136 – Challenge (1)
Writing a script.
It’s something I’ve always done, but it always feels new.
In some ways, this time may be a truly new experience.
Because I was planning to write a movie script, not a drama script, which is my main field.
First of all, what is the biggest characteristic of the dramas I have made so far?
I think it probably has the characteristic of being a ‘serial’.
In other words, having to somehow make you want to watch the next episode is a core skill of a drama, and it is a test of the scriptwriter’s capabilities.
Episode 1 should make you want to watch episode 2, and of course, episode 2 should make you want to watch episode 3. In that sense, the previous episode can be seen as a huge preview for the next episode.
To exaggerate a little, if the first episode is so completely complete that it provides catharsis to the viewer and allows them to fall asleep comfortably and comfortably without worrying much about the content of the next episode, I think the drama is a failed drama.
So, I always kept this point in mind when writing drama scripts.
Episode 1 should make you want to watch episode 2, and episode 2 should make you want to watch episode 3. Also, episode 3 is episode 4…… If this doesn’t work, it’s a failed drama.
Then what makes you watch the next episode?
It’s a question of curiosity, and for that reason, they’re throwing ‘rice cakes’ at the ending. Of course, in the next episode, it is revealed that the piece of cake is nothing, so even if people feel betrayed, just throw it away and watch.
Of course, it would be perfect if the rice cake in the previous episode was resolved well. In addition, I think an ideal drama is one where new questions and tension arise as the mystery is resolved, and the ending makes you curious about the next episode.
Of course, I think the three works I presented to the world all followed the method described above well.
That’s why people praised me as a genius screenwriter and at the same time called me the ‘drama devil.’
I’m sure from the beginning, I was criticized for being so good at ending endings that I was criticized for it, and I think I was criticized with that nickname…….
Actually, there is a bit of TMI here.
Dramas are usually aired twice a week, with a total of 16 episodes. Therefore, the even-numbered endings need to be more intense than the odd-numbered endings.
If that happens, it will literally be a hell of a time for those who wait a week…….
Expectations will increase due to the reward mentality, but if even that is eliminated, the game is over. From then on, it will literally go to the stage of addiction.
‘Oh my…’ ….’
Speaking of dramas, he seems to be very excited.
After all, a calling is a calling…? ….
Anyway, from now on, I am going to try a somewhat unfamiliar field called film, which is not my specialty.
First of all, dramas and movies are very similar, but they can never be said to be the same.
Dramas have a unique directing pattern that does not require viewers to concentrate. If possible, lead the play with a focus on dialogue, and keep the theme and structure as monotonous as possible.
The plot also features many peripheral characters and intersects their episodes in a fragmentary and sequential manner, making it easy to understand at any time.
For this reason, 20-30 minute drama summaries that are popular on YouTube these days seem to be very popular. Even if a lot of the content is condensed as short as possible, it is easy to understand what it is about.
However, the movie is a little different.
First of all, there is a significant difference in paying money to watch a movie in a dark theater rather than in a comfortable home or private space.
Of course, since they did not choose a comfortable space and deliberately paid money to see the work they wanted to see, the audience would have a clear purpose and somewhat high expectations.
And in order to meet their expectations, you need to carefully arrange characters and give them legitimacy and immersion for a short period of time.
To achieve this, it is literally a comprehensive art that must use sound and image in harmony so that you cannot turn your eyes away even for a moment.
Of course, it is bullsh*t to say that movie audiences are of a higher standard than drama viewers. This means that the moment people enter the movie theater and become spectators, their eyes and expectations change.
So, the length and feel will be very different from the dramas I have written so far.
Maybe I should forget for a moment the dramas I’ve done so far and learn from the bottom.
“Then why bother trying movies? “You can just keep doing what you’re doing.”
“That’s a very good question. “Student Cha Mu-sik.”
“Hah? “What kind of concept is this?”
