Chapter 10

Chapter 12

Actor Cha Tae-hoon. Actor Cha Tae-hoon. He had a relatively smooth acting career. Cha Tae-hoon, who had gradually become known through minor and supporting roles in films and on television, rose to stardom after appearing in "That Eccentric Woman." Alongside Jeon Ji-yeon, Cha Tae-hoon delivered peak comedic performances, driving the film's success. After his sudden rise to stardom, Cha Tae-hoon consistently appeared in films. However, the box office performance of the films he starred in did not meet expectations.

"Man, I'm scared to make movies these days." "Why?" "Because they keep flopping, and I'm afraid they'll flop again."

Cha Tae-hoon answered with a bitter smile. To this, Lee Gwan said, "I envy you."

"You envy me? Why?" "Because a movie has to be released to flop."

Lee Gwan's answer made Cha Tae-hoon snort. "Why is a capable producer so dramatic?" "I still have a long way to go."

"Modesty doesn't suit you. You were a troublemaker since college."

"Come on, not that much."

Lee Gwan waved his hand. Cha Tae-hoon and Lee Gwan were college alumni. Cha Tae-hoon was a year senior. They had been close since college and kept in touch even after graduation. Thanks to this, Lee Gwan could easily arrange a meeting with Cha Tae-hoon.

"Your constant modesty is suspicious. You must have something to ask me, right?" "How did you know?" "I'm observant. You didn't just send that script, did you?"

Lee Gwan had sent Cha Tae-hoon the script for "Speeding Scandal," but he hadn't offered him a role. He had asked him to review it.

"How did you know?" "I read the script. It seemed like it was written with you in mind."

"Indeed, you can't fool me. How was the script?" "It was interesting."

The word "interesting" from an actor's mouth meant something different from a layperson's evaluation. Actors, when reading scripts, focused more on the character than the overall story or content. Therefore, when an actor said a script was interesting, it meant the character was so appealing that they wanted to play it.

'Almost there!'

Lee Gwan, judging that he had crossed the 90% mark in getting Cha Tae-hoon's agreement, was inwardly celebrating. But then Cha Tae-hoon hesitated and said, "But I don't want to do it."

"Why not, if it's interesting?" "Well... " "Is it a scheduling issue?" "No, I'm free lately. I haven't been getting many scripts because my recent films have flopped."

"Is that so?" "Actually, I want to try a different acting style. I feel like my comedic image is getting worn out."

Cha Tae-hoon had a bright and cheerful image on screen, and his real personality wasn't much different. But he was an actor. As an actor, he had to think about his position and the need for transformation. Lee Gwan understood this and couldn't blame him. However, Lee Gwan needed Cha Tae-hoon for "Speeding Scandal."

After a moment of thought, Lee Gwan spoke. "If you played a serial killer, do you think the public would like it?"

"Honestly, I don't know." "In my opinion, they might feel betrayed."

"Betrayed?" "Because it would ruin your good-guy image."

Cha Tae-hoon nodded slightly and picked up his glass. His expression showed his inner struggle. Lee Gwan knew how to alleviate his concerns.

"I think the opposite."

"Opposite?" "I don't think continuing to play comedic roles will wear out your image."

"But... the scores of the films I've been in are poor." "I think the poor scores are because you've been repeating similar roles. It's not that the actor Cha Tae-hoon is worn out, but that the image of Geon-woo from 'That Eccentric Woman' has made the audience tired. You're a strong comedic actor. Instead of a transformation, you should delve deeper."

"Delve deeper?" "I don't think the Cha Tae-hoon from 'That Eccentric Woman' is your best. I believe you can show even better comedic performances in other works."

"Is this 'Speeding Scandal'?" "You decide. It's different from the roles you've played before."

"Yeah, it is different." "I think an actor's image is important. It's better to maintain the image the public has of you. This way, other opportunities will open up."

"Other opportunities?" "Your friendly image could lead to variety show appearances. Who knows, you might win a variety show award at the end-of-year ceremony."

"Ha, no way!"

