MMB Chapter 178 The New Building in 6 Benito, Producer of "Tyrant"
Chapter 178 The New Building in 6 Benito, Producer of "Tyrant"
Chapter 178 The New Roppongi Building, "Tyrant" Producer
1993 October.
Roppongi, Tokyo.
A brand-new twelve-story building, entirely covered with a dark blue glass curtain wall, has officially been marked with the sign "Kitahara Office".
This building was formerly a securities firm that went bankrupt in the early stages of the bursting of the bubble economy. It was in an excellent location, not far from the former site of TV Asahi. Kitahara Shin acquired it at a bargain price at the end of last year. After two months of emergency renovations, it has now become his new headquarters and his true fortress in the world of fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.
Top floor, president's office.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of Tokyo Tower, while below lie the bustling streets of Roppongi.
Kitahara Shin stood by the window, holding a cup of black coffee. Behind him, Ota Shoichi was giving a work report.
"President, as of last month, including the subsequent dividends from 'The White Tower,' the copyright revenue from several million-selling singles, and the funds you withdrew from the stock market—cough, I mean the funds you took out."
Da Tian glanced at the report in his hand. Although he had seen it many times, his heart still skipped a beat every time he saw that number: "Currently, the firm's liquid assets plus the valuation of fixed assets is already a terrifying figure. Although we still have a gap in terms of foundation compared to established giants like the Burning Group, in terms of cash flow, we are definitely the healthiest in the industry right now."
Keep in mind, this is 1993, and the aftershocks of the bursting bubble are still ongoing, with countless companies collapsing due to broken cash flow. Kitahara Shin, relying on his memories from his previous life, accurately shorted stocks, and coupled with his almost predatory money-making in the entertainment industry over the past few years, he completed his initial capital accumulation.
He is no longer the popular actor who simply had to cater to the whims of the TV station.
He is capital itself.
"understood."
Kitahara Shin turned around, his expression not showing much change. "Money left in the account is just worthless paper. Notify the finance department to allocate the funds to the three newly established departments."
The current Kitahara office has undergone a complete structural upgrade:
First Production Department (Film & Television): Headed by Ota himself, it is responsible for liaising with television stations and film companies.
Second Production Department (Music): Centered around Izumi Sakai (ZARD), we are recruiting new producers.
Newcomer Development Department: Responsible for discovering and training potential talents like Ryoko Hirosue and Yosuke Kuboe.
Special Business Division (Voice Actors/Animation): Although it is currently a small department with only a few people, mainly responsible for funding Hideaki Anno's "EVA" project, in Shin Kitahara's plan, this is a gold mine in the future.
"And, Daejeon."
Kitahara Shin pointed to the documents on the table, "Your current position is vice president. From now on, you don't need to handle these reports yourself; have your secretary bring them in."
Da Tian paused for a moment, then straightened his back, adjusted the tie he had unknowingly switched to Armani, and chuckled, "I'm used to it. It's more reassuring to bring it in myself. I'll go prepare for the afternoon meeting now."
Two o'clock in the afternoon.
The large conference room on the third floor was filled with smoke.
The first production meeting for "Flowers of Evil".
The long table was full of people. There were production representatives and supervisors from Fuji Television, the scriptwriting team led by Shinji Nojima, and the heads of the art, lighting, and props departments.
The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.
Because the man sitting in the main seat was extremely knowledgeable.
"The abandoned factory scene in episode three."
Kitahara Shin, holding a red pen, heavily circled a line on the storyboard and said without looking up, "The art department's budget is 500 million yen, to be used to build interior sets in the studio. Why build sets? There's an abandoned chemical plant in Kanagawa Prefecture, and I've already had someone negotiate the rental price down to 50 yen. Let's put all the money saved into lighting equipment."
The art director wiped his sweat and said with some difficulty, "But Kitahara-san—if we shoot on location, there will be echoes in the sound recording, and the lighting will be difficult to set up. There are too many uncontrollable factors—"
"That's a problem your technical team needs to solve."
