Chapter 198: Oddity (3)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Next to the waiting room, in the studio.
In the center of the studio, where all preparations were completed and the screen test was about to proceed, stood two men. One was a Chinese actor who had just arrived. His name was Wang Bang, and he was dressed in a suit. He was about the same height as Kang Woojin, but his features had a slightly sharp feel.
The other was a foreign man wearing a gray short-sleeved shirt.
His physique contrasted with that of Wang Bang standing next to him. They were almost the same height, but the muscles in his forearms and chest, visible outside of his clothes, were solid. His hair was short, and his face was square-jawed.
It was natural.
He was the leader of the stunt team for ‘Last Kill 3’. His name was Gary Peck.
He was a well-known figure in the industry. In Hollywood, Gary is called a stunt coordinator, equivalent to a martial arts director in Korea. The job is almost the same. Thus, all the action scenes of ‘Last Kill 3’ went through Gary’s hands, and he was in charge of all the martial arts for the ‘Last Kill’ series.
Therefore, his role was crucial in this screen test that included martial arts, and as he checked the partition that would serve as a mirror, he.
-Swish.
Locked eyes with the Chinese actor Wang Bang.
“How well have you memorized the script? Don’t say you can do more than you can, because you won’t be rated highly for it. Be honest.”
Wang Bang nodded once to the question posed in English.
“I remember the entire movement, but I might stutter if it’s too fast.”
“Got it. Then move at the speed you’re comfortable with, and stop immediately if it’s too hard. Again, this test is more about checking how your face appears on the screen rather than the martial arts.”
“Yes, I understand.”
After hearing the answer, stunt coordinator Gary scanned Wang Bang from head to toe slowly. He was the one who planned all the martial arts sequences for the ‘Last Kill’ series. Being such a veteran, he could make some judgments just by scanning the aura the actor usually displayed.
‘······His looks are a bit lacking. But the physique is similar. The eyes are somewhat disappointing. The power he holds seems weak. His unconscious movements are also somewhat limp.’
The image result was a fail. However, the final decision was up to the director, George Mendes. As the overall action director, Gary’s role was merely to assist in the deliberation.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Soon.
-Swish.
Having finished assessing Wang Bang’s condition, Gary gestured a thumbs up towards the long desk in front. It meant they could start. Thanks to that, director George, who resembled Santa Claus, focused his gaze on the monitor ahead. The monitor already displayed Wang Bang and Gary’s front, side, and rear views.
“Not bad.”
His murmur was picked up by the men sitting beside him. They were executives from the film company.
“But it’s not the look we wanted, is it? Didn’t we send the script to China a month ago?”
“There was not enough time to get in shape, but if this is the level of preparation after a month… they didn’t prepare enough.”
“If this is their condition after a month······Hmm, Director George. You said you informed of test to the Korean actor just a few days ago. Is there a reason to waste time on him?”
“And if you’re thinking of adding this Korean actor for a change, it would have been nice if you had told us earlier.”
Nagging. Director George, who had heard similar comments before coming here, replied.
“That Korean actor is just an extra. He came because the timing was right, so it’s not enough to call it a change.”
Thus, somewhat ignoring them, he shouted in English, keeping his gaze on the monitor.
“Let’s start the test!”
Then, a female staff member among the dozens of staff behind ran to the center of the studio. As soon as she clapped the slate, Wang Bang looked forward. Precisely, he was looking at Gary three steps ahead. It wasn’t just staring; acting had begun. His eyes needed to convey a clear intent to kill.
Gary in person and Director George through the monitor were checking this.
‘Um, the weight in his gaze is lacking. It’s not scary. It feels more like hatred than a will to kill.’
Suddenly, the Chinese actor Wang Bang, who was glaring at Gary, moved his foot. Normally, there would be lines, but it seemed Wang Bang had forgotten them due to nervousness, and he reached out his hand towards Gary’s neck.
-Smack!
The speed is mediocre. Neither fast nor slow. It looks more like a preliminary rehearsal than action. Nonetheless, Gary calmly receives Wang Bang’s punch. He catches the fist extending towards the neck. Twists the wrist. With his other hand, he grabs the back of Wang Bang’s neck. Distracting the attention. The real threat is the knee rising from below.
-Thwack!
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})Wang Bang allows the first hit to land on him. However, he blocks the second with the same knee.
The speed at which they synchronize gradually increases.
However.
“Cut, that’s enough.”
In the middle of the test, Director George stopped their martial arts. Then he requested something from Wang Bang, who was slightly panting.
“Mr. Wang Bang, look at the camera in front and think of a target you want to eliminate.”
“Understood.”
“It’s not just about thinking. Capture the emotion right before you rush in, in your eyes.”
“······”
About 10 seconds later.
“Okay, that’s good.”
Director George, announcing the end of the test, muttered softly.
“This guy is a pass.” (TL: Pass as in not suitable)
Afterward.
