Tokyo Sound

"I really want to start filming right now." Now that he has such great resources, Shuji Okita is addicted to acting and is eager to direct.

"You have to get up early tomorrow." Yakusho Kanji nodded and invited enthusiastically, "Then let's go talk about the script as well."

"Of course that's no problem." Yin Ze agreed happily.

Yakusho Kanji went back to his accommodation to get the script. It was quite unusual for an actor of this level to have no assistants or anything like that, not to mention a large crowd of people. He brought two small stools into the tent and started exchanging his thoughts. Although they were talking about the script, neither of them actually flipped through the book. Most of the time, they just held it in their hands like a piece of bread.

Master Yin himself did not mention it, he printed out the entire text in the corridor. However, Yakusho Kanji spoke very fluently, which showed how well he had prepared in advance. When he had to turn the pages to check some details, and faced someone's pure and clear gaze, the old uncle was a little shy for no reason - as if he had not memorized the text well and had to look at the cheat sheet to feel frustrated.

"You seem to have memorized other people's lines as well?" Yakusho Kanji came to his senses as they were chatting and asked.

"Yes." Yin Ze said with shame.

"That's great." Yakusho Kanji gave a thumbs up seriously.

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it..." Yin Ze said with shame.

To be honest, this is not a single episode of a TV series, but a movie that is counted in hours. The old man can keep up with me in the discussion of the open book with a nearly closed book, and there are changes in any way. It is a bit scary that he is so professional and dedicated. This kind of pressure is the first in the workplace.

"We need to cut down trees here." Yin Ze didn't want to act superior, so he spread out the notebook and pointed at the text.

"I am personally interested in carpentry, but I still need to ask local experts for advice. I am also very grateful to the forestry staff for providing this opportunity. However, I really can't climb up with ropes to trim the branches. I have to set up equipment," said Yakusho Kanji.

"The weather forecast at the beginning said that it would be sunny across the country, but it started raining not long after," said Yin Ze.

"After the woodpecker cut down the trees, the rain came with the crew. It echoes the title of the film very well. This is actually a metaphor. If you don't look carefully, you won't notice it. Moreover, Katsuhiko Kishi's perception of the weather can also pave the way for the belief at the end that the rain will stop, so it is not too far away from reality." said Kanji Yakusho.

"Well, because it was raining, he called home from work in a hurry, but the idle son never noticed it and ate the meal his father had prepared in the morning. All the washed clothes outside the door were sacrificed. When the protagonist returned home, the father and son had a fight in frustration. At this point, the opening chapter has completed the theme, and expressed the protagonist's personality, interpersonal and family relationships, and also provided a foundation for the son's later transformation. Now he doesn't even know that it's raining outside to collect clothes, but later before his mother's death anniversary, when his father was busy with the crew, he cleaned up, prepared formal clothes, and completed the preparations by himself. Although it is subtle and silent, in fact, everything that should be there is there. Brother Okita wrote it well. Oh, the small truck we just took should also be on the screen."

"Yeah, haha, I've gotten used to it anyway."

"The car was shaking when it started, and there was something wrong with the front and rear engine pads, or the clutch plate was worn out."

"You...are a driver?"

The conversation got sidetracked, and when Okita Shuji called for dinner, the two were discussing the characteristics of urban and rural culture. The reason why the conversation was so relaxed was that both parties were familiar with the script, and the main actor had a certain degree of trust in the second male lead's professional level. If there was any vagueness or something that couldn't be said, it would be a serious remedial session.

The lunch boxes themselves have not changed much. After all, wholesale boxes mean stability, and stability means fixedness, just like the franchised milk tea chain stores. But it is said that after the start-up, there will be aunties cooking big pots of rice, and the boxes will be replaced with campus-style plates. In short, it is very fresh and very delicious.

Because of the card game last night, the staff automatically gathered around to take a break after dinner.

"This is your first time meeting each other, right? You've become friends so quickly. You're quite capable, young man." Yakusho Kanji looked at the white strips being posted over there.

Is there a possibility that the man really just wanted to play cards? Okita Shuji was silent.

In the circle, when it comes to social skills, comedians are the best at it. They make a living by talking, emotional intelligence, and reaction. There are often news reports about actresses marrying comedians, and there is a reason for that. Appearance is something that is innate, so let's not talk about it. Comedians are good at dealing with people, they are high-ranking, they earn a lot, and they have a lot of connections, so it is normal for them to be liked by girls.