Kitahara Shin raised his head, his eyes sharp: "What I need is realism. That cold, damp, rusty smell, and that hollow echo—the fake sets built in the studio can't give me that. If you can't solve the echo problem, then find someone else who can."
The art director choked for a moment, glancing at the Fuji TV representative beside him. Just as the representative was about to speak, Kitahara Shin continued, "And the props department. The gun the male lead uses must be a prop gun modified from a real gun; the weight has to be right. And the cigarette in the second female lead's hand—the script specifies it's a discontinued brand from the past. Go to a flea market and find the cigarette case; don't try to fool us with current 'Seven Stars' or 'Marlboro' cigarettes."
"There's also the coordination. Ms. Yoshinaga's schedule is very tight. We need to film all her scenes within two weeks. I don't want to see her waiting on set for more than ten minutes due to a mistake in scene transition coordination."
In this conference room, there are no "popular celebrities," only a "tyrant" producer who knows every detail perfectly and is even more professional than the professionals.
The Fuji Television representative watched with trepidation.
They initially thought Kitahara Shin's claim of being "chief producer" was just a figurehead, but they never expected him to actually have absolute power. And what's most terrifying is that every single one of his commands is so precise that no one can refute it.
"This guy—"
Shinji Nojima sat to the side, watching the man who was giving orders, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.
This powerful desire for control, this obsession with perfection, is practically tailor-made for this film, "Flowers of Evil".
the next day.
Fifth floor, rehearsal hall.
Today is the internal audition day for "Flowers of Evil".
Although it was "internal", many newcomers from other small firms came after hearing about it, crowding the corridor.
In the VIP lounge, Rie Miyazawa and Nanako Matsushima were sitting on a sofa drinking coffee. As the "founding fathers" of their agency and popular actresses, their current status is naturally incomparable to what it used to be.
"Rie, look at all those new girls outside."
Nanako elegantly crossed her legs, her gaze sweeping over the tense, youthful faces outside the glass door, especially the short-haired girl (Ryoko Hirosue) who was constantly memorizing her lines in the corner: "That look in her eyes was like she was seeing an alien. That girl just came over and asked me if the teacher was fierce, and if she would get scolded if she didn't pass."
Rie Miyazawa tossed her hair and smiled. "That's normal. After all, we just went to an awards ceremony with him. These newcomers are probably incredibly nervous right now, trying to figure out how to please us."
The feeling of being looked up to by the newcomers gave the two women a small sense of satisfaction. Holding the scripts they had already been given, they were actually quite confident.
Rie was prepared to play the role of a simple and kind female college student, which was her comfort zone.
Nanako is preparing to be a career elite, somewhat similar to the nurse in "The White Tower," which is also one of her strengths.
In their view, today's audition was just a formality.
However, what they didn't expect was that a complete upheaval was about to unfold for them.
Audition room.
The air was so quiet it felt almost oppressive.
Kitahara Shin sat in the center of the judges' panel, with Nojima Shinji on his left and Ota on his right. A middle-aged man named Yamada, a producer sent by Fuji Television, was taking notes with a serious expression.
"Next up, Rie Miyazawa."
Rie Miyazawa walked in.
She wore light makeup and a simple white dress today, looking charming and delicate. Because she was familiar with Kitahara Shin, she wasn't too reserved when she came in. She even secretly winked at Kitahara Shin, her eyes showing a hint of smugness, as if to say, "How do I look today?"
She chose the scene in the script where the character is heartbroken after being abandoned by the male lead.
It must be said that her acting skills have indeed improved after being honed in "The White Tower". She can cry easily and look like a pear blossom in the rain. The broken feeling that originally belonged to her as a "national beautiful girl" even made the usually picky Shinji Nojima nod slightly.
Next up is Nanako Matsushima.
As Kitahara Shin's nominal "apprentice," she performed with even greater professionalism. She delivered a capable performance as a career woman, with clear lines and a presence that, while not quite on par with Yoshinaga Sayuri, was still quite outstanding among the younger generation.
