novelraw Chapter 43 Earth Studio Reorganization
Chapter 43 Earth Studio Reorganization
It's Akagi.
But he's completely different from yesterday.
The short black hair was gone, replaced by a very light golden blonde.
(In the hairdressing industry, chroma refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.)
Natural black is level 2-3, while silver is level 9 or even higher, usually requiring multiple dyeing processes to achieve the desired effect.
His light blond short hair complemented his pale skin, sharp and defined features, and especially his eyes, which held a sense of aloofness and stubbornness.
It instantly amplified his unique youthful charm, making him seem somewhat unreal, as if he had stepped out of an anime.
The visual impact is off the charts.
He just stood there quietly, without having to act, and he had already become a figure full of stories and memorable moments.
Lin Yi's lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly.
This closely resembles an image in his mind.
Shigeru Akagi in the live-action version of Akagi (2015).
"Akagi" is another masterpiece by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, the author of the "Gambling Apocalypse" trilogy.
Nobuyuki Fukumoto's art style is very abstract and not appealing.
The live-action version of The Card Game (2015) is hailed as the pinnacle of manga adaptations and has even been praised as surpassing the original.
To a large extent, it's the perfect casting that captures the essence of the characters and their matching personalities.
Akagi gave a simple presentation as per the procedure, and his performance was similar to yesterday's, nothing particularly outstanding.
But Lin Yi knew that this new image alone was worth it.
In the entertainment industry, sometimes having an image that people can't forget after just one glance is the greatest asset.
After the interview, Lin Yi didn't let Akagi leave immediately. Looking at him, he asked directly, "Why did you dye your hair?"
Akagi stood ramrod straight, his blond hair gleaming slightly under the light. His answer was equally simple and direct:
"I think Teacher Lin's question yesterday might not have been a casual question."
I want to express my attitude and my adaptability.
If changes are needed, I can make them immediately.
Lin Yi looked at the clear determination and the reckless spirit in his eyes and nodded.
"very good."
Lin Yi turned to Fu Mingyang beside him and said, "Prepare the contract."
Lin Yi added an extra subsidy to Akagi's contract for hair dyeing and hair care.
Fu Mingyang quickly printed out the contract and handed it to Akagi.
Akagi took the contract, picked up a pen, and prepared to sign it.
Seeing this, Lin Yi called out to him.
"Don't rush to sign. Take this contract to a lawyer who understands entertainment law and have them take a good look at it for you."
Carefully read through the terms regarding rights, obligations, and penalties for breach of contract. This is a serious matter; we are both responsible for it.
Akagi realized what was happening and nodded solemnly, "I understand, thank you, Teacher Lin."
He carefully put away the contract and left the classroom.
After the door closed behind him, Akagi leaned against the door and let out a long, silent sigh of relief.
He looked down at the file folder in his hand and clenched his fist tightly.
Everyone waiting outside saw it.
The thick file folder in his hand, bearing the logo of Earth Studio, was completely different from the others who came out empty-handed.
"Holy crap! A contract?!"
"Akagi got it?!"
"Really? So many people failed, and he got it?!"
The waiting area erupted in excitement. Everyone stared at Akagi with expressions of shock, envy, and something else entirely.
Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Akagi lowered his head and quickly walked past, almost running away.
He didn't delay and immediately consulted a lawyer that very night.
The lawyer said the contract was very fair and especially good for the newcomers. After confirming that there were no problems, Akagi immediately contacted Fu Mingyang.
The next afternoon, at a tea house.
Akagi signed the contract, and Lin Yi stamped it.
"Welcome to the team." Lin Yi extended his hand.
"Welcome!" Fu Mingyang said with a smile.
Akagi quickly stood up and clasped his hands together, saying, "Thank you, President Lin, thank you, Manager Fu. I will do my best."
"Sit down," Lin Yi said, urging him to relax. "You're the first artist we signed. Your first project is scheduled to start filming around November."
Akagi immediately sat up straighter.
"It's a low-budget dark drama about intellectual battles, with a rather unique theme related to mahjong."
Lin Yi looked at him and said, "I'll send you the character biography later. Prepare well during this time."
"Yes, Mr. Lin! I will prepare carefully!" Akagi nodded vigorously, feeling both surprised and excited.
After Akagi left, the tea room returned to silence.
"President Lin," Fu Mingyang couldn't help but ask, "when...when did we get a new project? I haven't received the proposal yet."
Lin Yi picked up his teacup, but instead of answering directly, he gently tapped his temple with his finger.
The new project is here.
Fu Mingyang was stunned for a moment when he saw Lin Yi's actions, and then seemed to understand something.
Lin Yi put down his teacup, turned his gaze to the window, and cleared his mind.
He is planning the future of the renowned Earth Studio.
Today is the last day of the three-day period. If Sun Haoxuan agrees to sign a long-term contract to appear in the show, then everything will be fine, and we can proceed with the second season of Detective X as normal.
If they disagree, then we'll have to put Detective X Season 2 on hold for now.
In any case, the production of the Detective X manga and anime needs to be put on the agenda.
This is the lifeline of Detective X.
In addition, the Squid Game project can now begin to move forward.
Detective X is currently a phenomenon in the Sakura region, but in China and globally, it can only be described as a blockbuster.
This is limited by the subject matter; to break through, it requires a long period of accumulation.
Squid Games, on the other hand, has greater explosive potential and the opportunity to become a phenomenal global IP in a short period of time.
Akagi is the lead actor that Lin Yi chose for the Squid Game.
The original protagonist of the Squid Game, Sung Ki-hoon, has a controversial character design, and is considered hypocritical by some viewers.
Lin Yi plans to retain the core selling points while redesigning the protagonist's character.
He plans to reference Shigeru Akagi, the protagonist of "Akagi Legend," for this character design.
A quirky individual who takes pleasure in gambling with his life, lives authentically, never compromises, and pursues the ultimate in passion.
But Squid Game is a big production with a production cost of hundreds of millions, and Lin Yi wouldn't just decide to put Akagi in the role on a whim.
Before that, he needs to test the market's acceptance of Akagi, an atypical entertainer, and this kind of eccentric protagonist.
The best test subject is naturally "Ace vs Ace".
Although the subject matter of this drama limits its audience, it has a low cost, manageable risk, and a strong protagonist.
It can be used to promote newcomers and also to test the market's acceptance of Lin Yi's core character design for the protagonist of the squid game.
Excellent value for money.
Lin Yi withdrew his gaze and looked at Fu Mingyang: "When we get back, change the name of Earth Studio to Earth Entertainment."
As Earth Studio continues to expand its recruitment, calling it a studio anymore seems a bit too informal.
Lin Yi plans to reorganize Earth Studio, dividing the original screenwriting team into two project groups.
One person is in charge of Detective X, an IP that has already taken shape and gained initial recognition.
Another person in charge of the Squid game, as well as the Squid game's precursor, Card Game Legend.