I Was Mistaken As A Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 305

Long takes. It’s a technique frequently used in film and drama. Usually, filming involves changing the camera angle for each scene and cutting between them, but a long take continues filming from beginning to end without any cuts.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is that it brings a sense of immediacy and dynamism. It can also emphasize and maximize a character’s psychology or the atmosphere of the story. Because it feels more realistic, it makes the viewer feel like they’re experiencing things alongside the protagonist. In other words, it amplifies the audience’s emotions and senses.

Conversely, there are quite a few disadvantages.

First of all, the difficulty of filming is very high, comparable to an extreme challenge. It’s essential to retry many times until a take without any mistakes is achieved. Moreover, even a slight awkwardness is quickly noticeable, which can lead to viewer complaints. It also greatly depends on the actor’s acting ability and skill. If the actor’s technique is lacking, a long take is nearly impossible.

Nevertheless, long takes are often seen in Hollywood.

The advantages are so appealing because the disadvantages are so clear. Ethan, the leader of the stunt team, proposed such a long take technique to PD [Production Director] Song Man-woo. It was clearly written in the first line of the explanation of the storyboard he had upgraded.

A 10-minute long take.

Clearly, it wasn’t an easy decision. When you think about it, there’s no real need to do this difficult long take. But the bearded PD Song Man-woo was intrigued.

‘······A long take, huh?’

He was tempted.

‘I’m intrigued.’

Song Man-woo had decades of experience. He had also experienced long takes countless times. It was also used in the recent ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ Kang Woo-jin was also in that scene. However, PD Song Man-woo also knew that it was Woo-jin’s first time doing a long take with action.

‘But Woo-jin will be able to do it well enough.’

Additionally, if Ethan’s experience, who was sitting in front, was added, there was a high possibility that a very impactful scene would be created. After looking at the upgraded storyboard for a while, PD Song Man-woo turned his head. The martial arts director was also looking at the same thing.

“What do you think?”

“······I want to try it. Honestly, if we can pull off an action scene well with a long take, we can surpass everyone else, you know.”

“I know.”

“But- 10 minutes. A 10-minute long take. This feels a bit much.”

“That’s something the martial arts director will coordinate with that side. Just tell me if it’s possible or not.”

“Even if I say it’s not possible, you’ll make it happen, won’t you?”

PD Song Man-woo smiled.

“I’m already hooked.”

“See that. Sigh- it’s going to be a tough road. Well, I’m like this, and I need to talk to the camera director too.”

“Leave that to me.”

It wasn’t just the director of photography. Many teams had to be mobilized for the 10-minute long take that Ethan proposed. Not only the filming team but also lighting, props, art, audio, etc. In short, it was like re-planning everything. Of course, the script written by writer Choi Na-na was the basis, and Ethan Smith’s skills were added on top of that.

The work would increase several times over, but the smile of the bearded PD Song Man-woo deepened.

‘How can I pass up this 10-minute long take, a large-scale battle scene?’

The long take scene was about ‘coolly taking down’ more than 30 opponents, so to speak.

‘Using pistols, rifles, bare hands, and various props quickly and diversely is a bonus.’

The storyboard that Ethan had created had already captivated PD Song Man-woo’s eyes. It had become more splendid and dynamic. What about the speed? Not only the long take scene itself, but the overall pace of the storyboard had doubled. The impact and texture of the action were also rough yet flexible.

‘Indeed······Hollywood experience is something else.’

The action design of leader Ethan was trendy yet had a raw, authentic feel.

It was similar to Hollywood action storyboards.

The upgraded storyboard was truly specialized for ‘CQC’ [Close Quarters Combat]. It was the same as saying it was a storyboard that would make Kang Woo-jin shine.

-Flap, flap.

PD Song Man-woo quickly flipped through the storyboards. He liked every scene.

Especially.

‘The pacing is amazing.’

It was a storyboard that was excellent at being fast and then catching its breath. At this time.

“How is it?”

Ethan, who was serious on the other side, asked in English.

“If there are any parts that are bothering you, I can modify them right away.”

PD Song Man-woo, with a smile, shook his head.

“No, let’s fix this and refine it.”

“Before that, there are two things I need to make sure of.”

“What is it?”

“First, it’s the production cost. As you can see in the storyboard, things that didn’t exist before have been added. Various rifles, props, special effects, and such.”