The next actor enters the studio. It was another actor from China. Since the plan for today’s test was to look only at Chinese actors, it was expected. This actor went through the same process as Wang Bang. After an inspection by stunt coordinator Gary, signal from Director George.
“Action.”
The sound of the slate echoes in the studio, the appearance of the actor displayed on the monitor, the precise martial arts, and dozens of related personnel and staff including the director watching.
Thus, the test gradually picks up speed.
This Chinese actor received a very favorable review, unlike Wang Bang.
“Good, isn’t it?”
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})“Yeah, the clear movement path as well. He came well-prepared.”
“The face fits well on the monitor too.”
Although they were all Chinese actors, there was competition among them. Probably, thousands of candidates were eliminated in pursuit of this minor role, and among them, the three actors most suited for the part were selected.
The third Chinese actor appeared next.
His evaluation was also good. Similar or a bit better than the second actor. Thanks to this, the expression on Director George, who was watching the monitor, gradually brightened. The executives sitting around felt the same. Before long, dozens of staff, including the CD and producer teams, even applauded the actor’s passionate performance.
-ClapClapClapClapClapClap!
Gary, looking slightly out of breath, gave the Chinese actor a thumbs up.
“You did well, your timing and gaze were impressive.”
“Thank you.”
Soon, the third Chinese actor exited the studio. Then, the staff began whispering about the next actor to come.
“Next up?”
“Yeah, this time it’s that Korean actor.”
“With the second and third Chinese actors setting a high standard, he might end up being starkly compared.”
“But I caught a glimpse earlier, and he seemed to have the best looks.”
“Ah, right.”
Just then.
-Swish.
The Korean actor enters from the studio entrance. In other words, Kang Woojin dressed in a suit. All the staff glanced at Woojin. Especially, the CD Megan and the producer team’s black Joseph cast intense looks. Joseph, towering over 190cm, even waved a big hand at Woojin.
As a result, the focus is on him.
The eyes of all foreigners gathered in this studio follow Kang Woojin as he calmly steps in.
On the other hand.
“······”
Woojin, with an indifferent face, stood in the center of the studio with a steady posture. No one notices his inner thoughts.
‘Wow, the pressure. They’re all foreigners! It’s just like an actual shoot??!’
Soon, stunt coordinator Gary, next to him, scanned Kang Woojin. His face alone was a bit mysterious. And cold.
‘The face and the aura is good. Has he done villain roles before? There’s a unique scent. Like a mix of psycho with a certain gravitas.’
Muttering to himself, Gary greeted Woojin.
“Nice to meet you.”
Kang Woojin replied in a low tone. Of course, in English.
“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin.”
“Have you had any experience with action cuts in Korea?”
“Not as a actor, but I’ve had some experience. I’m also preparing for it.”
“······You speak English quite well.”
“Thank you.”
Although it was a brief conversation, Woojin’s fluent English surprised not only Director George Mendes but everyone else.
‘Wow- His English proficiency… Moreover, his voice is good too.’
‘Practice? No, judging by his pronunciation and ease, he must have lived in the US.’
‘The Chinese actors weren’t lacking either… But this Korean actor is incomparable to them.’
The atmosphere had been one of low expectations, so the expectations suddenly rose. Megan and Joseph, who had been bickering from the start, now whispered praises to each other.
“What the, Megan? That Korean actor… Kang Woojin, was it? He’s handsome. And what’s with that ease? I thought he’d be trembling since he hasn’t debuted for long.”
“I didn’t say it, but that actor has personally subdued a thug in Korea before. But he seems calmer than expected.”
“A thug? What are you talking about?”
Regardless, English is English, and martial arts is martial arts. Amidst the murmurs, Director George, with his belly sticking out, looked towards Gary standing next to Woojin.
It was a signal to start.
Soon, the muscular Gary asked Woojin.
“How well have you memorized the script? Ah- right. You said you received this test a few days ago, right? Then, let’s focus more on camera movement rather than martial arts.”
“It’s okay, you can proceed as usual.”
“What? No, that’s for me to say…”
“Is that so? I meant that I have memorized the script and there won’t be a problem in performing it.”
“Oh, okay. Then start to the pace you want. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Understood.”
As Kang Woojin replied nonchalantly, Gary slightly furrowed his brow.
‘What’s with this ease? Is he just trying to build confidence because he knew he was lacking anyway? Anyway, it’s certain that he’s a difficult actor to grasp.’
First, he showed a thumbs up to Director George at the front table. The director’s sign followed.
“Action.”
A female staff member running towards them clapped the slate.
Behind.
-Swoosh.
In a short moment, at a speed that no one could notice, Kang Woojin, who had imbued his entire being with ‘martial arts’ that seemed innate, suddenly closed his eyes. Then, he took a deep breath.
“Sss- Huh.”
It was an action that none of the Chinese actors had done before. However, Woojin seamlessly continued his performance. Suddenly, the air circulating around him calmed down.
Soon.
“······”
With a face that was cold yet eerily serene, Kang Woojin slowly opened his eyes. Directly in front of him was Gary. Woojin, having acknowledged him, maintained a faint breath for a moment. His gaze fixed on Gary. Gradually, something profound condensed in Woojin’s pupils.
