Chapter 33

Chapter 33

The average filming period for a commercial movie hovered around three to four months. However, large-scale productions with significant budgets could take almost a year. Nonetheless, the most crucial aspects of filmmaking were the creation of the set and editing. Some directors even spent over a year just setting up and editing their films.

Hyung, where did you find such a child?

Camera Director Do Janguk asked while wiping his nose in the cold.

How many times do I have to say I picked him up from Yeongdo Bridge?

Is that really true? At first, I thought you were playing a trick, and he was your son or something!

Theres nothing this brat cant say after being around for so long.

The Baek Janghun shooting team, also known as the crew, consisted of individuals who had worked together for a long time. Camera Director Do Janguk and Director Baek Janghun had known each other for decades, and Janguk would often joke that he had seen Janghuns face more than his wifes.

Did that kid have much experience in shooting movies?

Why? Are you afraid hell be sloppy, or are you scared?

Theres no way that could happen. Ive worked with cameras for years, and even if the acting is sloppy, it turns out fine under my hands. Besides, hyung has a good eye for casting. Im saying that since the kid came on set, the atmosphere has been strangely nice.

Director Baek Janghun had brought the boy to the set about two weeks prior, and everyone was initially curious. It was like a young deer was suddenly following the lone tiger, Baek Janghun.

Creating the atmosphere on set is usually no less tense than being in the military. Everyone is on edge because even a small mistake during equipment setup could lead to a significant accident, but that kid seems to act like a lubricant that connects everyone. The atmosphere has become much more pleasant because of him.

Lubricant?

You may not know this, but since a few days ago, hes been preparing honey water in a thermos for the staff on set to help them warm their bodies. He even gives hand warmers to melt their fingers before using gloves, worrying they may hurt themselves. The kid is quite considerate.

Baek Janghun looked at the boy quietly. Generally, actors who first come to a shooting set, regardless of their experience, are busy focusing on their roles and often miss the timing to create a good atmosphere on set. This could eventually lead to disharmony on the set. But this boy was different. Like a master of the house, he moved around the set, adding vitality to the tense atmosphere.

Hyung, are you really planning on using that kid for the role?

Whats wrong with him?

Its not that, but its not just any role. He has to perform a chang[1]. Even if we do post-production recording, there could be subtle discrepancies. Given your personality, Im just asking if thats the picture you want.

No need to worry about that. Bong Deoksu, our friend, already gave his approval.

The intangible cultural property?

Camera Director Do Janguks eyes widened.

* * *

Teacher, youre here!

It was Bong Deoksu, the intangible cultural property, who had been teaching me the chang for the past two weeks. He had a beard like a sage and wore a traditional hanbok, which perfectly matched the shooting set deep in the forest.

Did you practice without slacking?

Of course. Ive been consistently practicing the vocal exercises you taught me and even rinsing my throat and nose with salt water every morning and evening.

Good, good. If it were up to me, I would raise you not as a movie actor but a traditional singer. But what can I do, as Im scared of that old man.

Bong Deoksu exaggeratedly spoke of Director Baek Janghun. The two were old acquaintances. At first, everyone was surprised when they heard the cameo role was not an ordinary role but a child performing a chang. After all, learning traditional singing could not be done overnight.

* * *

Frost covered the gnarled, ancient trees that had grown among the cliffs. The once-pouring waterfall had frozen into sharp icicles. Plump sparrows fluffed their feathers and proudly displayed their round figures over the frozen pond. As they scattered the yellow millet, it looked like a field of canola flowers blooming in winter.

Grandpa, do we really have to come to a place like this to practice?

The boy in the center of the frame seemed insignificant. His ragged clothes and unkempt hair, even the drummer who followed behind him with a drum, had the same appearance. At a glance, they looked like beggars from the streets.

Though you can practice anywhere, its best to do it in a place like this, with open space and many listeners.

Many listeners?

Dont you see it?

Nobodys here, though?

The drummer smirked.

Thats a narrow-minded thought. Just because there are no people doesnt mean there are no ears to listen. Even if the street spectators were everywhere, they wouldnt compare to the creatures in this forest. The waterfall has stopped, and the buzzing bees have stopped as well. Theyre all here to watch.

As the camera circled them in an inside walk, the contrast between the performers and the beautiful natural landscape became even more prominent. The cinematographer held his breath, gripping the handle tightly.

He was so tense because of this: the intangible cultural asset, the drummer, had insisted that they couldnt rehearse to protect the young performers throat before the shoot. If the scene didnt turn out well, the staffs efforts in setting up the shoot would go to waste.

Director Baek must be aware of this.

There was nothing unusual about casting a cameo role. In fact, the appearance of the performers and drummer added more vitality to the movie. However, bringing an intangible cultural asset as the drummer and a child actor as the performer, there must have been a limit to making up for the difference, even with post-recording.

Alright, lets have some fun!

With the drummers beat, the boy smiled and began to sing.

Hes only been learning for 15 days.

According to what he heard from Director Baek Janghun, the boy had only been learning for a mere 15 days. Even if he was taught by an intangible cultural asset, could an ordinary child actor become a great singer in just 15 days? It would have been nice if he could at least imitate a little. Thats when it happened.

Ah!

At the simple sound, as if just clearing his throat, the filming crew was astonished.

Up on the mountaintop!

As the mournful melody continued, the plump sparrows who had been pecking at the millet raised their heads. The fish swimming beneath the frozen pond began to gather around the performer and drummer.

[1] Chang refers to traditional Korean singing.

[2] Samulnori is a genre of Korean traditional percussion music.

[3] Pansori is a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer.



Love the series? Share your thoughts on Novel Updates by rating and reviewing it now!

Also, join our Six-Chapter Tsunami, where every $20 of donations pooled into our fund triggers the release of a brand new translated chapter from each of our six fantastic novels!

Ready to be a hero? Commission more chapters for everyone to relish (beyond the regular releases), get cool credit, and turbo-charge our translation speed - it's all part of the fun!