Top Management Chapter 215-216

Chapter 215: Management Business Division Team 4 Leader (4)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

Everyone who gathered in Supernatural's production meeting room darted their eyes. They should be opening champagne thanks to the unexpected effective marketing strategy, but the mood was gloomy. It was because of Director Cha Jaeho, whose eyes glowered as he sat in the seat of honor.

-Irritable Cha, what's got him all worked up?

A female employee wrote on the planner of her co-worker sitting next to her. Her co-worker silently showed her his phone under the table. The article headline on it read:

{City Jungle hits crowdfunding goal in 1 hour, breaking the previous record}

Exchanging glances, the production employees tried to flatter Director Cha.

"Director, why are you so concerned about City Jungle? They aren't even on our level."

"Our breakeven point is 4.2 million, and our goal is 10 million. They will be over the moon if they reach 4 million with that film."

"There's no comparing directors either. You're a master, and she's a greenhorn."

"To be honest, if not for Jung Sunwoo, City Jungle wouldn't have been such a hot topic."

Director Cha Jaeho, who seemed to relax at being called a master, grew sullen.

"How can I not be concerned?! I'm about to collapse from high blood pressure because of that b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Do you know what that Jung Sunwoo b.a.s.t.a.r.d said-!"

His employees perked their ears.

Something scandalous was going on between W&U's Jung Sunwoo and Director Cha Jaeho, and although everyone was hush-hush about it, they knew that Jung Sunwoo stabbed Director Cha Jaeho in the back because of it. This was because the director made several outbursts on set.

"That b.a.s.t.a.r.d, that c.o.c.ky b.a.s.t.a.r.d said…!"

Director Cha Jaeho opened and closed his mouth a few times before bursting into a tirade of curses.

Then, soon, he turned around with glittering eyes.

"Where is the marketing coordinator?"

-Has City Jungle not started accepting funds? Why won't my payment go through?

-It's been sold out, dear customer. The exit is on your left.

-LOL I was fortunate enough to do it as soon as they launched it. If not, I might have missed out!

-Oh my G.o.d. I missed it because I was careless. I succeeded in buying tickets to a solo concert that sold out in a minute and never failed to sign up for cla.s.ses, but how could I miss this?! I'm speechless. q.q Why won't they take my money when I want them to!

-Their original time frame was a week. Won't they increase the funding goal?

-I thought everyone moved to Supernatural because that's all they were talking about. Were all those posts made by Heo Kakyung fans? Or was this the big picture of those who wanted to get rid of compet.i.tors?

-I knew this would happen. Since crowdfunding became a hot topic because of Jung Sunwoo lol.

-But do all you investors think you'll profit? Because it's Jung Sunwoo's film? Only a few crowdfunded films until now have profited. You guys are better off investing in shares.

-I only put in 100,000 won. It said that I would receive a VIP screening ticket as well as a general advance purchase ticket, so I didn't think I would be losing much even if I lost all of it. Looking at other community sites, it looks like there are tons of people who invested 100,000 won.

-I put in 1,000,000! To be honest, half because of expectations and half for fun.

-2,000,000 for me! Half for never-failing Jung Sunwoo, half because I'm Lee Songha's fan. Songha, let's get another hit!

Carbonated bubbles surged up gla.s.ses. Having received soda, the employees were chuckling.

"If not for the fact you're still working, I wouldn't have popped some champagne!"

"Now, let's get in the mood!"

Although this was a simple celebration at the office, the mood was as though we won the world cup. People chatted while pouring soda into champagne flutes.

"When the producer messaged me, I was like 'Is this guy on drugs?'"

"This guy? On drugs?"

"I mean, it just doesn't make sense logically! It ended as soon as it launched!"

"We left our mark on the history of crowdfunding films! The Jung Sunwoo effect is incredible!"

"I told you! It's more effective than bringing an actor in a star marketing campaign!"

I couldn't even count the number of flutes that clinked with mine.

Although I did expect a pretty decent result when I sprinkled 'investments' onto my special image, this was beyond my expectations.

Soda instantly poured down my throat. My frustrations that built up from Supernatural's media manipulation was swept away. I was receiving tons of messages from W&U too. Team Leader Park was laughing about how she missed her chance to invest.

"It still feels surreal to me. I asked a few of my friends to invest, but I guess I was worried for nothing."

The film production company Forest's CEO looked partly out of it as he laughed. He didn't have any alcohol, yet his face was red. I looked at the employees behind him and asked,

"Did Director Oh Hyunkyung not come?"

