-rin quietly repeated the name she hadn’t spoken in a while.
“Let her get pummeled like a dog. I wonder how grotesquely she’ll squirm?”
Muttering this while fiddling with her phone, she habitually performed an ego search. Once again, her community addiction struck.
“…”
The normally addicted Yang Ha-rin found herself at an unexpected gallery, causing her expression to contort a bit.
[Su-a Gallery]
“…”
What kind of gallery is this? Just seeing the name is unpleasant.
Without much thought, she typed a post, since it was anonymous anyway.
[Trash gallery. Worthless gallery.]
Ding—Ding—
Surprisingly, three comments were immediately posted.
Deer: Haha agreed. hilarious
Monkeying: Really trash. Haha
Black Bear: Good good Haha
“…”
Yang Ha-rin tilted her head again.
What are these animals? Is this an animal gallery?
She promptly bookmarked the site.
■■■■■
At the same time, in Go Eun-bi’s studio.
“What?”
Shikarin, known as “Deer” in the Neolive chat room, furrowed her brows.
She had just received an unexpected email.
[Busan International Short Film Festival Committee.]
▶ Hello. I am Jung Woo-young from the marketing team of the Busan International Short Film Festival. As we approach the festival in three weeks, we would like to propose an advertisement to Shikarin of Neolive…
Go Eun-bi squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again.
Once, twice, thrice…
Eventually, she blinked like crazy.
“…What? What is this?”
Eun-bi immediately called her workplace colleague.
The counterpart was the oldest sister among Neolive’s Virtual YouTubers and hence most knowledgeable in such matters.
“Sis, I just received an email…”
“Yeah, I know. It’s the short film festival promotion email you received, right?”
“Hmm. I see this has already been approved by Neolive, but what is this? No one even consulted me?”
“Eun-bi, there was no need for consultation in this case.”
“Eh?”
Eun-bi couldn’t understand what her colleague meant.
“Why didn’t you consult me? I don’t know how to do this! I lack confidence! Until now, we’ve only received game advertisements.”
“Eun-bi, this is way easier than game advertisements.”
“Easier? Why?”
“It’s incomparable. Think about it. You just need to sit still and watch the short films. Just watch them with your audience, and you earn money.”
“Ah, is that it? Really, that’s all there is?”
Eun-bi had occasionally wondered since starting as a Virtual YouTuber.
Isn’t it strange that I can make money so easily? Is life really that simple? Why does labor exist?
“What’s wrong? We’re not the ones clinging desperately. They approached us.”
“That’s true…”
Anyway, Eun-bi soon nodded.
Since it was a good opportunity, there was no reason to reject it.
At the same time, Eun-bi conjured up about five hundred ways to torment Su-a in her mind. When Su-a finally came home after struggling hard, Eun-bi would tell her how easily she earned money and then beat her up repeatedly.
Maybe I should give her a little allowance if she cries…
Yes, that’s how I’ll tame Su-a. Hahaha.
“Alright, sis. I’ll go with that.”
Go Eun-bi’s expression turned a little sinister.
The moment Shikarin, Neolive’s Virtual YouTuber, a.k.a. “Deer,” was confirmed for the film festival’s live broadcast.
