Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Original Broadcast.

SBC Broadcastings drama, Youth, finally raised its curtain. From its premier slot in the golden hours to the vigorous debates among journalists even before its broadcast, the buildup to the premier episode of Youth was significant. It was more than enough to cause a syndrome. As proof of its popularity, it was so noisy in Jang Yeongguks school at the moment.

Jang Yeongguk!

The rooftop was the sunniest spot in the schoolyard. Moreover, its the most peaceful space. However, the sudden noise startled the pigeons perched on the rooftop railing, causing them to flap their wings and fly away.

Class president, your noisy.

Are you for real! Its already noisy enough when the classroom has become a marketplace, and the person responsible for it all has slipped away like this. Do you know how chaotic it is now for everyone wanting to see you? Should I just shout out loud here that Jang Yeongguk is hiding on the rooftop?

Yeongguk got up from where he was basking in the warm sunlight. He rushed to the rooftop as soon as lunchtime arrived because seniors, juniors, and classmates alike flocked to his classroom to see his face.

Class president, when do you think itll die down?

How would I know? Im not a fortune teller. If the first episode had this much attention, it would only worsen. Apparently, a group from the girls school across the street came to see you during lunchtime, but they got caught by the security guard and chased away.

It was beyond his expectations. He never imagined this much attention just after the first broadcast. He had only been a supporting actor in his past life and had never experienced such a heated response. Back then, people who didnt recognize him when he used public transportation were the majority. But the situation was different now that he was a lead actor.

His life changed overnight, so much so that countless people recognized him on the way to school. Thats how much the character Kim Dojin resonated with the public. Thanks to that, he barely had a chance to sit in the classroom outside of class time. It was a moment when he both appreciated and resented the famous director, Kim Jin.

He chose the footage too well.

The first episode of the drama Youth was like Yeongguks one-man show. Although there was a female lead, the storys main focus was the male lead, Dojin. Additionally, the production value made the drama feel refreshingly youthful, as its title suggested.

It was confirmed that PD Kim Jins go-to phrase, Ive bet my life on this production, wasnt just for show.

Class president, did you watch the drama too?

Of course I did.

How was it?

It was good. There were even some lines I personally liked.

If the picky class president was this satisfied, the ratings were as good as guaranteed. But speaking of memorable lines from episode one, none stood out as particularly memorable ones. Thats when the class president made a gesture as if biting into something in the air and added,

Handsome men love apples.

* * *

20.7%

This was the first episode rating for SBCs drama, Youth. This was an extraordinary score considering last years MBS broadcasting drama, which was a rating hit, had a first episode rating of 19.8%. After all, the result was achieved with a cast of rookie actors instead of top-tier stars, making it even more extraordinary.

PD Go, are you hiding here again?

Variety Show PD Go Manseok, who was peeking through the partition that enclosed the drama department, turned around in surprise.

A big guy yet so timid. What brings you here today? Did your maknae cause trouble again?

Hey, do you think our maknae only causes accidents? Must there always be a problem for me to come by? I just came to see the drama ratings for yesterdays. I heard that it already surpassed two digits.

Handsome men love apples. Haha!

Ah, hyung!

Yeongguk, I was waiting for the first broadcast and was surprised to see you in the CF. How refreshing you ate that apple! And didnt the red suit fit you perfectly? You became one with the apple, which means you did a great job. Im not joking. Im saying this sincerely.

Hyung, you know thats the most annoying thing to say, right?

The filming set became noisy because of the ADs mischievous joke. It wasnt just the drama that had a tremendous ripple effect. It was also because of the apple juice CF I had shot. Just like when I shot the Man of August three years ago and received a chocolate offensive, my class locker was filled with apple drinks. On top of that, the CF even produced a famous quote. Soon, the shooting set became busy because of standby.

Sunbae, please make sure to use tungsten for the emotional scene and consider diffusing it with Jem Ball like natural light. When setting up the lights, make sure to properly capture the texture and outline of the subject. It might feel like a theater stage if its too much, so make it subtle and natural, okay?

PD Kim! Have you ever done this before? I already rented HMI lighting equipment. Even if it doesnt work, Ill try to make it somehow, so please stop this now!

Dont you all acknowledge that the more I talk, the better the work turns out? Park-sunbae! Direct it to flow with tension as if it were an insert shot when DI is done, and at the end, Ill go with a side view of Dojin to add depth. Since were going to rotate with Inside Work (IW) while keeping the protagonists emotions alive

Okay, Ive already prepared all the tracks! This is the first time Ive ever had such a demanding request for a set shoot. The first! By the way, why dont you nag the sound department?

I already talked to the sound director. And the department head even gave me a bonus today! We have a company dinner after the shoot today, so lets keep going!

Beef?

Ill check that later. I have to go to Actor Jang now!

Hey, wheres the rule that you dont tell the company dinner menu? Is it beef?

As PD Kim Jin walked away, leaving behind the echo of the camera directors question, the filming set was filled with laughter. Satisfying the entire filming team with beef would not be possible with just the bonus. Some compromises with reality must be made.

Yeongguk, are you ready?

Smooth communication between the director and the actor was extremely important. If the director drew the overall sketch, the meticulous brushstrokes were the realm of the actor. In this sense, Actor Jang Yeongguk was a perfect painter.

As if he himself became the director, he drew a rough sketch of the world in the script and even perfectly absorbed the coloring on top of that. During the last filming period, PD Kim Jin couldnt help but be amazed by Yeongguks delicate acting expressions from time to time.

Was the last line of the CF something you came up with, Yeongguk? Wow, I knew my eyes for people were accurate. The CF director even called me and said that the advertiser wanted to produce part 2. Not just as a one-time thing.

I wont do it. Ill focus on the drama.

Wow, youre reciting the model answer I thought of. Youre really Yeongguk! The wardrobe head has called you, so go ahead. Ill tell you the shooting order when the wardrobe and makeup are finished.

In Yeongguks empty seat, the lone PD Kim Jin seemed to be basking in the scenery. The camera director approached him and asked,

PD Kim, dont feel too pressured. Its good if it turns out well from the beginning. Honestly, I didnt think Id be watching Part 2 since the first broadcast.

I dont have time to feel pressure.

Kim Jin smiled at the camera directors question. However, his eyes were alive. Didnt he increase not only the production cost but also the broadcasting time? As he watched Yeongguk leave the dressing room, he affirmed with conviction.

I have to do my best. The nations first love is at stake.



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