Both performers were flawless and steady, with no faults whatsoever.
But it's only "stable".
After the performance, the two stood in the middle, waiting for feedback.
Producer Yamada from Fuji TV leaned slightly to Kitahara Shin's ear and whispered with satisfaction, "Kitahara-san, I think this is perfect. Miyazawa-san's crying scenes are very moving, fitting her 'pure idol' persona. GG Entertainment will definitely like this victim image. Matsushima-san is also suitable for working women, continuing the popularity of 'The White Tower,' it's a safe bet."
"Safety?"
Kitahara Shin was twirling a pen in his hand when he heard those two words, and he stopped.
He ignored Yamada and instead looked up, his gaze sweeping over the two women standing in front of him.
His gaze was calm, devoid of sarcasm, but possessed a seriousness that instantly sent chills down their spines.
"Is the performance over?" Kitahara Shin asked casually.
"Hmm—the performance is over."
Rie Miyazawa had initially intended to use her charm to ask for praise, but seeing Shin Kitahara's expression, her little bit of smugness vanished instantly. She nervously clutched the hem of her skirt, asking anxiously, "What's wrong? Are you feeling a bit off?"
"The emotions were spot-on. The technique was also very skillful."
Kitahara Shin put down his pen, crossed his hands on the table, and said calmly, "But Rie, Nanako, this is the kind of performance I see on set, and it's the kind of performance the audience wants to see. But is this really the limit for you as 'actors'?"
"Or are you just repeating yourselves?"
Both of them were stunned by these words.
Kitahara Shin stood up, pulled out two more scripts that had been prepared in advance from a stack of documents next to him, walked up to them, and handed them over.
"Don't stay in your comfort zone. Anyone can play those 'good girl' or 'career woman' roles. Now that you're in my team, I'm responsible for your future."
"Rie Miyazawa, you'll play the second female lead."
Kitahara Shin pointed to the name on the script, his voice deep and powerful: "On the surface, she's an innocent female college student, but in reality, she's a severe drug addict. You'll use your most innocent smile to lure men into hell, and then slowly break down, scream, and self-harm in front of them."
"Tear that image of the 'national beauty' in your heart to shreds."
"ah?!"
Rie Miyazawa's hand holding the script trembled, and she almost dropped it.
Her eyes widened as she stared at Kitahara Shin: "Drug dependence? And self-harm? This—this kind of twisted character?"
Before she could even process what was happening, Kitahara Shin looked at Matsushima Nanako again: "And you, Nanako. I want you to play the female villain in the drama."
"A heartless killer. You don't need to cry, you don't need to yell. You must learn to kill with your eyes. Cold-blooded."
Cunning and manipulative, treating everyone as pawns.
Upon hearing this, Producer Yamada, who had been sitting to the side, could no longer remain seated.
Forgetting all politeness, he hurriedly stood up, pulled Kitahara Shin aside, and whispered anxiously, "Kitahara-san! Let's talk in private! This—this is too risky!"
"Ms. Miyazawa is a top idol right now, and Ms. Matsushima has a very positive image. Why cast them as madmen and killers?"
The sponsors definitely won't approve! What if my image is ruined and fans protest? This is prime time!
Yamada was sweating profusely, trying to persuade the "capricious" executive producer with business logic.
Kitahara Shin looked at him, his eyes resolute: "Yamada-san, I know what you're worried about. But you have to understand, the shelf life of an idol is very short."
He turned to look at the two girls with complex expressions not far away. His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for them to hear: "The audience likes them for their innocent and capable image now because they're young. What will they do when even younger, more innocent girls come out in three or five years? Continue to pretend to be young?"
"If they don't take advantage of their current popularity to transform themselves, if they don't shatter their old image and let the audience see their versatility as 'actors,' their career paths will only become narrower and narrower."
After speaking, he walked back to the two women, looking them directly in the eye: "Of course, this is just my suggestion. If you feel the risk is too great and want to continue playing safe roles, I have no objection. But I believe you don't just want to be decorative figures, right?"
