Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Drama scenes were classified into as few as 50-60 cuts per episode and as many as 70-80. For a mini-series, considering the usual production period of three months, its a relentless marathon.

Especially towards the latter half, the practice of using partial scripts increased the intensity of the staffs work. Its not called broadcast labor for nothing. From that point on, working through the night was inevitable. However, a good start was half the battle. If the first shot went well, the rest tended to follow suit.

PD Yoo, where did you find such a talent?

Camera director Kim Deukhyeong was admiring the footage as he reviewed it. The acting stayed within the frame, and the tone, voice, and facial expressions were natural. It was hard to believe the performance came from a rookie child actor.

It seemed as if young Kim Hajin really stepped into the camera. The boys acting surprised even the veteran staff members as the filming progressed.

Is it true hes never had any acting lessons?

At Kim Deukhyeongs question, Yoo Myeonghan licked his dry lips. He had witnessed the boys acting through the cameras tally. The performance shown during the script reading was just the tip of the iceberg.

Although he seemed to roam the set, the boy never left the frame, and his facial acting and voice were flawless. Despite speaking in dialect, his pronunciation and accurate delivery were reminiscent of a seasoned actor who had worked in theater for a long time.

I cant believe it either. I thought he would soon become a good actor when I saw him reading the script.

Its amazing. If thats considered good acting, all rookie actors should bite their tongues and give up. Ive seen many actors during my time on set, but never have I seen a child actor like him. And where is he acting? In the middle of Jagalchi Market in Busan. Most experienced actors would struggle to act here. But look at him when he acts; he fits right in with the tourists and the locals.

It wasnt wrong. Although the FDs controlled the scene, the crowded Jagalchi Market in Nampo Port was still filled with tourists and merchants. The noise was overwhelming. Even amidst the noise, the boys acting captured everyones attention.

His voice projection is incredible. Its like he has a speaker in his throat. The control of volume is art, pure art! The sound team doesnt need to discard a single bit. What about Actress Park?

What did Actress Park say?

Its not about what she said. You didnt see her face when her scene ended; she was so flustered and angry. No one expected her to be outperformed by a child actor. Thanks to that, she gave an outstanding performance too. I never thought a child actor could lead a psychological battle with more experienced actors. PD Yoo, youve hit the jackpot.

The shooting site was bustling. Shooting a few cuts didnt mean it was over. Shooting a drama involved repeating dozens of shots per day and then creating the final product through editing points. The staff was laying rails, and the lighting and sound teams adjusted their positions to stay out of the frame.

The camera will tilt down from top to bottom, focusing on the mothers face during the monologue scene. Ill cut out any unnecessary parts, so please shoot boldly. In the end, well insert a shot of a fish trapped in a red bowl. Senior, dont forget to capture the mothers wrinkled hand. If we miss this, well have to go around again.

PD Yoo, Ive been shooting for more than just a day or two. I know how you work. Dont worry, and focus on the lighting director instead. The kid keeps getting in the way of the frame. I wont be responsible if they get electrocuted in the water.

Dont worry, Ive already addressed that issue.

As expected of our PD Yoo. Always well-prepared!

The shooting preparations were almost finished. Normally, the slate would have already been clapped by now, but the set was noisy for some reason, and the chatter could be heard through the headphones. Eventually, Yoo Myeonghan threw down his headphones and stood up, shouting.

Are we going to spend the night here?! Why is the standby so slow? AD!

Thats when the accident happened.

* * *

Withdraw immediately! Stop your nonsense and get out of here quickly!

I dont care about the market or anything. Just get out. No matter how much you shoot, you should leave after a reasonable amount of time. What are we supposed to do if you take up half a day!

The resentment of the traditional market merchants, including the Jagalchi Market and the adjacent Namhang Market, was no less than that of the Majang District merchants. The filming, which started at dawn, showed no signs of ending even after the afternoon, angering the merchants. Nothing changed despite the efforts of the young FDs, the ADs, and even Yoo Myeonghan to control the scene and negotiate.

Hey, Mr. PD, listen to me. Youve been saying you got permission from the market and even informed the district office, but did you ever ask us, the most important people? Who cares if those officials gave permission? Whats important is whether those officials will compensate us when our days business is ruined!

Sir, were not shooting recklessly, and if you hinder the filming that has been approved by the local government, what should we do? We will try our best to film quietly and leave as soon as possible. Cant you wait just a little bit?

Oh, just because you say youre filming quietly doesnt make you all invisible! All the customers are stuck and distracted because of you, and the merchants in the back are just swatting flies! Dont you see that?

Sir, thats not what I meant.

Stop making nonsense excuses and remove all your equipment right now. If you dont, Ill spray salt water all over this place!

Yoo Myeonghan tried to mediate personally, but he was just promoted from an AD to a PD. It seemed challenging to win against the merchants who had lived off seawater all their lives.

Meanwhile, the experienced camera, lighting, and sound directors, who had seen it all on various shooting sites, were already preparing to retrieve their equipment while shaking their heads. They knew they were outsiders, and there was no way to appease the furious locals except for time. But at that moment.

Look at this! Is this what the people of Busan are like!

The voice, like a cannonball, echoed through the noisy market. Everyones attention was drawn to the source of the sound. A boy was standing on an empty fish crate. He looked at the market merchants who had just confronted Yoo Myeonghan and shouted with a voice like a loudspeaker.

Im Jang Yeongguk, a fish seller at Namhang Market! I also work at the market, so I know everything. If merchants dont work for a day, they get sick and bedridden. My mom also wakes up early to get some fish and sets up her stall in the market. But everyone, arent you being too harsh?

This kid is wrong. Werent you the one filming earlier?

Thats right! I was filming, and so what? Im trying to promote our traditional Busan markets; even this little kid is stepping up. What are you all doing!

What? Promoting the market? This young one knows how to talk big!

Its frustrating! So frustrating! Im only going to say this once, so listen carefully!

With a small stature and a youthful appearance, the boys eyes and voice held an indescribable power. A ripple of emotion spread among the people.

You all know how we catch Spanish mackerel, right? Some catch it with a fishing rod, and others use a net. The thing about Spanish mackerel is that theyre mysterious. Each fisherman uses a different bait, and though their methods vary, they all aim to catch the same fish. The same goes for me! The district office has been promoting traditional markets and holding festivals every year, but do we see any real substance? Dont we all enjoy a day with our neighbors, drinking rice wine? And even if outsiders come, arent they just old folks reminiscing about the past?

The atmosphere swayed a bit.

And you, sir, from earlier! Have you seen young people visiting traditional markets in Nampo Port, Yeongdo, or Namhang lately? Sure, a few of them come by! But if we continue like this, the vitality of traditional markets will die out soon! Im trying to attract more youth by appearing in this drama set in Jagalchi Market! I understand how it feels when a days worth of fish sales is affected! But please, think long-term. I, Jang Yeongguk, guarantee that once this drama airs, people from Seoul will flock to Jagalchi and Namhang to see it for themselves. So, please!

His words crashed over them like a tidal wave.

Please, everyone, have a more generous heart! Since when have Busan people been so harsh!