Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 496 lands in the human constellation.
The filming of a movie naturally consists of two parts: dramatic scenes and action scenes. For tokusatsu works, there are also battle scenes and non-battle scenes.

Gu Ming was in charge of the battle scenes after the transformation, while the human part was handled by others.

This episode features Tanaka Noboru as a guest director. Although he usually shoots erotic films, he still has basic technical skills.

The outdoor scenes will be filmed directly in Tokyo, while the indoor scenes will be filmed in Nara.

The interior of the martial arts hall was directly borrowed from the gymnasium of Akira Furuya Elementary School.

The scene begins with a karate match between Manatsu Ryu and several members of a sports club. Ultraman Leo from Nebula L77, using the alias Gen, is infiltrating the sports center as a sports coach.

This is where Gu Ming made the biggest changes. Inheriting the tradition of Ultraman Ace, he did not focus the main perspective on the defense team. The defense team became purely supporting characters, and only a few people, including Tetsutaro Tsuyama, were shown.

The main perspective is focused on the sports center and the people around Fengyuan.

For example, the president of the sports center, the other coaches, the children who often come to the sports center, etc.

The character of the kid is played by Ittetsu Shibukawa—he has a role in this episode, but that part will be filmed back in Tokyo.

In the first act, Ryu Shinatsu demonstrates his skills by throwing several people to the ground one by one.

One of them was Niyamoto Tatsumi—he came to provide guidance on the Ultraman Leo killing formation. After Gu Ming left after four episodes, the remaining killing formation work would be handled by him and Wan Gu Jie.

Although Tanaka Noboru did not know Tani Akira's intention, he still specifically instructed the photographer to give Niyamoto Tatsumi a close-up shot.

This is roughly what happened; he didn't become the suit actor for Ultraman Leo, but instead became the killing formation instructor.

The filming of the human portion progressed extremely quickly, unlike the other side which required repeated trial and error. The personal life of Fengyuan and the several resident actors of the sports club were quickly completed.

Masashi Ōmura, the president of the sports club, is a warm and cheerful person who sometimes provides venues to assist Hōgen with special training.

Goro Umeda, a postman, often rides his bicycle, carrying a mailbag, between the defense force and the sports center, serving as a link between the two locations.

Dori Umeda, a boy who frequents the club, is played by Koji Yano. He is a somewhat carefree and unconventional kid whose main role is to advance the plot and add some humor to it.

Sarutobi, another boy who frequents the club, is played by Ittetsu Shibukawa. His character is somewhat similar to Gian. Although he often bullies Dori Umeda, he can also be reliable at times.

Of course, there's also the most important female lead, Momoko Yamaguchi.

Gu Ming asked Toei to look for her, and they did manage to find the original actress, Kaori Okano. She was nearing retirement and rarely did filming anymore. She was quite surprised to receive a film offer.

For the sake of the pay, Kaori Okano agreed to perform.

This scene depicts Gen and Momoko Yamaguchi talking, then sensing the appearance of a monster, and hurriedly running out to transform and fight.

Of course, the transformation pose will definitely be preserved here. You can't just put on the ring and transform immediately, otherwise how would you sell toys!
Manatsu Ryu is an actor with many works, and Kaori Okano also has many works. This scene went quite smoothly.

After filming a scene, the two bowed to each other.

"Thanks for your hard work."

"The same to you……"

Manatsu Ryu maintained a polite distance from the actress who played his lover in the story.

He has a girlfriend, and they have a great relationship. They are getting married soon, so if possible, he doesn't want to be too close to other people to avoid any potential problems.

Of course, Ryu Shinatsu wasn't arrogant enough to think he had enough charm to attract people to throw themselves at him; he just didn't want his girlfriend to have a bad impression of him.

The two maintained a polite exchange, bowed, and then parted ways.

……

One evening after several days of filming, during a dinner gathering, Noboru Tanaka casually exchanged a few words with Tanaka.

"Hmm, this shooting method is really novel. You can't see the two people at all, but you still have to make the content as close as possible. It's really novel."

Gu Ming responded and stirred the contents of the bowl with his chopsticks.

It's not that Gu Ming looks down on this food, but this rice ball is really not very good.

"It's really awful. But being in the countryside of Nara, this is the only option."

Gu Ming muttered to himself, but still swallowed the rice ball in one gulp.

Tanaka Noboru leaned back slightly: "Quite a big mouth!"
"By the way, what did Tanaka-kun just say?"

"Um, I mean..."

He was about to repeat himself when Gu Ming raised his hand to glance at his watch.

It's almost time.

“I need to go back there to rest, Tanaka-kun. Actually, I’ve seen some of your work, and to be honest, I think there’s an environment that would be perfect for you to shine.”

Tanaka Noboru's eyes lit up.

But Gu Ming didn't say it outright, he just waved his hand and said, "Let's talk about it after these shows are shown."

Noboru Tanaka has directed many erotic films for Nikkatsu. These films have both lenient and strict censorship standards in Japan. Although they may not have nudity, some parts can be filmed very explicitly, making it clear to viewers what they are doing.

This kind of content is hard to say for theatrical films, but it's just right for videotapes.

Low-budget Japanese erotic films are very popular worldwide, and many European and American film enthusiasts collect them.

However, Gu Ming believes that this matter cannot be arranged for the time being.

Tanaka Noboru was, after all, a director of some renown. Although he often made erotic films, someone who had already appeared on the big screen might not be able to afford to watch videotapes.

Gu Ming even suspected that if he dared to say such a thing, Tanaka Noboru would slap him hard across the face.

I make movies, and you want me to shoot videotapes? Aren't you looking down on me? No matter how great you are, you can't treat me like this!
Therefore, Gu Ming needs to take another look before making a decision.

The main reason was to avoid getting slapped hard.

As Gu Ming walked away, Tanaka Noboru shook his head slightly, feeling somewhat regretful.

Oh dear, it seems he's still lacking something. Gu Ming doesn't intend to cooperate with him!

"That's strange. If Jissoji Akio can do it, why can't I? Am I not as good as him?"

Tanaka Noboru pulled up a small mirror and looked at himself. He thought he looked alright. Jissoji Akio, on the other hand, was completely bald, and even had to painstakingly comb his two remaining hairs to the middle to show that he wasn't bald. He was a man with hair!
"Could it be that they didn't value me because I'm not bald? Oh dear, that's really something."

Tanaka Noboru shook his head.

If you have to shave your head just for a movie role, then forget it!
(End of this chapter)