Cha Tae-hoon waved his hand, dismissing the idea as absurd. But Lee Gwan, who had returned from the future, knew it wasn't absurd.

"Outstanding Male Variety Show Performer: Cha Tae-hoon." About ten years from now, Cha Tae-hoon won the Outstanding Male Variety Show Performer award at an end-of-year ceremony. Lee Gwan had seen it on TV.

So, winning a variety show award was definitely possible. But Cha Tae-hoon, unaware of this, was deep in thought, his expression serious.

His contemplation deepened. Clink. Lee Gwan repeatedly filled and emptied his glass, trying to persuade him. Now, he had to wait for Cha Tae-hoon to make a decision.

After about 30 minutes, Cha Tae-hoon picked up his glass and drained it in one go. "Let's do it."

"I'm counting on you!" After a long hesitation, Cha Tae-hoon's agreement made Lee Gwan clench his fist under the table.

'If Tae-hoon had refused, would the production have been difficult?' No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't find another actor to play the male lead in "Speeding Scandal" besides Cha Tae-hoon. This made him even more grateful to Cha Tae-hoon, and he wanted to repay him somehow.

"Thanks, man." "Thanks? I'm not working for free."

"That's why I'm saying... when negotiating your fee, try to get as much of a lump sum as possible."

"Why?" "This movie is guaranteed to be a hit."

Since he would end his relationship with Park Tae-hyuk after this movie, but would continue to see Cha Tae-hoon, Lee Gwan emphasized this point. Cha Tae-hoon smiled his usual friendly smile.

"You're finally sounding like Lee Gwan." "It's good to see you confident."

As he filled Lee Gwan's empty glass, Cha Tae-hoon asked, "Who's playing my daughter?"

"Huh?" "Who did you have in mind for the role of my daughter in this movie?"

"I was thinking of Park Bo-yeon." "Bo-yeon?"

Perhaps surprised by the unexpected casting choice, Cha Tae-hoon frowned slightly. Lee Gwan, noticing this, became tense again. Actors were very sensitive and had strong egos. If the co-star was too junior, they might cancel their participation.

'Is he upset?' While Lee Gwan was carefully observing Cha Tae-hoon's expression, Cha Tae-hoon said, "Now that I think about it, it might work. We might have good chemistry."

Relieved, Lee Gwan sighed. "But will Bo-yeon do it?"

Cha Tae-hoon also had doubts about casting Park Bo-yeon. He knew she hadn't been in many films recently.

"I heard she's having conflicts with her agency and is struggling."

Hearing this, Lee Gwan seized the opportunity to ask, "Can you arrange a meeting for me?"

"What kind of meeting?" "You and Park Bo-yeon have worked together before and are close. Can you arrange a natural meeting for us?"

"Are you going to try to cast her directly?" "Please."

Lee Gwan asked again, and Cha Tae-hoon nodded. "Okay. I'll set up a meeting and contact you."

With Cha Tae-hoon's casting secured, "Speeding Scandal" had overcome another obstacle before its release. However, one more hurdle remained: casting Park Bo-yeon as the lead actress.

"Hey, you're here?"

Lee Gwan, who had taken a deep breath, entered the coffee shop and saw Cha Tae-hoon, who had arrived early and was with Park Bo-yeon, wave his hand.

"Say hi. This is my college junior, Lee Gwan. He's currently working as a film producer."

"Hello, I'm Park Bo-yeon." "Bo-yeon, you know him, right? No need for introductions."

"Of course. Nice to meet you, Lee Gwan."

"I've read the script you sent."

Hearing Park Bo-yeon's words, Lee Gwan sighed in relief. He had asked Cha Tae-hoon to send the "Speeding Scandal" script to Park Bo-yeon.

'What if she hadn't read it at all?' This was his biggest concern. Fortunately, their earlier conversation revealed that Park Bo-yeon had read the script and attended the meeting, indicating some interest in the role.

"I'll be straightforward. I want to cast you, Park Bo-yeon, as the female lead in 'Speeding Scandal.'"

100 Million Audience Producer