"Ah, I told her to come even for a moment, but Director Oh is really focused right now. She said that she would make a few adjustments after the feedback we received from internal screenings. She really looks… I can't even strike up a conversation with her."

I recalled the film I saw at the screening. It made me lose my sleep for the next few days.

Just then, SBE Film's CEO and project producer, as well as World Art Pictures' general manager, approached me.

"The platform is asking if we have any plans on raising our goal. They say that they are receiving a crazy amount of inquiries."

"We originally considered 300 million as our maximum. Is there a reason to be greedier?"

"Well, that's true, but the public is so…"

SBE Film's CEO and project producer licked their lips. World Art's general manager shook his head.

"If we raise the target, it'll put pressure on us internally. Also, on our partial investors."

While there was a slight conflict of opinions, we eventually decided not to increase our goal. We were already fully enjoying the marketing effects of having reached our goal in one hour.

The project producer raised his gla.s.s.

"Anyways, it's an overwhelming victory for us in terms of crowdfunding! There are probably a few of you who couldn't get enough sleep from Supernatural or whatever, but now you can sleep easy!"

Laughter shook the office.

However, the smiles of victors quickly faded the next day.

{Supernatural vs City Jungle}

This t.i.tle, which seemed for suited for the octagon, quickly spread.

Strictly looking at the production scale, Supernatural should be competing with foreign films because Supernatural's scale was three times that of City Jungle. That was why the reporters writing those t.i.tles and the public weren't comparing the number of viewers.

Profit.

Among the two films that asked for crowdfunding, which one would pa.s.s their breakeven point and give their general investors a share of the profits? This was precisely the part people were excitedly comparing and discussing.

The people from Supernatural skillfully brought in general investors who partic.i.p.ated in the crowdfunding. Selling snake oil again about how they were making the film with the audience.

City Jungle's marketing budget was small so we worked hard to market through our crowdfunding event, but Supernatural wasn't satisfied with getting the first taste and now was trying to suck our work dry.

The marketing teams on either side clashed even more aggressively.

The sparks ignited by Supernatural were enough to burn an entire mountain. In particular, general investors became pa.s.sionate marketers and were competing on various fronts.

Compet.i.tion always sparked people's interest.

On top of that, after the story about how Lee Songha was offered the position as the female lead of Supernatural but was filming City Jungle because of my decision was leaked to the public, people's interest s.h.i.+fted immediately.

From 'Would Jung Sunwoo's next project, 'City Jungle', succeed or fail?' to 'Which of the two, 'City Jungle' or 'Supernatural', bring in higher projects?'

"You know the 3scene interview you did last time?"

Team Leader Park approached me. Her firepower was surging these days from fighting with Supernatural's marketing team, but today, she had a miserable expression on her face for some reason.

"That special interview?"

3scene. It was a well-known national film professional magazine. One where film production companies and marketing agencies would do anything to put on the cover or do a special interview for.

We gave up on getting the cover because a Hollywood series blockbuster was decided to be on it already. From what I remember, that was why we set up a photoshoot with Lee Songha, Nam Joyoon, Director Oh Hyunkyung, and me as well as a special interview.

"Did it come out?"

"It did. It did but…"

"What? Is there a problem?"

"There is… a problem."

Team Leader Park handed me the magazine she had brought over.

"I guess they paid a ton for the advert."

'Supernatural, Director Cha Jaeho' was on the cover in huge letters.

Along with a photoshoot of Heo Kakyung.

That wasn't all.

I suddenly received a call from my mother in the afternoon.

-Sunwoo, your film… City, City, what was it again? I keep forgetting.

"City Jungle."

-Yeah, that. Do you not have any commercials on TV? I went to the hair salon today, and they were advertising Supernatural or whatever on TV. All the ladies were talking about how fun it looked and that they should go watch it once it releases.

"We also advertised on TV."

-You did? Why haven't I seen it?

"We didn't buy a large volume, so we need to wait for the right time."

-Supernatural shows up whenever I turn on the TV. Young people can just look it up on the internet, but older people will probably have to see it on TV to know about it. Why didn't you buy more?

"It costs a ton, mom."

-Really? But I heard you raised 300 million? That's what your brother said.

"We did. But playing a 15-second ad for a few days costs a few hundred million."

-… Oh my, what robbers.

While we were doing better if we looked at viral or word-of-mouth marketing online, we couldn't compare to Supernatural in just the sheer volume of ads.

Autograph signing events, exhibition shows with the Supernatural cast, and campaigns or whatever.

They hosted these large events every day.

