Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 784: Schedule Adjustment

TV producers never liked their lead actors appearing in other projects while actively filming theirs. They wanted only the title of their current show mentioned whenever the actor's name came up in the press. That meant anyone negotiating scheduling changes with producers needed nerves of steel and a head full of information.

After a deep breath, I opened the door to the thatched set house where PD Oh Bok-Hee was waiting.

Click.

Inside, Oh Bok-Hee, CP Ryu Han-Joon, and Department Head Kim Gyuk-Shik were sitting around a table drinking tea.

'This won't be easy.'

Seeing both Oh Bok-Hee and the drama department head here, I figured the negotiations would be tough. Once someone reached the level of CP or department head, they had far more experience with these kinds of talks than a regular PD.

Still, I had no intention of backing down. Unless we adjusted Yoo-Jin's drama schedule, she wouldn't have time to shoot the movie.

Oh Bok-Hee spotted me first and greeted me with a bright smile, which kicked off the conversation. "It's been a while, Mr. Jung. We were just talking about your company. Come, have a seat."

"It's been a while, Mrs. Oh."

"Yes, you should really drop by more often. The atmosphere just isn't the same without you on set, Mr. Jung."

"There's been a lot to do with the IPO preparation. But I'll be visiting more often going forward."

Kim Gyuk-Shik nodded in agreement. "That's right, our Chief Jung shines brightest on the ground."

Despite the cheerful mood, the two kept steering the conversation away from the topic. They were clearly trying to avoid the issue and slip away using the filming as an excuse.

Then, Oh Bok-Hee tried to divert the topic again. "Oh, and Miss Yoo-Jin's been doing so well on set lately. I'm really grateful. That's why I was thinking..."

I cut her off before she could finish. "Thank you for the kind words, but I'm here today about the schedule adjustment you promised. Yoo-Jin starts working on the film with LT Entertainment tomorrow, so we'd appreciate it if you could reduce her shooting schedule to two days a week."

Finally giving up the pretense, Oh Bok-Hee started trying to persuade me. "Mr. Jung, I heard the film production company hasn't even been confirmed yet. Can't she focus on the drama for now and delay the movie shoot for just a month? Please?"

Kim Gyuk-Shik jumped in to help. "Come on, Chief Jung, you know it's a miracle that Hwaranjeon hit 35% viewership ratings by episode 21. We're negotiating international rights too, and everyone's asking for more screen time for Miss Yoo-Jin. Couldn't she focus on the drama just a bit longer?"

I had come to reduce her filming schedule, but now they were asking for more scenes. Yet in Hwaranjeon, Yoo-Jin's character Princess Yu-Hwa wasn't the only critical role. The antagonists, the First and Second Queens, and the characters Princess Jeong-Hwa and Princess Do-Hwa were just as important. In Han Woo-Ju's script, these supporting characters were essential to completing Princess Yu-Hwa's arc.

While adjusting Yoo-Jin's schedule was important, protecting Han Woo-Ju's script was also my responsibility. So I declined immediately.

"I'm sorry. I can't agree to increasing her screen time."

"Oh, come on, don't be like that. The international buyers of In the Name of God keep asking for Miss Yoo-Jin specifically. And like PD Oh said, the movie can wait, can't it? Tell you what—we'll bump her per-episode pay to a hundred fifty million won, effective immediately."

Yoo-Jin's current rate was a hundred ten million per episode. A forty million increase meant eight hundred million more over the remaining twenty episodes.

'Trying to lure me with a pay raise, huh? Not bad.'

Nevertheless, something mattered more than money right now.

"Hoop Entertainment has already entered the IPO process and announced Yoo-Jin's next project. That means by this weekend, we also need to announce the film's director and move into production."

By standing firm and declaring that Hoop Entertainment couldn't back down either, I left Kim Gyuk-Shik without a response. Because compared to stock issuance, a pay raise was nothing.

Just as I felt victory within reach, the seasoned Ryu Han-Joon quietly threw out a clever suggestion. "Then how about this: just announce the project but delay the actual production? That way it won't affect the stock market too much, and we can keep the drama shoot going smoothly. Isn't that a win-win?"

It was an impressive and a sly move from an old fox.

Kim Gyuk-Shik lit up like he had just found his savior. "Exactly! And if it puts you in a difficult position, Chief Jung, we'll handle the negotiations with LT Entertainment ourselves. How about that?"

