Translator: Dreamscribe
Cinematic Universe. In the definition of the film industry, it refers to various movies taking place within a single shared universe. While the characters and plots in each film may differ greatly, it ultimately signifies that they occur in the sa world. Beyond movies, there are also similar productions in comics, animation, novels, and other dia.
Naturally, if that's the case, the term ‘cinematic’ would eventually have to be omitted.
Regardless, the large-scale project 'Cinematic Universe', planned by Columbia Studios, has been present in the global film scene, including Hollywood, for quite so ti. Nurous attempts have been made across various industries, and there have been many successful examples.
However, when focusing only on films, the number of successes has been relatively few.
There are several reasons for this, but the most prominent include the high level of difficulty in production, exorbitant production costs, issues with the cast, and the extensive ti required for planning. Once a 'Cinematic Universe' begins, it is akin to operating an entire project simultaneously, not just a single movie.
In other words, one failed film cannot halt the project.
There are also challenges related to actors' contracts. If an actor playing a particular role is replaced due to so issue, the continuity is disrupted, and anticipation plumts significantly. However, it is impossible to dictate the whims of Hollywood actors, whose fees are sky-high. Despite these layered difficulties, a successful 'Cinematic Universe' can generate incomprehensibly massive profits and brand power.
Still, it is undeniably a difficult decision to make. No, it is almost impossible to attempt.
Columbia Studios, however, declared that they were planning or proceeding with such a 'Cinematic Universe'. Upon hearing this explanation, Director Ahn Ga-bok's first thought was:
'Huh- even for Columbia Studios- this is surprising.'
It was a mix of doubt and admiration. Deciding to pursue a 'Cinematic Universe' could determine the rise or fall of a film company in the coming year. Even for Columbia Studios, one of Hollywood's 'Big Five' major film companies, it was a bold move.
Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been stroking his wrinkled cheek, shifted the subject of his thoughts.
‘The first villain character to introduce our Cinematic Universe to the world, so that's why the title is 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain'. The Birth of a Villain, it is indeed a fitting title.’
The revised title of ‘Pierrot' was 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain', but to Columbia Studios, the movie 'Pierrot' was akin to the birth of their 'Cinematic Universe'. It also included the intention to introduce it to the global audience. Sothing along the lines of, 'We are embarking on a 'Cinematic Universe', and the first villain in this universe will be born in 'Pierrot'.'
Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been lost in thought, asked the executives across from him. His English was not perfect, but communication was possible.
“Why are you informing of such an important matter only now?”
It was a reasonable question. Director Ahn Ga-bok had already been confird as the overall director of 'Pierrot'. If the 'Cinematic Universe' was suddenly involved, the entire frawork of the project would have to change. It ant the notification ca too late. The bald executive among them answered this.
"We apologize, but there is a reason. Initially, it had not been decided whether to include ‘Henry Gordon’ from ‘Pierrot’ in our ‘Cinematic Universe’ or to keep it as a standalone film. The decision to make ‘Henry Gordon’ our first entry was made only recently.”
Contract issues, story problems, and more, these were challenges that also existed in past 'Cinematic Universe' projects across various industries. While the universe is shared, certain characters were excluded from the project. The bald executive continued to explain. His briefing, delivered in a fairly composed tone, lasted about ten minutes.
In summary, it went as follows:
Columbia Studios had begun work on the massive 'Cinematic Universe' project several years ago and had already developed various characters and scenarios besides 'Pierrot'.
“As per the plan, we aim to present films centered around individual characters who share the sa universe. Ultimately, we are envisioning a project where all these characters converge in a single film.”
At that mont, Director Ahn Ga-bok gasped internally. He couldn't even imagine how much the production costs would be for a film featuring all those characters. Still, he asked the executive,
"Then, will ‘Pierrot’ also be included in the movie where all those characters are combined?"
"Of course. Consider that as the conclusion of Season 1 of our ‘Cinematic Universe’. Naturally, there could be changes depending on the circumstances, as we are still in the planning stages of the project. Because of this, our Columbia Studios has both great expectations and concerns about ‘Pierrot’."