"Can such a smart person play a weak role well?" Yakusho Kanji joked. He has been in the industry for many years and has a clear mind and a keen eye. He can sense whether an artist has good quality or not.

It's just that the way of being the second male lead seems to be very special. Most handsome men of this age are still immersed in idol dramas or romance movies (or BL movies). Those who have aspirations will improve themselves and look for breakthroughs, while those who are content with the status quo will obey and cooperate with the arrangements of the agency, take their own money, and enjoy the spotlight.

The second male lead is really hard to tell. He seems to be lazy, but he actually knows the script thoroughly and has analyzed the story thoroughly. He seems to be insignificant, but he never lowers his attitude and remains humble. In other words, it is a rare attitude in the entertainment industry. Simply put, he is here to work.

"Interesting, I really want to see what his performance is like." Yakusho Kanji was a little expectant.

……

Finally, the official start day arrived, and the entire crew was ready to go. At daybreak, several vans carrying actors and cameras headed to the locations that had been chosen in advance for filming.

Katsuhiko Kishi, played by Kanji Yakusho, is a lumberjack by profession. The crew has made an appointment with local workers to borrow equipment from the house and even help cut down a designated tree. Under the guidance and command of professionals, Kanji Yakusho, who has experience in carpentry, uses an electric saw to cut out large pieces of wood chips according to the marks engraved on the tree stump, and the gaps in height allow the tree to fall naturally due to its weight and fall in the expected direction.

It fits the composition of the shot perfectly and the timing is great too.

The helmeted staff at the scene applauded and cheered. Yakusho Kanji, who loved carpentry, was delighted when he was told to Cut. Before he even shook the sawdust off his trouser legs, he high-fived the professional lumberjack in charge of the instruction.

Yin Ze, wearing a green safety helmet, clapped his hands and exclaimed, "This is so cool!" It's much cooler than driving a tractor!

This tree is the most expensive scene in the whole film. And it was the first shot. The smooth completion of the shot boosted the morale of the whole crew by 30%.

The next section is set indoors, where the workers return to the public house to rest and eat because of the rain.

This is the first long shot, about 1 minute and 30 seconds long. The dialogues are all daily exchanges, which are not difficult. It’s just that the people need to coordinate their daily rhythms such as moving around, unpacking food, and lighting cigarettes.

There is also an old actor in this scene, Ibu Masano, who is famous for playing villains with sweet words but sharp tongues. Although I can't remember her name at the moment, most Japanese drama fans will find her familiar, such as Professor Bird in "White Tower". She is also an actor and voice actor. Of course, the works she dubbed at this age are quite old, such as "Space Battleship Yamato"... and even "Ultraman Jonias".

What follows is that the protagonist comes home in the rain, packs up the free clothes, and then quarrels and fights with his son as soon as he enters the house.

The same shot is more than 1 minute and 30 seconds.

The camera was fixed to the side, and Yakusho Kanji threw wet clothes into the house. The dishes on the dining table were hit by the clothes and fell to the ground with a bang. The father and son fell to the ground in a simple and unpretentious hug. The father ended the game with a slap. The slap was quite powerful, at least everyone heard the "slap".

Of course, the thought "Is it a mistake?" arises, but the director does not cut it, and the father and son who are acting do not slow down, and they continue to perform the entire scene.

"OK." Okita Shuji called for a stop.

The silent crew members immediately took action, racing against time to clean up the set, adjust the lighting, and quickly take on the indoor shots. Although the scale is small, the budget is small, and the equipment version is not advanced, everyone is serious and experienced, and they are all professionals. When filming, if possible, the scenes of the same scene should be filmed together. If you really have to run around to shoot according to the timeline of the plot, the efficiency is too low. This is also one of the places where the director team's coordination ability is tested.

Until now, Master Yin, who had been a spectator, had only just begun to feel nervous.

No.

Are you all so awesome? You never make any NGs, right?

All passed?

"The second male lead, get ready—" the assistant director shouted, holding a clapperboard.

at this time.

The leading actor, director, and many fellow players all cast curious and expectant glances at the young man. The makeup artist even waved her fist in silent cheering.