Supernatural's ads weren't just on TV or in newspapers but also on buses, the subway, theatre banners, online portal banners, and even walls outside. Supernatural ads were everywhere. Wherever I walked, wherever I drove, there was always an ad about the d.a.m.n Supernatural film.

It was just insufferable.

The next time I saw Director Cha Jaeho was on the parking lot of a newspaper company.

He seemed to have come for an interview as he was all dressed up. He frowned as soon as he saw me. Of course, my expression wasn't great either. We were no longer in a situation where we could exchange pleasantries, so we greeted each other with foul words.

"… This compet.i.tion isn't all that bad for City Jungle either, no? What is that, yeah, they are putting you on the same level as us. You are also receiving a lot of the public's attention. How about you do an interview with me?"

Director Cha Jaeho smirked like last time.

I was about to pour out all the words I had been preparing for this moment when my phone rang. It was SBE Film's project producer.

What the? Was this déjà vu?

Even if it was not as big of news as reaching our 300-million-won crowdfunding goal in one hour, I picked up the phone hoping it was at least some good news. Like last time, his side was very noisy. They were causing such a ruckus that my eardrum hurt.

"Yes, producer."

It seemed I wasn't the only one who remembered last time as Director Cha Jaeho's expression crumbled like he had swallowed a bug.

I gulped before hanging up.

Then I looked at Director Cha Jaeho and said,

"You can do the interview by yourself. I, we might have to go to France."

"Wh-why France?"

"Apparently, we've received an invitation. From Cannes."

Director Cha Jaeho blinked.

It looked like he needed some time to process what I just said.

Of course, I didn't plan on waiting for me. I felt like I had to hurry.

"I think I need to hurry up and leave today. Ah, I hope your interview goes well."

As soon as I said this, Director Cha Jaeho's face turned sour.

/ /

Chapter 216: Splendid or Shabby (1)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

Cannes International Film Festival.

It with Venice and Berlin Film Festivals were considered the top 3 film festivals in the world, but judging by status, Cannes International Film Festival was unequaled. Around 2,000 films are submitted to the Cannes Film Festival every year. Around 50 of them were invited for their official selection.

Only three works in the country were invited to the Cannes International Film Festival.

Unfortunately, none were in the 'Compet.i.tion', the main event of the festival. The other two films were in the 'Out of Compet.i.tion' section, while City Jungle was in the 'Un Certain Regard' section.

One more thing.

Director Oh Hyunkyung was nominated for the 'Camera d'Or', which rewards the best first film among debutants.

Though there were 24 compet.i.tors.

Anyways, this was also why City Jungle became a hot topic again. While it was in the other sections, it was the only one that could potentially win an award. I say it again, but compet.i.tion really brings out the public's excitement.

Reporters and the public were very curious about whether City Jungle will be able to win an award at the film festival. Articles were published constantly without us having to make a press release.

"Err, this makes me feel like a national athlete going to an international compet.i.tion."

Forest's CEO said while rubbing his chest.

"All the reporters ask about is whether we think we'll win the 'Un Certain Regard' award or the 'Camera d'Or' award or not. All they ask about are the awards."

"That's because only our film was nominated for awards."

SBE Film's project producer said with a smile.

Although Forest's CEO, who would be attending Cannes International Film Festival for the first time, looked like he was about to pa.s.s out, SBE Film's people, who had attended the festival a few times before, looked calm.

As for me, well, it was great that I had a poker face on.

"There's nothing we can do about the reporters making a fuss, but don't get your hopes up on receiving an award. People over there are incredibly stuck-up."

The project producer said while looking at Forest's employees and me.

While countless Korean films were invited to Cannes over the years, it was still worth celebrating if one was nominated in a compet.i.tion with 20 or so films. They had never received a 'Palme d'Or' award.{1}

"We can still dream, right? How would you feel if you won the best award?"

"Amazing. It's like winning the gold medal in the Olympics!"

"I bet we'll probably receive a prize from the government? I heard they give medals if you receive the 'Un Certain Regard' award?"

The faces of people gathered around started to flush red.

"There's an article saying that Mason Tucker will be attending Cannes International Film Festival!"

Im Seoyoung clung to my waist as she followed me.

She was more knowledgeable about who was attending the festival this year than I was.

"Megan Shanner too! And Aaron Taylor! Mason arrived last night and is staying in the Majestic Hotel. What do I do, oppa!"

"What do you mean 'what do you do'?"

"Can't I go with you? With my money! I'll use my own money for everything! Just give me a ticket in!"

"Stop joking and work hard on your radio and TV broadcasts."

"Euahh! Mason!"

