Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 519 Heading Towards the Jeep
Nara, Ikoma Film Studio.

Compared to the original universe, the producers of "Ultraman Leo" have shed their original sense of poverty and, correspondingly, gained a more sci-fi feel.

Hmm, it has a toy-like feel...

How can you sell toys if they're not like toys?
Overall, the viewership ratings are relatively stable, currently hovering around 16% to 17%, without the dismal drop to single digits that occurred previously.

But it was impossible to go any further. After all, with the increase in regional television stations and programs in Japan after the 1980s, the amount of content available to people had greatly increased, no longer as simple as having only one or two programs as in the past.

To replicate a 40% viewership rating, only a Taiga drama hosted by NHK could possibly achieve that.

And it has to be a high-quality Taiga drama.

For example, the NHK production "One-Eyed Dragon Masamune" achieved a viewership rating of 39.8% in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Filming during this period took place in Ikoma. Early in the morning, just as the crew was preparing to start work, they heard a commotion as several trucks drove into the studio area and parked outside the factory.

Another new film crew has arrived?

"I haven't heard of it."

As Zhen Xialong squeezed through to see what was going on, he saw Gu Ming jump out of the cockpit.

"OK, everyone! All eyes on me, let's change into our new costumes! There are some fresh ingredients and drinks in the back car. Tonight, I'm in charge, let's get a good night's rest!"

Since a partnership had already been established with Uniqlo, Gu Ming couldn't just let them do things for free. So he handed over the clothing and other supplies needed by Ultraman Leo to Uniqlo, though he was paid for it.

It's like we're helping each other out with our businesses.

"Wow, that's great! I have new clothes to wear even before the holiday."

Ryu Shinatsu casually picked up a piece of clothing. It was a martial arts uniform needed for the dojo in the story. He could clearly feel the weight of the fabric when he touched it, and it was better than the clothes that Ikoma had sewn locally before.

"Not bad……"

He raised his hand to put it on, but Gu Ming quickly stopped him.

"You're the lead actor, you should wear that outfit."

Uniqlo's clothing is characterized by its lack of distinctive features and its absence of superfluous designs. Therefore, apart from some brightly colored outfits required for the plot, most of the clothing is in light colors. However, the styles fit the body very well. Manatsu Ryu immediately took off his clothes, put on a shirt, and tried it on, finding it to fit him perfectly.

Upon opening it, I found a label.

Wow, it's a brand name, Uniqlo!

"That's enough for now, take it off. Wear it again when filming. If you like it, you can buy it at other times."

Seeing Gu Ming standing to the side, Zhen Xialong casually asked, "Speaking of which, Brother Gu, that jeep has been parked here for a month now. What scene is it going to be used for? Nobody dares to use it. Some people are saying that you should drive it yourself."

"Why would I drive myself? To run you over?" Gu Ming waved to the script supervisor, and upon closer inspection, his expression changed instantly.

"Isn't this a perfect coincidence! This scene will come in handy! Everyone, have a good meal and drinks tonight, especially you, wear a couple more layers, I'll personally handle this scene tomorrow!"

Zhenxia Long nodded at first, then shook his head, his face full of doubt.

No.

Why do people wear two extra layers of clothing when filming?

……

……

In the photography studio, Gu Ming tidied up, ready to go.

Satomi Hakkenden is still in preparation and requires coordination in various aspects. Once it's finished, he'll naturally come here. Gu Ming, who has nothing to do, can take care of some things and cultivate his martial arts choreography skills.

In Gu Ming's hands were a slightly messy script and a cue book. In general, the content of this scene was that Feng Yuan needed to undergo special training when he was unable to defeat the monster. However, he would subconsciously dodge every time he was attacked by the monster, which made it impossible for him to fight effectively.

So, in order to conduct the training, Dan Moroboshi borrowed a jeep from the MAC team and subjected Gen to hellish special training.

That is, driving a Jeep to ram him, demanding that he not dodge and must come at you.

But now, Gu Ming is a little hesitant.

Is it really necessary to start a business in a Jeep?

This plan has too many flaws!
For example, how could an alien with a body of steel be afraid of a jeep! Feng Yuan was transformed directly from an alien, not possessed by anyone.

"Let's shoot one scene first and see how it goes. If it doesn't turn out well, we'll see!"

Gu Ming raised his head and looked at the prepared venue.

Humans can't jump over jeeps, and neither can stunt performers, so wire work is necessary.

The drivers also need to practice beforehand and park at the designated location.

The general process involves suspending the actors on wires in advance, requiring the actors to cooperate by jumping when the jeep comes rushing towards them, and being pulled away by the wires to simulate jumping over the jeep.

Of course, the jeep couldn't actually hit a person. Once it reached the designated position, it had to brake. Braking too early wouldn't be effective and would give away the mistake. Braking too late would result in a real collision.