Yin Ze smiled at the right time, coughed lightly, rubbed his hands and entered the designated camera range.

Oh, look at this contradictory and subtle smile that is a mixture of embarrassment, confidence and lack of confidence. It fits the delicate and sensitive character. He got into the role so quickly. This kind of talent is absolutely rare among young actors.

Okita Shuji was very pleased and nodded vigorously.

Chapter 11 It Must Be Me

The sun hid behind the clouds, and the sky was half overcast. Without the shining of the bright sunshine, the mountains, forests and water curtains all appeared a very realistic gray. The tiles on the roofs had been stained by the years, becoming as old as stubborn stones, with strands of yellow and green moss growing on them. The last few tiny drops of water gathered at the eaves, and shattered in the yard in front of the door amid the sound of birds singing.

The pickup truck was driving slowly in the narrow lane. Kishi Katsuhiko crossed the low slope and noticed a stretched van on the side of the road that seemed to have broken down. Two people were pushing hard at the rear of the van, but to no avail. One of them was wearing a peaked cap and looked familiar. I think I had met him last time when I was cutting down trees. The other young man was thin, hunched over, and had a weak presence.

Kishi Katsuhiko stopped the car and asked. It was confirmed that the van was broken and could only be repaired. There were fields all around, so he gave the two of them a ride and left the driver of the van waiting for the repairmen.

The uncle in the baseball cap sat in the passenger seat, and the young man was sandwiched in the middle, with his head hunched. The light passed through the windshield, shone on the bangs on his forehead, and cast a circle of shadow around his eyes.

"I'm so sorry to trouble you." The uncle in the baseball cap thanked him.

"Oh, it's okay, it's just on the way if we go to Ebisawa." Kishi Katsuhiko didn't care.

"Well, if that river was deep in the mountains, I think it would be useful."

“The rivers here are basically like this.”

"That's good." The man in the baseball cap said happily to the young man, "We can also determine the scene."

In the car, there was silence for a few seconds.

"Really? Director?" the assistant director in the baseball cap asked tentatively.

"Well... yes." The young man then raised his head, responded with a mosquito-like hum, and quickly lowered it again.

"It's really hard. It rained yesterday, so the places we've chosen are all flooded. There's also a shrine over there, which was originally very suitable." The assistant director sighed.

"As for Shiraishi, it's very easy to flood after the trees are cut down there. I've tried my best to advise you against it. But as for Ebisawa, there shouldn't be any problem. It's the most beautiful river around here." Katsuhiko Kishi said as if he knew the place well.

“It would be perfect if 10 people could pass through without any problems.” The assistant director gestured with his hands.

"Oh, that's fine."

"That's great, right?" the assistant director happily confirmed with the young man.

"...Yeah." The young man still responded with a lack of energy.

Kishi Katsuhiko finally turned his head to look at the guy next to him who was squeezed and wanted to adjust his sitting position but didn't dare to move. The guy had messy hair and squinted eyes. Although he didn't smell bad, he looked sleepy and sloppy. Even the rope on his chest to adjust the tightness of the hood was one long and one short.

Aren’t all directors loud-voiced people with speakers on their waists?

"Isn't he too busy at work and doesn't get enough rest?" Kishi Katsuhiko asked casually.

"Uh, pretty much."

"That won't do. We still need to get enough sleep."

Ten minutes later.

The assistant director looked at the lush green trees in all directions, and at the lumberjack squatting by the stream, happily showing off his trophy of catching crabs. He took off his hat helplessly and whispered to the director, "The depth here is different. Not to mention letting the zombies run, it's also difficult to set up the equipment."

"...Indeed." The young man put his hands in the pockets of his sweatshirt and said in a muffled voice.

The assistant director saw this, scratched the back of his head, adjusted his mood, and said to the person below in an embarrassed tone, "Mr. Kishi, is there a bigger one?"

"This is already the most beautiful one." Kishi Katsuhiko was a little surprised, "Are you not satisfied with this?"

"It doesn't matter if it's not pretty, as long as it can get more than ten people running." The assistant director said quickly.

The three of them stared at each other silently across the stream.

"Please, you are the only one who is familiar with this place." The assistant director smiled flatteringly and bowed repeatedly. He also gently tapped the young man next to him to give him a hint. The latter followed suit and slowly bent down. Rather than being reluctant, he was more like a slow and weak machine.