It was a bluff, and I couldn't let them get away with that. If Yoo-Jin's screen time increased now, there would be no way to pull her out of Hwaranjeon a month from now. In other words, the movie production wouldn't start until the drama ended.

'These seasoned players are making this negotiation anything but easy...'

Eventually, I had no choice but to play my final card. "As you said, we can delay Yoo-Jin's movie production. But in that case, starting from episode 50, we absolutely won't be able to free up her schedule. She'll have to move directly into filming the movie."

"Wait, you mean..."

"Yes. Since the movie must be shot, Hwaranjeon will not be available for extension beyond episode 50. Are you okay with that?"

Hwaranjeon was nearing a 35% viewership ratings, and there were already talks within the network about extending the series. So what I did was draw a clear line and say if they didn't agree to adjust her schedule now, there would be no extension. That silenced Kim Gyuk-Shik, Ryu Han-Joon, and Oh Bok-Hee.

Dramas usually hit their peak viewership ratings near the end, and just one extra episode at that point could bring in a massive windfall from advertising. In short, if Hwaranjeon couldn't extend, MBS would be forfeiting billions.

Gulp. Gulp.

All I could hear was the sound of them swallowing hard.

"So, what will it be? Do you still not need the extension?" I asked.

At that moment, Kim Gyuk-Shik let out a sigh and looked toward Oh Bok-Hee and Ryu Han-Joon. "PD Oh. CP Ryu. This... this is a game we can't win. We've lost."

Even Oh Bok-Hee and Ryu Han-Joon sighed deeply and nodded in agreement.

"You're right. Fine. Then take her after tonight's shoot."

"Ahem... I guess it's not just old ginger that's spicy anymore. Young ginger these days can bring tears too."

In the end, I secured permission for Yoo-Jin to be off the drama set every Monday and Tuesday starting next week.

I gave a beaming smile and bowed. "Thank you!"

Just like that, the scheduling war over her drama appearance ended in my victory.

***

After sealing the deal, I promised a staff dinner to lighten the now-awkward atmosphere. Since it was almost time to shoot, all the network staff inside the set house, along with me and Lee Yung-Jin, stepped outside.

Oh Bok-Hee looked disappointed as she walked back to the director's chair in front of the monitor. But as soon as she sat down, her expression turned professional, fully focused on directing the drama.

"Alright, everyone, if you're ready, we're rolling. The directing team, double-check the extras' costumes and align the lines."

Scene 11 of Episode 30 was about to be filmed. In it, Princess Yu-Hwa arrives to support the battlefield during a war with Baekje. When she sees a Silla general flee after a surprise attack, she rallies the remnants and takes charge of the fight. Both sides of the vast plain as large as a soccer field were lined with 300 extras each dressed as Baekje and Silla soldiers—600 people total.

In front of the foot soldiers with spears and mounted cavalry holding swords, Yoo-Jin sat on a white horse with feathered plumes. Though the camera hadn't started rolling yet, Yoo-Jin was already immersed in her role. She was dressed in crimson armor marked with a golden three-legged crow, her expression solemn.

Beside her, Deok-Bae was also fully in character, wearing black armor and mounted on a black horse.

Snort~

The warhorses dressed for battle began stamping and tossing their heads, restless with anticipation. Then came a message over the walkie-talkie from afar informing the formation was complete.

Static.

-Mrs. Oh, alignment is complete.

"Okay, everyone out of the frame!"

-Yes, Mrs. Oh.

All the crew except the actors cleared the camera's line of sight.

Suddenly, Oh Bok-Hee shouted with her face tense. "Launch the drone!"

-Yes, ma'am.

With a buzzing sound, the drone lifted into the air.

Once it rose high enough that the noise faded, Oh Bok-Hee gave the next command. "Let's nail this in one take. Stunt doubles, be ready. Both sides charge but stop on cue exactly 30 meters out. Alright. Ready, action!"

Camera 1 zoomed in for a bust shot of Yoo-Jin. Then Yoo-Jin's astonishing performance began to appear on the monitor. Inside the blood-smeared crimson helmet, her eyes gleamed with a fierce blue light.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin slowly drew the sword from her side. With a chilling shine, the cold blue blade slid out of its dark brown sheath. Lifting the sword steadily, Yoo-Jin stretched it forward in a single, fluid motion. The blade flashed in the sunlight.