While Im Seoyoung was shouting out a Hollywood star's name, Lee Taehee and LJ were looking through Lee Songha's luggage.

"Why aren't there a lot of snacks? It's unlike you?"

Having been thrown over Lee Songha's shoulder before, LJ gave her a look of suspicion. I also glanced at Lee Songha. I packed the daily necessities and her stylist packed her clothes, so I expected half her luggage to be filled with snacks.

There was definitely less than normal for Lee Songha. Don't tell me there was a problem?

"Songha, did you lose your appet.i.te? Do you not crave chips?"

"No."

Lee Songha said as if telling me not to worry.

"I'm going to get them over there. There'll be French snacks in France."

"Ah, okay."

So like her.

We left their residence while being sent off by the girls.

For some reason, our way to Incheon International Airport was surprisingly traffic-free today. The sky was blue, and the breeze that blew in was warm and comfortable. It felt like I was driving in the sky than on asphalt. My heart throbbed just enough to feel good.

We were going to Cannes.

The glamorous place full of world-cla.s.s actors, directors, production companies and agencies. We were going to the place where I hoped I would one day go when I took my first step into the entertainment industry.

Despite the fact that I changed the present on my own, I now had a piece of the future I wanted.

I heard someone humming. When I looked beside me, Lee Songha was smiling.

"Are you excited?"

"Yes, I am."

Interesting.

She didn't look all that excited when she swept up all the rookie awards at the broadcasting and film awards at the end of last year. Did Cannes just feel different?

"What are you most excited about?"

"There are going to be tons of famous actors from all over the world over there."

This was unexpected.

"Do you have any actors you want to see?"

"That's not it. Since actors there will be much more famous than me, no one will pay me any interest. Actors who went to Cannes last year said that they wore slippers and leisurely walked around Boulevard de la Croisette. There won't be anyone who recognizes me there."

"… That's true."

While her name was quite known nationally and in China, she was relatively unknown internationally. There wouldn't be anyone who recognizes her unless they were Korean reporters reporting on Cannes or correspondents there.

Was she under a lot of stress from her fame?

"Why do you want to go around without anyone recognizing you?"

"Cannes apparently has beautiful beaches."

Lee Songha smiled subtly as she gave me an irrelevant answer. Then she took out a book from her handbag. It was a tourist guidebook on Cote d'Azur in Cannes. She seemed to have already gone through it once as there were index stickers sticking out from various pages.

"How can you be more interested in sightseeing than the film festival? Did you give up on the award already?"

"Apparently, the harbor is full of super luxurious yachts during the festival. Oppa, do you want to go on a yacht?"

"I do, but what's important is… What are you writing right now?"

"Nothing much."

"I don't think so."

While questing Lee Songha, who was smiling wickedly, we arrived at the airport. We went to the airport with the help of security guards and were met with reporters and spectators forming a long line.

"Team leader!"

Lee Kwanwoo, who was managing the situation, came over.

"Have our staff arrived? Where's Joyoon hyung?"

"They already arrived. He's with the staff members. Also, we've been receiving a lot of requests for an interview before we take off. What should we do?"

"Tell them that we'll do a short one. Reporters won't expect any more than that considering how cluttered things are."

After sending Lee Kwanwoo off, I went to where the staff were gathering. The staff, which included stylists, makeup and hair artists, were piling up their luggage carriers. Nam Joyoon and Kim Hyunsup were sitting in the middle. When I came over, Nam Joyoon was on the phone.

"Yes, father. It's in Cannes. Cannes. Yes, Cannes. No, Cannes. France. Film festival."

Kim Hyunsup was watching, frustrated, before finally taking over.

"h.e.l.lo, this is Hyunsup. We arrived at the airport to board the flight. It's Cannes. Similar to how to p.r.o.nounce tin can{2}. It's a city in France, and they hold a film festival every year. It's the most famous film festival in the world. Joyoon, this guy, has been invited to attend. Of course, this guy's completely turned around his career."

Nam Joyoon shook his head slightly, but Kim Hyunsup began to more in a more dynamic manner,

"It's the most famous film festival in the world. Ah, the award… There's meaning in just attending this festival. There are a lot of people working in the film industry that dream of being invited here. You can go boast about it all over town. You can even hang a banner at the village hall!"

"At this rate, you might…"

Nam Joyoon grimaced. Kim Hyunsup seemed to catch his mistake and quietly added,

"Do not tell your wife about the banner."

When Kim Hyunsup hung up, the staff, who had been suppressing their laughs, finally burst out laughing.