Rie Miyazawa bit her lip and looked down at the script in her hand.
Those were lines filled with darkness and distortion. If it were an old agency, they would have thrown that script in the trash immediately.
but----
She looked up at Kitahara Shin. Although this man often teased her, his judgment at work was never wrong.
"snort."
Rie Miyazawa gave a light snort, reverting to her usual slightly arrogant tone, and clutched the script tightly to her chest: "Since you've put it that way, if I don't dare to act, wouldn't I look useless? I'll act! If fans send me razor blades, I'll say you forced me to!"
Kitahara Shin smiled, a hint of doting in his eyes: "Alright, I'll take care of the razor blades."
He then looked at Nanako.
As her "disciple," Nanako clearly understood her teacher's good intentions better. She took a deep breath, a glint of excitement in her eyes: "Teacher is right. I'm getting a little tired of always playing nurses or office workers. That—a cold-blooded killer, sounds like a real challenge."
"very good."
Kitahara Shin nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the stunned producer Yamada: "Yamada-san, you see, the actress herself has agreed. I'll handle the sponsors. I believe a 'darkened' Rie Miyazawa will generate ten times more buzz than a Rie Miyazawa who only knows how to cry."
Yamada opened his mouth, then sighed helplessly and sat back down in his chair.
"You're the executive producer—you're in charge."
With the main roles decided, the next crucial step is finding the "leading lady."
Although this character has less screen time than Sayuri Yoshinaga and Nobushige Kitahara, she is crucial. She is a newly recruited policewoman and the only bright spot in the entire dark drama, symbolizing innocence, justice, and hope.
She was also the one who ultimately handcuffed the male protagonist.
"Next."
The door opened.
Over the next hour, dozens of newcomers took turns auditioning. Some were recommended by other agencies, while others were recruited by Kitahara Agency itself.
But Kitahara Shin never nodded.
-
Some are too pretentious, some are too dull, and some look too shrewd, lacking that innocent, naive charm.
until-
"I am Matsu Takako."
The girl with shoulder-length short hair and wearing a school uniform walked in.
Unlike other newlyweds who bow and scrape upon entering, she didn't show excessive nervousness. She simply stood there calmly, her eyes clear, her back ramrod straight.
The poise and elegance she exuded from growing up in a Kabuki family couldn't be concealed even when she was wearing a school uniform.
"Let's begin," Kitahara Shin said.
Takako Matsu performed a scene where she was trying to persuade a criminal.
She didn't resort to hysterical screams or maternal weeping. She simply gazed quietly ahead, her eyes revealing an almost obsessive belief.
"I believe in the law. I believe in you too."
The lines are very simple.
But when she spoke, the power she exuded stunned everyone present.
That cleanliness and purity, yet with an inviolable dignity.
"it is good."
Kitahara Shin interrupted her performance directly.
He turned to Shinji Nojima: "It's her."
Shinji Nojima nodded as well: "Indeed. She has that 'pure white lotus in the mud' feeling."
The Fuji TV producer flipped through the information: "Matsu Takako? Oh, she's Matsumoto Koshiro's daughter. Her image is definitely fine, her family background is respectable, and she has a solid foundation in acting."
Kitahara Shin looked at Matsu Takako standing in the middle and smiled with satisfaction: "Congratulations, Matsu-san. This role is yours."
"but----"
He then changed the subject, saying, "Even if you're the young lady of the Matsumoto family, you have to be prepared to suffer if you join my production team. Although this character represents justice, she'll be tortured terribly in the show."
Matsu Takako bowed slightly, a calm smile on her face that seemed beyond her years: "Nice to meet you, Producer Kitahara. I'm not afraid of hardship."
This is the end.
The main pieces of the puzzle for "The Flowers of Evil" are finally all in place.
The Demon King (Shin Kitahara), the Madman (Rie Miyazawa), the Evil Woman (Nanako Matsushima), the Holy Mother (Takako Matsu), and the goddess standing at the top (Sayuri Yoshinaga).
This grand production can finally begin filming.