Superstar From Age 0

Chapter 337:

The planning team leader of Bearound went to see Jeffrey, the director who was stuck in the editing room as usual.

As expected, he saw Jeffrey inside the [Survivors] editing room, not taking his eyes off the monitor.

It looked like he was working on the theatrical version, not the Director’s Cut.

‘I thought he would do the director’s cut first…’

It was a relief for Bearound, who was waiting for the theatrical version of [Survivors].

The planning team leader, who was standing quietly so as not to disturb him, spoke to Jeffrey when he saw him take his eyes off the monitor and stretch his back.

“Director, how about taking a break?”

“Ah. Should I?”

Jeffrey didn’t seem surprised by the familiar situation and rotated his stiff shoulders. The planning team leader pulled a chair nearby and sat down.

“Is the editing going well?”

“Yes. It’s been a while since I had so much fun editing.”

“When are you planning to do the director’s cut?”

“I’m going to finish the theatrical version first and then edit the Director’s Cut. There is an internal preview scheduled, but I can re-edit the director’s cut after that.”

The planning team leader nodded and said.

“We’ll have to request new music for the director’s cut.”

Jeffrey thought for a moment and opened his mouth.

“How about arranging the music from the theatrical version?”

The planning team leader rolled his eyes.

Other movies’ Director’s Cuts also used the music from the theatrical versions, but after reading [Survivors Director’s Cut_Edit7_8_Final_Final2_End_Real End_Completed], he thought they should make new music for it.

“Wouldn’t it be better to request new ones?”

“No. I think arranging it would be better.”

The planning team leader was used to Jeffrey’s stubborn eyes.

He wondered how people could change so much from such a small cause.

“Okay. Then I’ll tell that to the music director. Should I send him the script for the Director’s Cut?”

There were two ways to work on movie music.

The first was to read the script and make music according to the director’s direction, and then insert it into the video.

The second was to watch the edited movie and make music with reference to the director’s intention.

The script for [Survivors] theatrical version had already been sent to the music director.

Jeffrey, who had been rubbing his chin for a while, opened his mouth.

“Let’s send him the video for the director’s cut.”

“Okay. I got it.”

The planning team leader nodded.

Unlike the filming that had some accidents, the post-production was smooth and he felt relieved.

Jeffrey, who was about to focus on editing again, turned his head and looked at the planning team leader who was about to leave the editing room.

“Oh. By the way, this week is the premiere, right?”

“Huh? Oh. Yes.”

The planning team leader paused for a moment at Jeffrey’s words and answered.

There was only one movie that premiered this week.

“You mean Assemble 4. Yes. It premieres this Saturday.”

April.

[Assemble 4], which concluded season 1 of Marina Studio Hero movies, premiered.

***

In front of a crowded movie theater.

“It’s over.”

Park Ji-ho, who had been running around outside until yesterday because of soccer practice, looked up at Assemble4 posters that covered the theater.

His twin sister Park Ji-hoo, who was sitting next to him, was studying English words.

“It’s about time.”

“But I thought Seo-jun would be in Assemble at least once.”

“He can’t be in it because he’s not a hero. They say Shadowman isn’t even in Assemble 4.”

“I’m just saying it’s a shame.”

Ji-ho took his eyes off Assemble 4 posters and looked around.

It had been two weeks since Assemble 4 premiered.

There were still many audiences because it was a Marina Studio movie.

“We first watched Marina Studio movies with Shadowman 1, right?”

Ji-hoo nodded at Ji-ho’s words.

“We watched it because Seo-jun was in it. Was it when we were 8 or 7?”

“It was when Shadowman 2 came out.”

They couldn’t watch it when it premiered because they were too young and thought they wouldn’t understand it even if they watched it. They watched it later at home.

“Yeah. We watched it at Seo-jun’s house…”

They remembered crying with their childhood friends at Seo-jun’s house.

Since then, they had been following Marina Studio movies.

“We’re here!”

They saw Mina Owen and Kim Ji-yoon running towards them.

They ran over thinking everyone was there, but they didn’t see Seo-jun.

Ji-yoon lowered her voice and said.

“Seo-jun hasn’t arrived yet, I guess.”

Ji-hoo and Mina smiled at that.

“Yeah. He hasn’t arrived yet.”

“Nobody would care if you say Seo-jun here. They would think it’s a common name.”

“But you never know.”

Ji-ho rolled his eyes, feeling embarrassed. They had already talked about Seo-jun without caring about other people’s ears.