As Director Ahn Ga-bok quietly listened to the explanation, he thought,
‘Huh- should I be happy about this?’
He felt both honored and burdened. As an veteran Korean director, he had been entrusted with the inaugural film of a massive project that would surprise all of Hollywood. This was an unprecedented situation, not just for Korea, but for all of Asia, and even Hollywood.
‘But if… Woojin ends up taking the lead male role.’
It would be like a Korean director and Korean actor firing the first shot of Columbia Studios' life-or-death massive project towards the whole world.
Perhaps. No, it would 100% go down in Hollywood history.
While Director Ahn Ga-bok was lost in an infinite loop of imagination, the bald executive across the table spoke again.
"You’ll gradually learn more details. We plan to share all the information that can be disclosed. Oh, and by the way, depending on the results of ‘Pierrot', you may be offered to direct other projects as well. So please, give your all to ‘Pierrot.’"
"......I plan to."
"Thank you. And as explained, since ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ is such an extrely important film, quite a large number of people will attend the open auditions and screen tests."
From the tone, it sounded like he was referring to high-ranking officials from Columbia Studios.
"As you’d expect, what you’ve just heard is top secret."
Afterward.
Kang Woojin once again boarded the train of a hellish schedule. Since Part 1 of 'Beneficial Evil' had already been cranked up, there was no filming going on at the mont. But that didn’t an his workload had decreased. The non-filming-related activities were overwhelming.
With his concept on, Woojin thought to himself,
‘This feels, harder than when I was filming??’
In fact, shooting the project almost seed easier. And it was for a good reason. The sheer volu of new commitnts was staggering: increased comrcials and photoshoots, interviews, radio appearances, various parties and events, SNS-related shoots, recordings and filming for the 'Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego' YouTube channel, promotions and marketing for currently released films, and so on.
On top of all that.
『'Kang Woojin' donates 200 million KRW to underprivileged children in Jinju, also attends charity event.』
There were also small schedules that arose amid the heavy New Year's atmosphere. For example, attending donation-related events in Jinju or participating in New Year’s special broadcasts. On top of that, he couldn’t neglect communication with his fans.
『[Issue Pick] Kang Woojin does not forget to connect with dostic fans before his Hollywood debut, hosting New Year’s fan etings and signings.』
In addition to the New Year’s fan etings and signings, there were many other events. Naturally, these required traveling back and forth between Korea and Japan.
Ti lted away.
If there had been ongoing film shoots, those would have taken priority, allowing him to cut back on other commitnts. However, at present, Woojin was handling all of it. Of course, Choi Sung-gun wasn’t the one pressuring him to do it. In fact, all of this was Kang Woojin’s own request.
He had a strong desire to clear up as much of his schedule as possible before the 20th.
The only consolation was.
‘Ah- it’s exhausting. For now, into the void space, go.’
He had the cheat item, the Void Space. No matter what, the hellish schedules left him with no ti to breathe, and the days passed by in a blur. Before he knew it, ten days had gone by, and the date for Woojin’s departure to LA was fast approaching. anwhile, the two films released as end-of-year and New Year’s gifts in Korea and Japan showed no signs of losing montum.
Despite the release of new films, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', which maintained its hold on the #1 advance ticket sales, was causing a stir in Japan and Korea alike.
[Audience Count as of January 9, 2022]
[Daily Dostic Box Office]
1. The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger / Release Date: December 21, 2021 / Audience Count: 620,132 / Cumulative Audience Count: 10,810,338
And 'Leech', which beca a massive hit at Cannes and in Korea and was now continuing the montum of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' in Japan.
『[Movie Talk] Japanese release of 'Leech' surpasses 10 million viewers!』
Both 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' and 'Leech' surpassed 10 million viewers in their fourth week of release. The films’ buzzworthiness, quality, and the holiday seasons of Christmas and the New Year all contributed to this success. Of course, both films received rave reviews from audiences. In Korea, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' drew continuous praise linked to Kang Woojin, and the sa was true for 'Leech' in Japan. The cross-release schedule allowed audiences to imdiately compare Woojin’s contrasting performances, which played a significant role.