Return to the vicinity of the truck.

The assistant director had a cigarette between his teeth. He picked up the information and compared it with the map, while at the same time he was calling someone to confirm.

"Yes, yes. Okay, I'll make a note of it... Wait a minute, my ballpoint pen fell, let me check it."

The assistant director had a shoulder bag hanging on his body and a phone in his hand. He wanted to take a pen, so he had to tuck the documents under his armpit. As a result, the thick map book slipped down along the fabric of his clothes, and he didn't notice that the pen fell out of his hand. He was now in a panic as he picked up the map and looked for the pen at the same time.

Kishi Katsuhiko was bored and leaning on the steering wheel waiting. Just watching him was annoying. He turned around and looked at the person sitting next to him, doing nothing. He was called the director. The young man was huddled in the seat, leaning against the door. His colleague was busy memorizing addresses and making phone calls on the roadside, but this guy could still look down and concentrate on his phone, while his other hand was fiddling with the hat string on his chest and twisting his fingers.

Kishi Katsuhiko couldn't help himself and asked bluntly, "What's wrong with you?"

The young man, who had remained silent all this time, was a little frightened and surprised. He turned his eyes away from the phone screen and uttered an inaudible "Huh?"

"What's your name?"

"Tanabe... Koichi."

"Don't you want to help him?" Kishi Katsuhiko pointed at the uncle in the baseball cap outside.

The young man didn't reply, but just moved his butt on the cushion, like a guilty student who was called out by the teacher on the spot.

"Besides, although you seem to have a higher position, you are so young, so you must be his junior, right?" asked Kishi Katsuhiko.

"Yes, I'm sorry." The young man's words were very clear.

"Don't say sorry, okay, go and help quickly." Kishi Katsuhiko waved his hands helplessly.

"Yes." The young man was urged to open the car door, but just as he stretched out one foot, he froze. He turned his head like an unlovable silly roe deer and asked silently, "Well, then, what exactly do you mean by help?"

"You can always do something!" Kishi Katsuhiko was a little impatient and slapped the steering wheel with both hands. He even thought of his son who stayed in the house all day and did nothing, and his tone was a little irritated, "Are you just sitting there?"

The young man got out of the car in a panic when he heard the loud voice. He walked towards the assistant director who was talking on the phone and looking at pictures.

The young man observed for a second, then tentatively tried to take the atlas for someone else.

"Don't pull, don't pull." Unexpectedly, the assistant director held the picture tightly and refused to let go. He kept communicating with the person on the other end of the phone while looking at it. "No, I'm not talking about you. Then the nearest river is Mizoguchi River, can you be sure? Okay, okay, um, good."

The young man's move failed, he retracted his hand, and then slowly looked back at the uncle in the car. The timid expression on his face and eyes clearly showed: What should I do next?

Kishi Katsuhiko was completely speechless. He smacked his lips, turned his head away, and was too lazy to look at it anymore.

"Cut!"

The loud voice was like an oracle.

The atmosphere changed instantly.

The young man, who didn't even know where to put his hands, suddenly raised his head and chest, and the depression in his eyes disappeared, and the silly roe deer turned into a thunder beast. Before he could make any move, a makeup artist flashed in from outside the camera. It was said to be a makeup touch-up session, but in fact it was as gentle as wiping the face of her boyfriend who was sweating while outing.

The driver, whose face was wrinkled, got out of the car with a smile as if nothing had happened.

The actor who played the assistant director was the most realistic. He held the cigarette in his mouth for a long time, with the filter bitten flat, and finally lit it.

"This one's passed." Shuji Okita, the biggest reviewer on the set, gave his confirmation.

"Oh——" The staff applauded and whispered to each other, mostly expressing surprise.

The crew has been working for a long time and has seen a lot. It is normal for them to laugh and have problems during filming. But today, from the start of filming till now, there have been no NGs. The few times they had to do it again were because they had to adjust the lens according to the actual scene.

There is nothing wrong with the actors' execution of the content.

But no matter how ordinary the story is, it is so smooth that it feels like taking three bowls of laxatives, especially those long shots, which are so smooth and silky that it is a little unbelievable.

It's fine for Yakusho Kanji and other veteran actors, but this young man who is very good at playing blackjack can also play without making mistakes.