I asked Nam Joyoon, who took back his phone,

"Hyung, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. This all feels so unreal."

Nam Joyoon smiled in a slightly bitter manner. Then his gaze alternated between Lee Songha and me.

"Songha… You look fine."

"I'm fine."

Lee Songha replied like it was nothing.

She was extremely fine. Because her mind was elsewhere.

"Sunwoo, how about you?"

"Me?"

"It's your first time going to Cannes too."

"Well, I think I'll have to see the palm trees for it to really sink in."

I lightly shrugged.

"Ms. Lee Songha! It's your first time attending the Cannes International Festival, how do you feel?"

"Uh, it's unexpected, so I think I'll have to see the palm trees for it to really sink in. Thank you very much for supporting us. I'll go and see, experience, and learn a lot over there."

"Do either of you have any promises if you receive the award?"

"Countless movie fans are hoping you return in glory, please give us a comment!"

Even though we told them that this would be quick, reporters viciously swarmed at them like starved chickens.

I checked the time before jumping in.

"Now, we are on a tight schedule so we'll have to head in now. We plan on holding an official press interview in Cannes, so we can talk in a more relaxed fas.h.i.+on over there."

I cut them off and urged my group to move. Reporters pushed onwards, asking us to answer one last question. In the end, the safe line collapsed, and security guards had to hold them back. This sight was familiar since I've experienced this multiple times going to and coming from China, but this was on another level.

This was comparable to how one would send off a national athlete when they went to the Olympics.

The production staff and Director Oh Hyunkyung left a couple of days ahead of us and we were the second group, It was great that we moved separately. It was this crazy with just us. It would have been even more chaotic if we had the production staff with us.

"Have a safe flight!"

I heard the reporters cheering us from behind.

Transferring in Paris, 13 hours had pa.s.sed when we arrived at Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport. Because there was a 7-hour time difference, the sky was still blue when we arrived at the airport.

"It'll be quiet here, right?"

Kim Hyunsup asked as he dragged the luggage carrier.

"Probably. We don't know how many reporters arrived ahead of us."

"It was exhausting when there were a lot of reporters, but thinking about how there won't be anyone makes me sad."

He licked his lips.

However, unexpectedly, we encountered a blast of heat as soon as we got out. Foreign reporters holding cameras and spectators who came from all across the world filled the airport. Their excited voices pierced my ears.

"… Uh, don't tell me they're here for us?"

"No way."

Someone cut Kim Hyunsup off. When I turned around, it was SBE Film's project producer.

He looked at the reporters as he said,

"Aaron Taylor's coming on a private jet. They're gathered here to see him."

"Wow, a private jet… This is actually happening."

Kim Hyunsup said in astonishment. The project producer laughed as he led the way.

"The really rich come on their private yachts. Super luxurious yachts that are so big they can't moor at the harbor. You see them floating around when you go to the beach."

We leisurely made our way through the airport. There was no need to rush. Lee Songha and Nam Joyoon were clearly revealing their faces, but there was no one who recognized them. They were all busy trying to see Hollywood stars that they didn't spare a glance at us.

This was too drastic of a difference compared to the heated reactions at Incheon Airport. It felt like we would freeze.

Fortunately, there were a few Korean reporters who arrived before us and asked for an interview and some pictures. The staff grinned as they were happy to see them. We left the airport after holding a sufficiently long interview.

"Ms. Songha and Mr. Joyoon will take the car sent by the film festival."

He pointed to the luxurious cars waiting for them. Kim Hyunsup's eyes glittered.

"What about us?"

"We'll wait here and take the shuttle bus."

"That was a joke. We'll follow them in the car the production company prepared."

The staff, who were barely managing to stand tall after the 13-hour flight, almost flopped down when they heard about the shuttle bus, only regaining their strength after hearing it was a joke. The project producer made a strange smile. After Lee Songha and Nam Joyoon got in the car did he quietly talk to me.

"Team Leader Jung, it's your first time attending Cannes, right?"

"Yes."

"It's a complete cla.s.s system here. They discriminate against you according to your 'level'. They give you ID cards depending on your 'level'. They prepare accommodations and plan tickets according to your 'level'. Your 'level' also decides how many screenings and which parties you can attend. And our 'level' isn't very high."

He grabbed my shoulder and added,

"It'll be best if you prepare yourself."

{1} This chapter came out before Parasite by Director Bong Joon-Ho received the 2019 Palme d'Or award.

{2} The Korean example in the raws is closer to the actual p.r.o.nunciation of Cannes than this. I just tried to find a quick replacement. If you know a better example, please let me know.

/ /