Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 642 Guest Star Cameo
20%, TV stations are back at their peak!

While there are many reasons, this is also inseparable from the quality of the first episode.

Whether it's the production, the performances, or the scenes, the quality is basically the same as it was back then, filmed at the same cost in this era of declining yen exchange rate.

This means that, on the surface, this is a TV series that is bound to lose money.

It's more accurate to say that only specific individuals could produce this work without losing money. Gu Ming, through video distribution, copyright sales, and sponsorships from others, was able to appear to lose money, but in reality, he still made a profit. If any other company had produced this work, losing money would have been inevitable.

After the first episode ended, the ratings for the second episode came out, and as expected, they were higher, giving a feeling of going back to the 1980s.

In the second episode, the two went to collect the debt and found that the stockbroker had moved from his old mansion to a small house, and his wife and children had left him, leaving him practically all alone.

The stockbroker said he could return the money, but he wanted to get his wife and children back.

This typical game mission-issuing model is certainly a bit strange, but it doesn't seem to have any problems for a combination like Kiryu Kazuma's.

The two did find the stockbroker's wife, but not at home; they found her in a bar.

Having no money, he could only resort to working as a hostess, a broken picture presented to the stockbroker.

He eventually repaid the money, but the man who had initially resisted jumping from Tokyo Tower could no longer bear the immense pressure and passed away.

Such situations are not uncommon, but when you actually see them, it still makes you feel a little sad.

Gu Ming didn't explain why they made such a choice, nor was there any need to delve into the details. He simply used the premise of "Dragon Among Men" to reflect the tragic reality that unfolded. As for why these things happened and how to resolve them, Gu Ming wouldn't explore those questions in the drama.

This episode indeed sparked widespread discussion, but while discussing it, people couldn't help but raise another question.

Saying.

This guy looks so familiar! Isn't this stockbroker some kind of 'Ken Takakura'?!
—Yes, of course it's Ken Takakura.

Gu Ming had already shown his willingness to film even at a loss, so he didn't care whether the work would be profitable on the surface.

Gu Ming's plan is to invite actors of a certain status to make guest appearances in each episode, starting from the second episode.

Money is not the problem; having the right people is.

Given the current economic conditions...

Obviously, this is not a problem.

……

……

Japan used to have strict rules. For example, Ken Takakura belonged to Toei, and he only made films related to Toei. No amount of money could get Ken Takakura to work with them.

However, with the collapse of the Japanese big-budget film studio system in the mid-to-late 1970s and into the 1980s, such prejudices gradually disappeared.

As Toei's leading actor, Ken Takakura would naturally prioritize filming Toei's productions, but he would also be invited to film for other companies, and collaborations with actors from rival companies were common.

There are even agencies where one actor works exclusively for Toei, and another exclusively for Toho.

In the third episode, Tani Akira directly invited Toshiyuki Nishida, and this episode tells the story of an older male host.

An economic downturn does not necessarily mean a decline in consumption. In fact, the more the economy declines, the more certain industries thrive.

For example, the sex industry.

On the set of episode 3.

Toshiyuki Nishida held Akira Tani's hand tightly.

"It means you came to me to act. I wouldn't have played this kind of role for anyone else; it would have been too much of an impact."

"If given a choice, who would want to be a gigolo?"

Gu Ming comforted Nishida Toshiyuki, saying, "At least your character still has enough room for performance." Filming for the third episode has finished, and today they plan to send Nishida Toshiyuki home.

After seeing Nishida Toshiyuki off, Gu Ming sat down nearby and greeted Dennis.

"how do you feel."

"It's hard to say," Zhen Zidan said honestly. "I feel that I'm reluctant to spend money to make this film."

"It's not about the money, I'm asking you about the action design!"

Gu Ming emphasized: "How was the action design? Did you have any of your own ideas?"

At this point, Zhen Zidan immediately became serious.

Indeed, the design of this work gave him a different feeling, but Zhen Zidan felt that it would be a bit difficult to apply it immediately.

"It's alright, give yourself some practice," Gu Ming said. "You can try out the action sequences in the next episode, give it your all."

Zhen Zidan opened her eyes wide, a look of confusion flashing across her pretty face for a moment.

He really wanted to ask Gu Ming, "Is it true that I'm going to be a director?"

But when she was about to speak, Zhen Zidan suddenly fell silent.

"I don't think I should usually be the one saying these things, but I really want to ask. Brother Gu, are you making arrangements for your funeral? I have this feeling that you've been making arrangements for your funeral lately!"

Gu Ming smiled and waved his hand.

Of course, it wasn't about making arrangements for his funeral.

However, since we're not going to work here anymore, we need to find someone to take over.

Gu Ming once wanted to live a quiet life in a secluded corner, staying here and not going anywhere. He also thought about retiring in Nara and having Zhenxia Long dig up a seaside house for him.

However, Gu Ming could only recall one warning from Haruki Kadokawa.

The further you go, the harder it is to stop.

Having reached this point, Gu Ming can't stop even if he wants to; there are too many people in front of him and behind him who need him to continue.

Sometimes, Gu Ming could actually understand Cheng Long's predicament.

An actor of his caliber should be enjoying his retirement and building his reputation, but Jackie Chan still has to keep making films.

After all, he's not alone; he has a whole team behind him. If he doesn't make films, this whole team will be idle. Even if he can make a living as a martial arts instructor, it's not as comfortable as working under his boss.

So it's not that he wants to make films anymore, it's that he's being pushed to make films. He has to make films, otherwise no one will have food to eat.

"But at least pick a good script! If you make some kind of AI legend again, I'll take a taxi to Hong Kong and beat you up!"

Gu Ming stood up and asked Zhen Zidan.

"Has your brother Long arrived yet?"

"He called yesterday and should be in Tokyo by 7 p.m. tonight," Zhen Zidan said. "Should we ask him to act in this episode? What are our plans?"

"No, he's just here for a few days to relax. He got into big trouble with that movie 'Operation Eagle' not long ago." Gu Ming shook his head.

The film "Operation Eagle" was a box office flop, and the filming process was full of twists and turns, which directly led to Jackie Chan disbanding the Jackie Chan Stunt Team and regrouping it.

As for how to arrange things for Cheng Long, Gu Ming already had a general idea.

"He'll be staying here for a few months. We'll find him again in the penultimate episode, the grand finale. As for me, I'll appear in the very last episode. It's like leaving a final ending for both the story and the characters."

(End of this chapter)