Then, Yoo-Jin roared in a thunderous voice.

『As Princess of Great Silla, I command you—leave none of those vile invaders who dare trample our land alive. Wipe them out!』

Yoo-Jin's voice rang across the audio, loud and clear. At that moment, the actors playing the defeated soldiers gripped their swords and spears tightly. Their ranks reformed, and fire returned to their exhausted faces. It looked like a real war was about to break out.

The crew watching couldn't help but murmur in admiration.

-That's Jung Yoo-Jin for you. Her charisma is unreal.

-Look at the extras. They're totally locked in.

-Seriously, everyone's expression looks like they're actually going to war.

The staff began to buzz with excitement at Yoo-Jin's commanding presence.

Then Deok-Bae, by Yoo-Jin's side, drew his sword and shouted powerfully.

『For the Kingdom of Silla!!』

Deok-Bae's cry echoed across the plain like a wolf's howl. The voice carried a fierce energy that made hearts pound.

In response, the nearby supporting actors raised their swords and spears high into the sky.

『For the Kingdom of Silla!』

『For the Kingdom of Silla!』

At the same time, Deok-Bae spurred his horse and charged forward. With the presence of a great general, he surged ahead followed by the mounted Silla cavalry. Behind them, the infantry thundered forward in waves.

Thud, thud, thud.

Hundreds of actors charged toward one another, shaking the ground beneath them.

That's when Oh Bok-Hee gave her next command over the intercom. "Now, go!"

Neigh~

Stuntwoman Park Ae-Rin, Yoo-Jin's double, dressed in red armor and riding a white horse, burst into frame at full gallop and led the charge. Meanwhile, Yoo-Jin remained seated on her grass-grazing white horse with her back straight and her face locked in character. Since she could only manage a walking pace on horseback, battle scenes requiring movement were still beyond her.

***

"Okay~ Cut!!"

The charge, the mounted combat, the clash—each was broken into separate segments to ensure the difficult horseback scenes were shot safely. Finally, they filmed the victorious Silla troops roaring after rounding up the stragglers.

Most of it was stunt work, but Yoo-Jin had performed several action shots herself and was now out of breath, her crimson armor soaked in fake blood.

Oh Bok-Hee looked over at the panting Yoo-Jin and asked if she could move on to the next scene. "Miss Yoo-Jin, can we go straight into Scene 30 from Episode 30?"

"Yes...huff, huff..."

The upcoming scene featured Princess Do-Hwa arriving late with reinforcements, facing Princess Yu-Hwa after the war. In truth, Princess Do-Hwa had hoped Princess Yu-Hwa would be killed during her inspection. But instead, Princess Yu-Hwa had emerged victorious, stoking Princess Do-Hwa's jealousy and resentment.

"Alright, Miss Yoo-Jin. Then we'll shoot with Miss Gyu-Ri in one minute."

"Yes, Mrs. Oh."

When Yoo-Jin answered, Oh Bok-Hee turned to look at Min Gyu-Ri, who was already mounted on her horse. Dressed in pale blue ceremonial armor, Min Gyu-Ri sat tall in the saddle. Having ridden horses since childhood, Min Gyu-Ri handled them with ease.

"Miss Gyu-Ri, are you ready?" asked Oh Bok-Hee.

Snort.

Gently stroking the horse's neck to calm it, Min Gyu-Ri gave a calm reply. "Yes, Mrs. Oh."

"Alright. We're going straight into it, so be ready."

"Okay."

Min Gyu-Ri took a breath and began sinking into her role. Thanks to her natural talent, she quickly transformed into Princess Do-Hwa, her face lined with irritation even as she held her pose.

Then Oh Bok-Hee gave a loud cue toward Yoo-Jin with her sword drawn and Min Gyu-Ri on horseback. "Ready~ action!"

With blood dripping from her blade, Yoo-Jin began to walk slowly forward. Her crimson helmet and armor were soaked with blackened blood, and her delicate skin was splattered with gore.

『You're late... Do-Hwa.』

Step, step.

Completely immersed in her role as Princess Yu-Hwa who had just slain over a dozen enemies, Yoo-Jin radiated a deadly aura as she approached the horse.

And that's when it happened. The horse, sensing Yoo-Jin's killing intent, reared up in fear.

『Neighhh!』

As it panicked, Min Gyu-Ri quickly tried to regain control.

