Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 445 Guest Appearance by a Senior, 80 vs. Seven
Nara, Ikoma Studio.

The 80 Ultraman are filming their daily routine here.

The novel school-themed episodes, featuring sunny and handsome male actors and gentle and beautiful female actors, have certainly attracted a lot of attention. In addition, because there is actually a primary school this time, there is no need to worry about early withdrawal of investment. So far, Ultraman 80 has maintained its original style. Although the ratings have dropped slightly, they are still within an acceptable range.

"Kids, this isn't funny."

In the makeshift classroom, Daigo Ryudo gave a proper lesson to the children, drawing a circle on the blackboard.

"How can someone be considered an upright person if they become the target of ridicule simply because they suffer from a serious illness? Only by learning to face reality and treat everyone with kindness can one become a better version of oneself."

After the lesson, the children seemed to understand but not quite.

This is a special part of the 80 Ultraman series, as every episode so far has been related to some kind of evil, such as school bullying, comparison, snobbery, bragging, and so on.

Gu Ming did not interfere with the scriptwriting; everything was arranged by the planning department. So far, the results have been quite good, and it can be considered a return to the earliest episodic drama style.

After each episode's monster battle, Takeshi Yagami would give a moral lesson as a summary, which was quite effective.

This story is about a child who was born with a disability and became the target of ridicule from his classmates. The feeling of being bullied caused him to be possessed by negative energy, turning him into a negative energy monster that wreaked havoc everywhere.

However, since this child's favorite show back then was "Ultraman Seven," he actually became the imagined Seven.

This episode is a kind of tribute and a return to the past.

After all, the original Ultraman script already contained a plot involving a fantasy version of Ultraman, and the appearance of a fantasy Seven is a tribute from the planning department.

Most importantly, Gu Ming said he would come back to make a cameo appearance in an episode.

If I'm not going to make a cameo appearance as the original, then of course I'll make a cameo appearance as Seven.

After finishing his lecture, Ryudo Daigo listened to a few words from his photography assistant, hurriedly changed his clothes, and ran out of the classroom.

"Brother Gu! I'm so sorry, the filming was delayed for a little while."

"Fortunately, I haven't been here for very long."

Gu Ming smiled and gestured to Long Tang Dawu to calm down.

"Don't worry, it's just a small cameo. I won't have many scenes. You are the main character in this work."

"Uh, yes, right..."

Ryudo Daigo couldn't help but scratch his head.

That doesn't sound like the case at all!
Because he had read the complete script, the plot was like this: the imagined Seven was very powerful. Don't underestimate the kid just because he's a cripple. After transforming into the imagined Seven, his golden right foot can kick people straight into the sky.

Even after transforming into Ultraman 80, he still faced a tough battle.

And at this time.

Ugh!
The camera suddenly zooms in!

On a certain building, an unexpected person appeared—it was Dan Moroboshi!

He's back! And with a "wine-ah" sound, he transforms into the real Seven, and together with 80, defeats the delusional Seven!
In the TV series "Gratitude", Uncle Moroboshi Dan uses the Ultra Glasses to defeat the delusional Seven!

"It's supposed to be a cameo, but it feels like all the screen time is with Brother Gu!"

Ryudo Daigo scratched his head inwardly, but of course he wouldn't say it aloud.

It's just a cameo appearance by a veteran actor, no problem!

Before long, everyone had changed their clothes and were ready to film this episode. The filming was being done simultaneously for the human and special effects parts, with the human part mainly involving sound recording.

Faced with Seven's delusional onslaught, the camera cuts to an internal perspective, making it seem as if Ryudo Daigo is lying in a small, glowing house.

This is the kind of in-body perspective shooting that became very common later, but it was the first time it was used in this world.

"No, it's no use no matter what! As expected of Seven-senpai, my body is completely finished."

As Ryudo Daigo recited his lines, he silently drew a 4DK on the ground in his mind.

Holy crap! Who wrote these lines?! Even if it was a cameo by a senior actor, this is just too outrageous!
Gu Ming then began reciting lines, engaging in a dialogue with Longtang Daigo.

"Don't give up!" "Who is it? Who is talking to me using Ultraman telekinesis?"

"Ultraman 80, open your eyes! I am Dan Moroboshi! I came here because I sensed your burning heart. Now, I will teach you the secrets of battle. With these, you can defeat any monster with negative energy!"

"Thank you, Ultraman!"

……

After the cameo appearance, it was time for the suit actor to take over. Gu Ming was only responsible for dressing up in a cool way and then making a cameo appearance in one scene.

Judging by the timeline, it should be fine for the film to be released on time this Saturday.

"And on the other side, 'Superhuman' will also be broadcast on Fuji TV on Saturday, right on time."

Gu Ming couldn't help but marvel at this thought.

I wonder if kids prefer watching veteran actors returning, or the superhumans from next door, rather than the usual formula of returning actors?
But no matter what.

I'm sure this will have a huge impact on the ratings on the other side!

……

……

Extreme Action Agency.

Gu Ming leaned back in his chair, shaking his head.

"This letter came at the perfect time; Heaven is helping this old man achieve his goal! Standing at the camp gate, I relay the camp signal; all lads, young and old, listen up!"

Tanaka's assistant pushed the door open and came in.

"Brother Gugu, a letter has arrived."

Gu Ming immediately lowered his legs.

"Oh? How was it?"

"A high-ranking official from the Metropolitan Police Department is willing to meet with you to discuss the script and the street closure for filming. Their conditions are simple: the Metropolitan Police Department must be portrayed in a positive light, it must have a certain publicity effect on the Metropolitan Police Department, the filming time cannot be too long, and the film must demonstrate the Metropolitan Police Department's determination to fight crime!"

“That’s not what I’m asking,” Gu Ming said. “I’m asking about the ratings for Ultraman 80.”

"Forehead……"

Tanaka's assistant was puzzled.

Logically speaking, Gu Ming hadn't paid attention to the ratings for a while.

But he still professionally pulled out the file and read it aloud.

"This episode, 80 vs. Seven, achieved a viewership rating of 27.9%, while the average viewership rating for the previous twelve episodes was 22.6%. Overall, this episode was very successful."

Gu Ming nodded.

The number of people who watch TV every day is fixed; if some viewership ratings rise, others will fall.

If he increases his price, then his competitors' prices will naturally drop!

The extra 5% from 22% is just icing on the cake, it's not really necessary.

But a 5% reduction from 17% is like sending shit to the snow!
Originally, there was a possibility of breaking through 20%, but suddenly it becomes possible that it could fall below 10% at any time. This will inevitably be a huge blow, both internally and externally!

"I wonder how much longer Superhuman will be filmed. It's a pity that the ratings there are hard to find out. Fuji TV is almost entirely controlled by Makoto Makoto's personal connections, so there's no way to get involved. But it doesn't really matter."

Gu Ming only gave the other side a slight blow.

Now, he's going to discuss the Metropolitan Police Department's plan to close off the streets for filming.

If we could film a car chase and gunfight scene on the bustling streets outside Ginza, the effect would be amazing!

(End of this chapter)