As if that was no problem at all, PD Song Man-woo immediately replied.

“I’ll solve the money problem even if I have to pour in my own assets, so don’t worry about it.”

“······Next is the actor.”

“Actor?”

“Kang Woo-jin. There are many actors in Hollywood who avoid long takes. Before we start the full-scale work, his opinion is important, because we need to refine the storyboard scenes after talking with the actor.”

At this, PD Song Man-woo and the martial arts director’s smiles deepened, and PD Song Man-woo, who had taken out his cell phone, said.

“That won’t be a problem either. But since we’re on the topic, let’s take care of it.”

“Right away? Even so, the actor needs time to think.”

In reality, in Hollywood, when a demanding long take is proposed to an actor, it can take a week for them to answer. Ethan had actually witnessed that. On the other hand, PD Song Man-woo’s actions were unhesitating.

“Ah- Woo-jin, I’m sorry. Are you busy by any chance? Can you talk briefly?”

He had already called Kang Woo-jin. Then, after turning on the speakerphone, PD Song Man-woo asked.

“Ethan from the stunt team brought a storyboard design, and he’s proposing a 10-minute large-scale battle long take that didn’t exist before. What do you think?”

Kang Woo-jin’s answer didn’t take even a second.

“No problem.”

After that.

PD Song Man-woo and Ethan, including the entire team of ‘Beneficial Evil,’ focused on the newly designed ‘CQC’ storyboard. It was delivered to the key staff, and they began the work of officially writing the upgraded storyboard with the martial arts director and others.

Of course, it wasn’t something that could be done right away.

First, after creating a draft of the new storyboard based on Ethan’s, they had to go to the actual location in Bangkok, Thailand, and complete the location scouting to finalize the storyboard. The local extras were also important.

Soon, it meant that there were very important things to solve in Bangkok regarding the overseas location shoot that was about to depart.

“Ah- and about this overseas location scouting.”

The bearded PD Song Man-woo announced to everyone that they would be going to Bangkok for location scouting and other tasks.

“We’ll be leaving around the 10th of this week. The teams that are going with us, please prepare thoroughly.”

The departure date was around July 10th. Of course, the stunt team led by Ethan was also included.

Time melted away.

Seven days passed, and the 8th dawned. Today, too, Kang Woo-jin had to be buried in his schedule. One thing was added to that: the martial arts and ‘CQC’ practice for ‘Beneficial Evil.’ The other actors were already in progress, and Kang Woo-jin, who had recently greeted the stunt team, also had to join.

『Overseas stunt team joins ‘Beneficial Evil,’ aiming for the world? “They’re really putting in the effort”』

『[Drama Pick] Rumors of overseas location shoot for ‘Beneficial Evil’ are swirling, and additional rumors say a Hollywood stunt team has joined』

However, Kang Woo-jin had less to learn compared to the other actors. It was okay to skip the basics or training. That’s what Ethan, who was exclusively assigned to Woo-jin, said.

“For now, we’ll focus only on the long take scene, and we’ll match the combinations of techniques using swords, guns, and props. We’ll start in earnest after the location scouting in Bangkok is finished.”

A model of an AK rifle was handed to Kang Woo-jin, who had started practicing. Woo-jin felt genuinely interested in the appearance, which was no different from the real thing.

‘Wow- I’ve even tried shooting with a prop before. It’s definitely lighter than the real thing, this. Anyway, it’s so fun.’

Guns are irresistible.

In addition, Kang Woo-jin quickly became close with leader Ethan and his stunt team members. The fact that they could talk naturally was a very big help.

“Woo-jin, why do you always have a serious face? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile.”

“It’s just my usual expression.”

“I’m more surprised by Woo-jin’s stamina than his face. Why is your breathing always consistent? Even we are panting sometimes.”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you learn that in the special forces too?”

“······”

After finishing practice, Kang Woo-jin had to complete his schedule until midnight.

‘If I didn’t have the subspace, I would have died of exhaustion by now, right?’

Advertisements, photoshoots, interviews, ‘Kang Woo-jin’s alter ego,’ SNS-related filming. And there was also the 20 million thank-you shoot for ‘Island of the Missing,’ which recently changed the history of Korean cinema.