Purpose or murderous intent.
That completed form was shot through Woojin’s eyes as a gaze. The calm air surrounding Kang Woojin now carried a murderous intent. Instantly, Gary, who twitched his eyebrows, felt a surge of tension. It was the first time during today’s test.
‘The surroundings haven’t changed. This is the atmosphere created by that Korean actor.’
Acting. Yes, acting. But somehow, Gary was gradually forgetting that it was just acting. However, it became clear that he was designated as the prey.
At that moment.
-Swoosh.
The still Kang Woojin took a step forward. Striding without hesitation. His unhesitant energy merged with the emanating murderous intent.
Gary, unknowingly.
-Slick.
Took a step back. It was a ready stance. Regardless, Kang Woojin, who had approached close without any preparatory steps or gaze, extended his right arm.
His target was Gary’s neck.
However, it was a miss. But Kang Woojin’s hand grabbed Gary’s collar instead. His expression remained stern, and all his actions were filled with decisive cuts. Gary, whose collar is grabbed, grabs the back of Woojin’s neck with his left hand.
Pull down.
-Smack!
Woojin blocked the rising knee with his own knee. Then, he grabbed the hand that was holding his neck and twisted it. A slight groan escaped from Gary.
“Ugh!”
Woojin quickly twisted the held hand in the opposite direction. Gary’s body naturally turned. His back was exposed. Woojin’s knee swiftly rose, targeting a softer spot on the side.
-Thwack! Thwack!
Gary allowed it twice but then twisted his bent arm the other way to break free from the hold. He kicks Kang Woojin in the stomach. Woojin’s body is pushed back. Gary immediately rushes in. Using that momentum, Kang Woojin flips Gary over.
-Thud!!
It’s a disadvantageous position. Instead of extending his arms, he blocks. Gary clasps his hands together to shield his face. A solid shield forms, but Woojin, undeterred, strikes the side of Gary’s face, hidden behind the shield, with his elbow. Once and then again. Then a whoosh sound was heard. Gary lifted both legs and threw Woojin sideways, wrapping around his face.
Kang Woojin flies off with a swoosh.
Gary quickly gets up and assumes his position.
“Hah!”
A couple of steps away, Woojin swiftly gets up and again strides towards Gary. It wasn’t that he had no hesitation; his expression was solely filled with the intent of ‘murder’. Eliminate, eliminate, eliminate. Only elimination.
Once again, Kang Woojin and Gary face each other.
However, this time neither rushes in immediately. They had checked each other’s form. Both Woojin and Gary, staring into each other’s eyes, waved their arms in the air. It was the thought that whatever comes, they would catch it.
The first to move was Gary.
-Whoosh!!
He kicks towards the groin between Woojin’s spread legs. Kang Woojin blocks it with his knee. Then, he immediately grabs Gary’s extended foot and pushes it to the ground. The two quickly tangle up.
“Hup!”
“······”
Just as the expressionless Kang Woojin was about to make his next move.
“Cu, Cut!!!”
A familiar man’s shout is heard. It was Director George Mendes. His eyes were dilated as if he was a shocked Santa Claus. Director George, with widened eyes, alternates his gaze between Kang Woojin in the monitor and the real Kang Woojin.
‘······My god.’
He was mesmerized. That was exactly his expression. The entire foreign crew in the studio, including the CD Megan and producer Joseph, shared the same look. Many staff members had their mouths open without realizing.
Wondering what they had just seen with their two eyes.
At the same time, Director George, who had been staring intently at the monitor, moved his enlarged eyes. He looked at Kang Woojin in the center of the studio. He was already standing up, dusting off his suit with Gary.
“Ka, Kang Woojin. The shooting will start from June next year…”
“Yes.”
“The role you just showed will join the team around August. Before that, there will be practice sessions for action sequences with the actors.”
“······”
“That role is yours. It’s perfect. Normally, we would need a meeting, but it seems unnecessary for Mr. Woojin. Personally, I’d like you to join from April.”
In other words, you’re first place and you’ve passed.
The staff started murmuring. It was natural since this was a first. Winning a role outright was impossible without being significantly favored. The screen test wasn’t the end. But just now, a Korean actor had secured a role in Hollywood on his first try. Though a minor role, he succeeded.
Normally, one would throw their arms up in cheer.
However.
“Hmm.”
Kang Woojin, with an indifferent face, slightly tilted his head. Then he started calculating something internally. However, it didn’t take long.
Just 5 seconds.
Exactly 5 seconds later, Kang Woojin spoke in low voice.
“Ah- Then it will be difficult for me. It would be better to meet next time if the opportunity arises.”
Director George Mendes blinked his eyes in confusion.
“What, what did you say?”
At this moment, among the staff in the back, the tall black producer Joseph chuckled softly.
“Kek, my god. What is that weirdo saying.”
Because Kang Woojin had turned down his first role in Hollywood.