As soon as school started after the short summer vacation, Cha Mu-sik, whom I met at school, listened to me and looked bored.
Anyway, there was a reason.
First of all, it was because of the content and length of the work I wanted to show people.
This work wanted to focus on the stories of the main characters as much as possible, so there is no reason to include many peripheral characters or tell their stories in a fragmentary manner.
Then, the amount will naturally be reduced neatly.
Also, when will I make something great like a movie again and expand my field of expertise beyond drama?
It was something difficult to imagine in my past life.
But here, if we were to borrow the name of the 927 author, wouldn’t the story be a little different?
“So, you’re saying you want to make something called a movie at least once?”
“That’s right.”
“What… “The news that the writer of 927 is attempting a movie in his comeback would be enough of a hot topic.”
“Hmm? “I have no intention of returning to that?”
Cha Mu-sik asks, “What kind of bullsh*t is this?” I tilted my head with that feeling.
Of course, my comeback project will be a drama, not a movie.
In that sense, this work will be writer 927’s first debut in the film industry.
Hmm. Movies and dramas are completely different fields.
“Huh, to my ears, it sounds like they’ve prepared a corner in advance to run away if the movie fails?”
“What do you mean, ignorant?”
Honestly, it was a little uncomfortable.
Of course, I am a little worried because it is a new challenge for me.
On the other hand, if even this succeeds…….
‘It will definitely be a good picture.’
I don’t know how many more years I will be active, but I have a feeling that I will be able to show people more diverse genres and works in the meantime.
However, you should not get excited just yet.
I’ve just finished writing the script, and at this point, there are scenes I’m still thinking about revising.
…… Damn it.
I couldn’t sleep at all all night while thinking about what to do with that scene.
That’s because that scene includes a kissing scene.
Of course, there is also a way to just ‘pretend’ to do it by changing the composition in a vague way.
But if you’re going to make it so vague and visible to people, it would be better not to include it.
But when I tried not to include it, I had a strong feeling that the climax would be less thrilling.
Unlike dramas that flow without major disruptions even if the impact is relatively weak, the impact of a movie at that time is important.
The problem is that I have never featured a kissing scene in any of my works that was worthy of awards.
But why have I not forced myself to include such a famous scene that is provocative and can leave a lasting impression on viewers?
Of course, the main character of all my works was Seol So-young.
In the past, he gave a cowardly reason that he would definitely incur the wrath of Seol So-young’s father, but now just imagining it makes me feel like I don’t like him outright.
Isn’t that something you can sacrifice for the quality of work? If someone were to ask me this question right now, I think my fist would start flying…….
It seems that I am not as broad-minded as I thought. There seems to be a lot of secret jealousy.
Anyway, I think there are two ways.
Replacing the kiss scene at the climax with something else, even if the impact is slightly lower.
And, to the extreme, not including Seol So-young in this work.
Of course, the latter is something I have always thought about.
Because Seol So-young cannot continue to appear in my works forever. Of course, Seol So-young would also be fully aware of this fact.
The problem here is why it is happening now.
It was not long after I became involved with Seol So-young, and from the beginning, this movie was about ‘us’.
I definitely had the feeling that if I wasn’t allowed to appear, I wouldn’t end up being very hurt.
“Is that why you consulted with me about your concerns as soon as school started?”
“Okay. “I wanted to hear your opinion because, contrary to what you think, you have excellent objective vision.”
“Not as it seems? Write… “Looks like this bastard has forgotten my personality?”
Cha Mu-sik suddenly walks on her arm. However, the point was that it was not a threat at all.
“Tsk. It’s not fun. That’s how serious it is, right? In that sense, a really good method just occurred to me.”
“Oh? What. “Say it quickly.”
At my urging, Cha Mu-sik slowly opened his mouth.
For some reason, I was laughing.
And what he said next was……
“You can appear as the male lead.”
It seemed like he was speaking sincerely and not jokingly.