"Whoa, whoa!"

It nearly turned into an accident, but Min Gyu-Ri gritted her teeth and calmed the horse to continue the scene. Despite the scare, Min Gyu-Ri started her line with a strained voice.

『You... survived?』

Though the words were polite and formal, her tone was laced with disappointment. Then Yoo-Jin replied, her voice colder than the ice of the Arctic.

『So you were hoping I'd die, weren't you, Do-Hwa?』

『How could you say that, Yu-Hwa unnie?』

At that, Yoo-Jin stared silently at Min Gyu-Ri atop the horse. Min Gyu-Ri met Yoo-Jin's gaze, refusing to back down. However, her hands gripping the reins trembled. With subtle finger movements, Min Gyu-Ri used refined acting to hold her ground against Yoo-Jin's intensity.

Then Yoo-Jin clenched her jaw and placed her hand on her sword's hilt. Her expression turned chilling as though she might strike Min Gyu-Ri down at any moment.

And at that exact second, the horse began to shuffle backward in fear.

『Neighhh!』

Oh Bok-Hee called it. "Cut! Okay! That's enough, Miss Yoo-Jin! We got it!"

Fearing a real accident, Oh Bok-Hee stopped the scene immediately. Yoo-Jin let out a breath and quickly stepped out of character. Min Gyu-Ri, on the other hand, took longer to shake off the intensity of the role.

The staff, who had been watching the scene in stunned silence, slowly began to speak, voices filled with admiration.

-Damn, Jung Yoo-Jin. Her acting just keeps getting better.

-How did she even manage to scare the horse?

-Wow, those eyes could kill a man.

-I think Min Gyu-Ri got scared too.

-Still, Min Gyu-Ri held her own. Even if she was rattled, she didn't break under Jung Yoo-Jin's stare.

-I heard she's been learning method acting lately... maybe that's why?

-Still can't match Jung Yoo-Jin though.

The praise for Yoo-Jin's acting just kept coming.

***

"Thank you, everyone!"

Having wrapped the scene, Yoo-Jin quickly shook off her character and smiled brightly even though she was still wearing the blood-soaked crimson armor.

"M-Miss Yoo-Jin, hahaha... there's blood dripping down the side of your mouth. Wipe it off!"

"Yeah, Miss Yoo-Jin, you better wash up quickly. You're scaring people."

Yoo-Jin strolled around in her gore-covered armor, leaving the staff both horrified and amused. In contrast, Min Gyu-Ri had just dismounted and was swaying unsteadily.

That's when Oh Bok-Hee shouted loudly, "Min Gyu-Ri! Are you okay?"

Only then did Min Gyu-Ri snap back to her senses and bow her head. "Th-thank you for today, everyone."

-There's no doubt about it. Yoo-Jin's the lead.

-Why? Min Gyu-Ri did pretty well too. She stood her ground against Jung Yoo-Jin's intensity.

-Wow... I guess it really takes method acting to reach Jung Yoo-Jin's level.

Amid all the praise for Yoo-Jin, I handed her a white towel.

Yoo-Jin wiped her face and then turned to the staff with a big shout. "Our company's buying dinner tonight at Dancing Pork Belly! So don't leave, okay? Especially you, stunt actors—you worked the hardest today!"

A cheer broke out again from the stunt team. With a sweet smile, Yoo-Jin walked off.

"Yoo-Jin. You're heading straight to wash up, right?" I asked.

"I really want to... this fake blood is so sticky. But let me rest just a bit first. I'm dying."

The heavy clank of the armor probably wasn't helping. Yoo-Jin said she needed a moment to breathe.

"Okay, sure." I led Yoo-Jin to a nearby waiting bench. "Let's at least get that armor off first."

"Yeah. That'd be nice."

As I helped Yoo-Jin unfasten the bloodied armor piece by piece, Min Gyu-Ri slowly approached us.

'What now?'

Things hadn't been good between us since the Jang So-Yeon scandal, and we were still in a legal fight with TNT Entertainment. Nevertheless, Min Gyu-Ri didn't seem to care at all as she walked straight up to us.

Min Gyu-Ri stopped in front of me, quietly catching her breath. "Phew... Mr. Jung, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"What is it?"

Then came something completely out of left field. "I'm moving to Hoop Entertainment. I just came to ask for your support going forward."

'What? Min Gyu-Ri's joining Hoop Entertainment?'