When it comes to film-making in Hallyuwood much like Hollywood, everything was decided by the producer, from the casting to the last minute editing. It therefore did not help my cause as Yuri-noona explained the writer of this drama was the one who recommended me.
Producers and Directors especially are proud of their "vision" and while they will try to placate a writer to the best of their ability when push came to shove, if you don"t deliver they will use it as leverage.
The added pressure of knowing that got me a bit distracted as it reminded me of a past where I had acted in small roles in many movies and dramas, without any fanfare. A certain writer noticed him and at that time, that small phone call made a world of difference.
As Yuri-noona leads us to a small temporary studio, I take a closer look at the familiar surroundings, that screams high-budget production.
Silently my heart thumps faster and faster as I eye the various gears and props.
The Producer who is a man of experience, still wary of my ability, chooses a few scenes for me to perform.
As the script is very simple to begin with, its up to the actor to produce the character, to mold him into the person or the picture which the Director has in his head.
The role was not one of the leads but it was still important to the flow of the series. As the Character Vick, I am to play a mysterious a.s.sa.s.sin who only answers to a "Mr Black". I am to show what the main characters was before his growth and without love. I am a Jason born clone in many ways with better style.
The role is quite intense and I had very much enjoyed the previous actors version in my previous life although I do think their were areas he could improve at.
"Are you ready?" The director asks as I try to calm myself down.
The constant fear of failure, remains. No matter how big Brilliant Legacy got, it was still only a mid day Korean drama, whose main choice of television, were soapy or Idols.
For this show. For Eyeris.
Its target audience was international. Any mistake, under-performance or critique not only represented you as an Actor but Korea as a market as a whole. This is the reason it not only has a 40 billion won budget but also had the creme of the crop with regards to Korean actors on board.
"Standby....and 3.2.1 Action!!" A staff member shuts the slate.
As soon as the sound disappears, the air in the room gets sucked in as everyone takes a deep breadth seeing my sudden change in expression.
No longer that of the naive youth, my expression is that of the apex predator. A controlled wildness that only draws satisfaction from completing his "mission". A living embodiment of death himself.
The scene is early in the series, set on a bridge-top, where Vick is holding the main characters adopted sister hostage as he forces the Hero, played by Lee Byung to give him the USB containing all the ident.i.ties of all undercover National Secret Services agents.
"Kim Hyun-jun... Code name "TK1"... The dog whose bite kills. The man who never forgets. The only walking nuclear weapon. How impressive you are." I say sarcastically with loathe in my eyes at someone claiming to be superior to I.
The writer reads the next line with no expression, nearly pulling me out of my performance, " What do you want"
Saying nothing, I reach into my back pocket pulling out a gun modeled after a Bu0026t VP9, a Swiss made firearm, an all black bolt action pistol with a magazine grip designed to quietly kill wounded animals.
Slowly lifting the gun towards the main characters head, I squeeze on the trigger as he flinches .... "Bang" Is all I say as nothing fires.
Finding enjoyment at this control, I smile manically, " I want to put a bullet through your brain, and paint the floor red with your blood.... But the guy in charge has other ideas.... for now. So are you going to give me the USB or not?"
"Take it ... just leave Momo" The writer reads.
As I motion a catch. After confirming the contents, I nod my head and keep up my part of the deal.
"Take her." I say as I watch the main character pa.s.s to fetch the girl in the vehicle behind me.
As he draws close enough, I let my pistol face his back, closing one eye as if to aim.
I once more silently say, "Bang" only this time I actually shoot, past the character who turns around thinking I missed but rather aimed at the car"s gas-tank causing it to explode as the shock-wave sends him flying and the person inside frying.
This was the direction I decided to take after reading the script.
The actor who previously played Vick mostly had stoic expressions and behavior about him, however
I however felt that something was missing. Something instinctual.
Enjoyment, Pleasure, Perverseness.
Vick was a killer,not just because he was ordered to. It was his desire.
He was the epitome of someone who lives for death, he was l.u.s.ting for it.
At the end of my Audition the director who was previously aloof and pa.s.sionless, claps slowly as he turns to the Writer who recommended me, smilingly for the first time since I met him "Noona, for the first time you actually uncovered a gem and not just a pretty face"
"Kid, make sure you arrive on time for shooting"
"Does that mean..." I begin asking as I slowly return to my natural character.
"Yes.... You"re hired" He says as he exists the building coolly.
I can"t help but admire that old man"s style.