“Did they hear?”

“Don’t be scared, you dummy.”

Ji-hoo said and Ji-ho pouted. Ji-yoon and Mina giggled at the twins who hadn’t changed a bit.

“Ji-hoo, are you studying English words?”

Seo-jun: “Why did everyone come so early?”

Seo-jun: “I’m here too! Just wait a bit!”

“Seo-jun has arrived.”

“Did you buy the tickets?”

“Yeah. I got them here.”

As they sat side by side in their chairs, contemplating whether to watch a movie or engage in other activities, they noticed someone in the distance.

It was a student, wearing a black hat adorned with a slime badge.

“Oh, it’s Seo-jun.”

Their friends exchanged knowing glances.

Despite Seo-jun’s efforts to remain inconspicuous, one of the kids quickly spotted him.

Seo-jun beamed as he made eye contact with the children. Their faces lit up in response.

“It’s fascinating how no one recognizes him in situations like this.”

“Exactly. He’s like a hidden gem.”

Although his face was partially obscured by the tightly-worn hat, people’s inability to recognize him never ceased to amaze them.

“But the Seo-jun we see in movies and dramas seems like a different person.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“Of course, it’s our Seo-jun. His acting skills are truly remarkable.”

The reason behind this phenomenon was surprisingly simple.

Childhood friends knew that Seo-jun, despite not being a superstar, was someone worth recognizing.

“Hello!”

Seo-jun, wearing the black hat, arrived last.

All of them had been friends with him since they were babies, greeted Seo-jun with a bright smiles.

***

As they continued sharing stories, the time for [Assembly 4] quickly approached.

“Time’s up. Let’s go watch the movie.”

“Are we having lunch too?”

“Yeah. But we can’t miss the popcorn.”

Although they planned to have lunch, skipping the popcorn was out of the question.

Following Ji-ho’s suggestion, everyone laughed and bought their preferred snacks before heading into the movie theater.

Seo-jun, as always, positioned himself inconspicuously in the middle of the row, ensuring that others wouldn’t notice him. He savored a caramel popcorn, eagerly awaiting the start of [Assembly 4].

“The advertisements are so long.”

“Agreed. Ji-hoo, want some nachos?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll have some too.”

After enduring the lengthy movie ads, the Marina Studio logo finally appeared on the screen.

[Assembly 4]

The beginning of the final chapter.

***

“That was really exciting!”

“Maybe it felt extra intense because it’s the last one. The CG effects were mind-blowing.”

Seo-jun nodded in agreement with Ji-yoon’s assessment.

[Assembly 4] had truly been captivating.

Seeing Davis Garrett from [Survivors] and then experiencing Redbone’s improvisation in [Assembly 4] left Seo-jun curious. Yet, he suspected that, like [Survivors], they hadn’t completely altered the latter part.

Thinking back, it had been a shoot filled with laughter.

However, Seo-jun doubted they’d encounter such carefree filming again.

“Watching it in 4D would be fun.”

“Definitely. Shall we go later?”

Seo-jun, the kids, and even other [Assembly 4] viewers chatted happily, their satisfied expressions reflecting their enjoyment. Some had seen multiple screenings.

“Let’s grab lunch. My friend recommended a place.”

“If it’s a student’s recommendation, we must try it!”

The kids’ eyes sparkled at Mina’s suggestion.

The recommended restaurant served steak and pasta, conveniently not far from the cinema. Located on the third floor of a nondescript building in an alley, it hadn’t gained much fame yet.

Seo-jun and the kids explored the interior, guided by the staff.

The spacious layout and cleanliness impressed them.

“Your friend really found a gem.”

“She has a hobby of creating a map of hidden food gems. Whenever a new place opens, she’s the first to try it.”

The kids marveled at Mina’s words.

As the menu arrived, they ordered various dishes and resumed their lively conversation.

“When is the first movie of Season 2 coming out?”

“I heard it’s in the second half of this year, but the exact date hasn’t been announced.”

Ji-hoo leaned forward, whispering to Seo-jun.

“Seo-jun, do you know?”

“My contract ended. I’m clueless.”

The kids burst into laughter at Seo-jun’s response.

Soon, their food arrived—steaming steak, flavorful pasta, and crisp salad filled the table. Seo-jun and the kids eagerly dug into their plates.

“Delicious!”

“Oh yes, really tasty.”

Ji-yoon enjoyed the pasta, while Ji-ho’s eyes sparkled over the steak.