Chapter 79: The Presence of an Extra

Chapter 79: The Presence of an Extra

The Presence of an Extra

Director, Im not quite sure what you were concerned about.

Later that day, Director Son and Bae Geohyeong were talking in the meeting room after the reading.

Bae Geohyeong was a veteran actor in his mid-40s and a long-time student of Director Son. He had been greatly impressed by the performance of the rookie actor who would be playing the role of Lee Bang-won.

During the reading, his focus and tension never wavered. I understand that acting on set is different, but whats there to worry about when he has such concentration and skill?

Youre right. After seeing him today, I think I might have been overly cautious. Its rare to find someone so fitting for the role, and I guess I got a bit carried away since it was my last film.

Are you really planning to retire after this project?

Haha, so you knew about my retirement and still accepted the role. Well, its time to step back and make room for the younger generation.

But Director, nobody can make films like you do

Director Son laughed heartily at his response. Just then,

Knock knock

There was a gentle knock at the door.

Come in, Director Son called out.

The door opened, revealing the face of the very actor they were discussing.

Rookie actor? You havent left yet? What can I do for you?

Director, I have a request

What is it?

I heard I wont have much filming in the first month. Is that right?

Yes, thats right. During Jeong Mong-jus younger years, Lee Bang-won will be played by a child actor. The scenes where Jeong Mong-ju and Lee Bang-won share tea and have a conversation are spread throughout the runtime, but most will be shot towards the end.

I know you said I should come to the set even on days Im not filming, but

You dont have to if youre busy. After todays reading, I think I might have been overly sensitive.

No, its not that. I was wondering if you could hire me as an extra in the meantime.

An extra?

Both Director Son and the veteran actor were taken aback.

A lead actor working as an extra was an unusual request.

I mean, not an extra whose face is recognizable, but more like a passerby in crowd scenes. Historical dramas often need many extras, so I thought it might be okay.

Why would you want to do that?

I thought it might help me get a better feel for the non-verbal aspects of acting, like what you told me about.

Director Son looked at him, amazed by his passion and unconventional approach to practice.

Hmm will being an extra really help you practice?

Im not sure either, but I want to try practicing exuding my presence within limited reactions.

Hmm thats an interesting idea.

But Im worried that standing out as an extra might cause a disturbance

Haha

Director Son burst into laughter.

Youre not planning to do any exaggerated actions, are you?This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

No, its nothing like that. I just want to focus and follow along the scenes.

If you manage to stand out in crowd scenes just by your presence and without any exaggerated actions, then thats not a nuisance. Its something commendable.

Thats true.

Alright, lets do it!

Director Son couldnt refuse the actors request, who was filled with such passion for acting. After he left, the veteran actor smiled.

What an impressive guy. I wish my Hun-Seong could learn a bit from him

His son had also recently debuted as an actor. He wished that his somewhat lackadaisical son would take after Yoomyeong.

It seems we have someone even more ambitious about acting than me.

Director Son smiled warmly.

But Director, do you really think this method will work?

Honestly, Im not sure But as you know, Bae, if he doesnt try what he wants to do, then hell always regret it.

Yeah I understand how significant your accomplishment was.

Miho squinted her eyes in a smug smile, then playfully tugged the extras costume that Yoomyeong was wearing.

{But are you really going to do this? It seems like a pointless struggle.}

There are people who recognize my lack of presence. Now that Im aware of it, I have to at least try to overcome it.

{Hmm But remember, theres an easier way called making a deal with me. Struggling like this wont necessarily increase your presence.}

I know. But I want to practice projecting the presence I do have.

{Projecting, kyung?}

Yes, its something I constantly did in my previous life.

During the times when he felt overshadowed by others and when even moving his limbs while acting felt heavy, he thought of projecting his then-limited energy.

Back then, he had hoped to project his current energy more firmly to assert his existence.

This was the direction of the practice Yoomyeong had in mind.

{Hmm. Will it work, though? If it doesnt, just remember that there is another way, kyung~}

Miho habitually suggested an alternative, then blurred and disappeared.

*

Yoomyeong, dressed in a traditional robe, sat in the academic hall.

The first scene to be shot was set in the Sungkyunkwan Academy in 1367, when Jeong Mong-ju was a renowned professor there.

In that year, the year Lee Bang-won was born, Jeong Mong-ju was already renowned as the countrys leading Confucian scholar. Yoomyeongs role was a student listening to Jeong Mong-jus lecture, positioned so that only his back would be captured by the front and side cameras.

Sitting there, Yoomyeong visualized his character.

I am currently a passionate young Confucian scholar of about 20 years old and someone who greatly admires Jeong Mong-ju.

Yoomyeong sat upright in his seat and gazed intently at the ancient scripture written in an unfamiliar script, doing his best to exude a strong presence.

{Hoo}

Miho, watching the waves of presence and energy rippling around Yoomyeong, was quite impressed.

Though it wasnt comparable to his actual acting, his presence was much more visible than before.

How much of his energy can he really control? Its an interesting attempt for a human.

Miho chuckled as she pulled out popcorn, watching with amusement.

*

Even the child actors performed well.

Thanks to the impeccable acting of the cast, the shooting progressed smoothly under the meticulous direction of Director Son.

And Yoomyeong was gaining experience in portraying the most diverse roles in a short period:

A member of the group of officials prostrating in the palace.

One of the young Confucian scholars submitting a proposal for diplomatic relations with Ming.

An onlooker lining up when Jeong Mong-ju visited Ming.

As one of the monks who requested a poem from Jeong Mong-ju in Japan.

The energy in the crowd scenes was intense.

Being in the midst of densely packed people brought back memories of his past life when his movements felt heavy, oppressed by the energy of others.

During scenes with large, powerful groups, Yoomyeong practiced projecting his presence, pushing against the dense energy around him.

After focusing and finishing his acting, he would often be drenched in sweat.

Yoomyeong, come here.

Even amidst this, his one-on-one sessions with Director Son continued daily.

During breaks, the director would call Yoomyeong for passionate acting guidance.

While Director Son was generally satisfied with his acting, he often urged him to be more intense in shots where Lee Bang-won was on the periphery of the screen.

A month passed like that.

Miho watched the growing ripples of Yoomyeongs presence, somewhat astonished.

Of course, the spirit foxs astonishment was more similar to watching an amusing trick.

That was, until that day arrived.

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