Additionally, the daily box office results were more than enough to send the film industry’s dia into a frenzy. Together, the total audience for both films had already surpassed,
『Kang Woojin’s 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' and 'Leech' surpass 30 million combined viewers in Korea and Japan! How much higher will they go?』
Over 30 million viewers.
anwhile, in Korea, at DM Production.
The large conference room of DM Production, which was working with Netflix to launch 'Beneficial Evil' globally, was bustling with people.
Seated around a ㄷ-shaped table were all familiar faces.
Kim So-hyang, the Executive Director of Netflix Korea, along with Netflix executives, DM Production staff, the key staff of 'Beneficial Evil', and the writer of 'Beneficial Evil', Choi Na-na.
And,
“Okay- then next.”
PD Song Man-woo, who had just shifted the eting topic. His appearance was noticeably different from before. His cheeks had hollowed, his skin had grown rough, and dark circles had deepened under his eyes. He seed to have poured his soul into the editing of 'Beneficial Evil' Part 1.
Noticing his concerning state, writer Choi Na-na, who adjusted her round glasses, asked him cautiously,
"Um, but PD-nim. Are you really okay??"
Taking a sip of the canned coffee in front of him, PD Song Man-woo forced a faint smile.
“I’m not okay.”
“Ah- eh? What? Then, you should at least go to the hospital for treatnt.”
“I’ve already been to the hospital.”
PD Song Man-woo tapped his forearm a couple of tis with his index finger.
“I’ve already had several rounds of IV drips for recovery.”
He was referring to IV fluids ant to restore his condition. However, it seed to be such a routine part of his life that he found it unremarkable.
“This is nothing. I’ve fild until I was on the brink of death before. Don’t worry about .”
He was being sincere. Back in the days when the drama market was more rough, there were tis when he had stayed up all night for as long as a week. Soon, brushing back his rough hair, PD Song Man-woo shifted his gaze across the table to Kim So-hyang.
“Unless I collapse, the editing for 'Beneficial Evil' Part 1 won’t take more than three weeks.”
This ant two weeks for editing and one week for finalizing. In other words, the processing of 'Beneficial Evil' would be complete within January. Hearing this, Executive Director Kim So-hyang clasped her hands together and nodded.
“Yes, I trust you, PD-nim. There won’t be any issues with the official launch on February 3, then.”
“That’s right. Even if I die. No, even if I’m dead, it’ll be finished on ti.”
In truth, the launch date for 'Beneficial Evil' had already been confird for February 3. The reason this had not yet been publicly announced was to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. By withholding the announcent, it would be easier to adjust the schedule if any issues arose before the launch. However, PD Song Man-woo was a professional and a heavyweight in the drama industry.
He was not the type to make amateur mistakes.
“We managed to save a lot of ti by editing concurrently during the Part 1 shoot. There will be no problems with the February 3 launch. So, how are the promotion and marketing schedules looking?”
Executive Director Kim So-hyang answered right away.
"Everything's ready, both dostic and overseas. From warm-up YouTube videos for dia coverage and SNS events designed to hook public opinion. Once we start, it’ll be like a bombardnt. By the way, when will the first teaser be completed?”
The first teaser that would announce 'Beneficial Evil's' confird launch date and official debut. That would be the starting point of 'Beneficial Evil's' promotion and marketing. PD Song Man-woo stroked his beard and answered.
“Hmm- considering the high level of international interest in 'Beneficial Evil', and with Woojin-ssi and Miley Cara being major topics right now, this is the perfect ti. I'll send over the first teaser in a few days."
As the eting that continued for several dozen minutes afterward was wrapping up, PD Song Man-woo spoke to the attendees and Kim So-hyang, who were tidying up.
“It’s not fully finished yet, but how about taking a look at a portion of 'Beneficial Evil' Part 1 before you leave?”
He said this quite casually.
“Think of it as a pre-test concept.”
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