『’Island of the Missing’ actors who changed the history of Korean cinema, smiling brightly and bowing 90 degrees to fans/Photo』

『”Thank you for 20 million!” Director Kwon Ki-taek, Kang Woo-jin, Ryu Jung-min, etc., gathered in one place after a long time』

Of course, it was a shoot with director Kwon Ki-taek and all the actors of ‘Island of the Missing,’ and after that, there was a behind-the-scenes shoot for ‘Our Table’ in the form of an interview. It wasn’t large in scale. It was just about an hour of conversation with the production staff such as PD Yoon Byung-sun at the ‘Our Table’ office in an officetel [a studio apartment].

The last was a promotional video shoot for the anime ‘Boyfriend: Remake.’

‘Boyfriend: Remake’ had already started full-scale promotion. Kang Woo-jin, who played the male lead, also had to attend, but since he couldn’t go to Japan due to his schedule, Woo-jin had to produce a separate promotional video in Korea.

Kang Woo-jin had to wrap up this much in about two days, and he actually did it. It was on the night of the 9th that Woo-jin completed all of his scheduled activities.

‘Wow- crazy, this is possible??’

This was the end of Woo-jin’s schedule in Korea.

Meanwhile, in LA.

It was early morning in LA. Overall, it was an atmosphere of rushing to work. But there were also many people who had already started their day. Among them was a blonde woman in a large recording studio filled with various audio equipment. It was global superstar Miley Cara, who was working with several foreigners.

-♬♪

The song echoed throughout the recording studio. Cara’s voice, or the instrumental version, alternated and spread. In fact, Cara, who was wearing a gray hoodie, had arrived at the recording studio about an hour ago, and she was now engrossed in working on her new album.

“This part, shouldn’t the tempo be a bit faster?”

“Can you sing it again?”

“Yeah. I’ll try going a little faster, so please check it.”

“Okay.”

Miley Cara, who entered the recording booth and showed off her vocals. Her makeup was light today. But her well-matched blonde hair and cynical appearance were still attractive. After several tens of minutes of recording work, she seemed to be taking a break, and she sat down on the soft sofa in the back.

Then, she picked up her cell phone.

At the same time, her manager handed her a bottle of water. It was Jonathan, who had a nearly shaved head. Cara briefly expressed her thanks and asked.

“Is the hotel ready?”

“Yeah, I booked a 5-star hotel as you said, Cara.”

“We’re responsible for all the people coming with him. We need to provide accommodation and transportation.”

“I know, I’ve prepared it.”

“Make sure to check carefully so that they feel like they’re being treated like royalty.”

Cara, who had firmly stated this, turned her gaze back to her cell phone. Kang Woo-jin’s Instagram was displayed on her cell phone screen.

“This time, he’s not coming as a chef but as a vocalist. No, he’s coming as my guest.”

At this moment.

-♬♪

Her cell phone rang. It was a phone call. Looking at the caller, it was Hollywood’s famous producer Joseph Felton. Soon, Cara tilted her head. A call in the morning? A face that said something like that. Whatever it was, Cara put the phone to her ear.

“Joseph?”

Joseph on the other end of the phone seemed to be in a good mood.

“Haha, Miley. Your face came up on a large billboard on my way to work. I thought of you and called. Is the new album work going well?”

“Of course. I heard you’re busy too, Joseph.”

“Well, I’m always busy. It’s even more so because I’ve taken on a new project these days. But Miley, it’s about time for you to choose your next project, right? You usually pick a project around the time you start a new album.”

“You called because of that, didn’t you?”

“I’m just trying to keep it in mind.”

“I’m still too busy to think about it. I also have to take care of the guest who’s coming soon.”

“Guest?”

“Kang Woo-jin, you know about it from the articles, right? He’ll be arriving tomorrow for my album work.”

At that moment, Joseph on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment before asking back.

“······Are you saying that Kang Woo-jin is coming to LA tomorrow?”

Around this time, back in Korea.

For some reason, the domestic media was in an uproar. And Incheon Airport was also in turmoil.

『[Star Photo] Kang Woo-jin appears at Incheon Airport/Photo』

『20 Million Actor Kang Woo-jin departs for LA to work on an album with ‘Miley Cara’!』

『’Kang Woo-jin’ conducts a brief interview with reporters before departure, “I’m looking forward to working with Miley Cara”』