Reflective lines have been laid on the ground, which at first glance look like driving school markings.

Gu Ming stretched his wrists and then got into the jeep.

"It seems the firm needs to strengthen its training program. We need to train a group of people who understand or enjoy stunt driving."

Gu Ming shook his head, deciding to put it aside for now and try driving the jeep himself first.

Gu Ming tried several times and managed to stop right next to the line with his control, but others might not be able to do it.

"Motorcycle clubs, racing fanatics, sometimes you really need these people, otherwise I might as well go and make Fast and Furious movies!"

Gu Ming turned to look over and saw that Zhen Xialong was already prepared and was whispering with Moriji Koji.

"What are you all standing there for? We're about to turn it on."

"Okay!" Manatsu Ryu patted Moritsugu Kouji next to him.

"Look, Brother Gu is practicing driving early this morning. This attitude is something we should all learn from. Can most actors do this? No, he can't. He doesn't have that kind of dedication, you know! He even practiced driving beforehand to cooperate with our acting. You don't get this kind of treatment if you're not the lead actor!"

Koji Moritsugu clicked his tongue.

He didn't get the same treatment even when he played the role of Koseidon.

……

"Ready?"

Gu Ming raised an eyebrow.

Let's begin filming!
Zhenxia Long gave a thumbs up.

Not afraid at all!
That being said.

He was genuinely frightened when the jeep came hurtling towards him.

The rugged Jeep, the moment it starts, the furious revving of the engine almost tears the air, and it can accelerate to its limit in just one second. The speed of starting at 100 miles per hour is so fast that it's hard to keep up.

"Is this...is this okay, Brother Gu? Otherwise, let's not film it...Aww!!"

The next moment came a scream. The jeep was chasing after them relentlessly. Zhen Xialong ran ahead without daring to look back, fearing that he would be hit by the jeep. Even though Gu Ming deliberately slowed down, he was still afraid that he would be knocked over.

The photographer leaned over, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

well.

The lens cap wasn't removed...

But judging from the way things are going on, it seems unlikely that the game can be stopped.

"Stop! Too slow!"

"Your expression is off!"

"What are you afraid of? Zhen Xialong, don't be afraid, come at the jeep!"

Koji Moritsugu, standing off the field, couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration.

Oh!
understood!

Because Manatsu Ryu is playing the protagonist, he's gotten arrogant. This is Furuya Akira teaching him a lesson with a jeep!
Fortunately, Gu Ming noticed a few minutes later that the lens cap was still on, and he slammed on the brakes to stop the car, stopping just in front of the brake line.

Gu Ming jumped out of the car. In front of the jeep, Zhen Xialong was lying on the ground, sweating profusely.

"No, I really can't! Are we really going to film this scene? It's too scary!"

"Then let's use a stand-in?"

"Need not!"

Zhenxia Long jumped up.

It's impossible to use a stunt double!
Actors can certainly use stunt doubles, but unless it's a scene that requires highly specialized skills, it's best to perform the stunts themselves.

What's more.

He himself was a stuntman.

Zhen Xialong looked at the jeep in front of him, which was parked right in front of the brake line, not a hair's breadth away.

"I'm just not quite used to it yet." He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I'll try again. I should be able to do it. I just need to get the timing of the jump right."

"Then let's start with still life."

Gu Ming waved his hand.

Start by jumping over the jeep, then continue by jumping over the jeep that is in motion.

All things considered, at least the brakes on his Jeep were working properly, so he wouldn't actually hit anyone.

As Manatsu Ryu jumped off the vehicle with the help of the martial arts instructor, Gu Ming looked at Mori Tsuyoshi outside the arena.

"Moriji-kun."

"Yes, Brother Gugu."

"Why don't you try driving this Jeep?"

Koji Moritsugu was taken aback: "Me, driving a Jeep? Really? Is that appropriate?"

Koji Moritsugu gave a thumbs up.

How would he know that! He only knew what the president was saying!

Gu Ming shook his head, thinking to himself that probably only he knew what had happened.

In this story, the original driver was Koji Moritsugu, who was chasing after Ryu Manatsu. However, because Manatsu was short of money at the time, the car wasn't working well, and the brakes were broken.

Finally, the actor stated that his murderous expression at the time was not an act.

He really wanted to kill someone!
Gu Ming coughed.

"Just kidding, don't mind it. Let's not talk about that for now. How about we add a scene at the end? As the captain, Tetsutaro Tōyama, after the battle, drives a jeep to visit Gen. Just then, seeing the jeep, Gen experiences a relapse and turns to run away. You then drive the jeep behind him to find him and get him into the car. The scene ends with this lighthearted atmosphere. How about that?"

Koji Moritsugu gave a thumbs up.

How would he know that! He only knew what the president was saying!

(End of this chapter)