(Following interview②) Director and actor Ha Jung-woo of the film 'Lobby' revealed what he learned from film industry masters such as Hong Sang-soo, Choi Dong-hoon, Ryu Seung-wan, Na Hong-jin, and Park Chan-wook.
Ha Jung-woo conducted an interview on the afternoon of the 2nd at the SHOWBOX office located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. During this meeting with domestic reporters, he discussed the movie 'Lobby' (directed by Ha Jung-woo, produced by Workhouse Company and Film Momentum, provided by Michigan Venture Capital and WYSIWYG STUDIOS, distributed by SHOWBOX), which premiered that day.
'Lobby' is a film that depicts the story of CEO Chang-wook (Ha Jung-woo), who only knows research, starting his first lobbying golf game to win a $4 trillion national project. This is Ha Jung-woo's third directorial challenge following 'Roller Coaster' and 'The King's Case Note', where he plays both the director and the leading role.
As Ha Jung-woo built a diverse filmography alongside the best directors, he wondered what he had learned from them. Regarding frequent script readings, he said, "I filmed a movie with Director Hong Sang-soo 17 years ago. The director would give me the script in the morning. I believe the director already had the script in mind, but I was curious as to why he gave it to me an hour before filming. I thought, 'Why is that?' and asked him after the movie ended. As I recall, the director wanted to control the character assigned to the actor to ensure that the message of his works was delivered accurately. He said he preferred the actor to memorize their lines and express them sincerely."
In addition, he noted, "There is a lot to learn," and said, "Director Choi Dong-hoon loves actors. Other directors do too, but especially Director Choi Dong-hoon has an immense fondness for the actors cast in the characters he created. He meticulously recalls and records what the actors say in order to incorporate it into their characters. Since I have witnessed the affection with which he makes movies on set, I thought I should have that mindset as well."
He also emphasized, "In fact, there are quite a few action scenes in 'Lobby.' We filmed 7 rounds of car chases, and there were many action scenes with Choi Si-won and the supporting characters, but everything was deleted in the editing process. When Director Ryu Seung-wan shoots action, he is very efficient. He captures what other teams might shoot in 10 takes in just 3 takes. Watching how he worked during 'Berlin', I thought, 'I should film it that way.' He doesn't force the actors to do anything; he brings in a martial arts team to shoot all the scenes. He only films scenes where the actors must be present. The process is quick, and the actors have no choice but to comply, as safety is guaranteed."
Moreover, Ha Jung-woo added, "In the case of Director Na Hong-jin, I learned how to effectively utilize pre-production periods and how thoroughly to prepare storyboards; the same goes for Director Park Chan-wook. I have known Director Yoon Jong-bin since I was young, so I learned how to approach the script and filming through various works. I think Director Yoon Jong-bin has provided me with the most direction and teachings as I make films. I also learned how Director Kim Yong-hwa commands the set and directs the actors."
He remarked, "In a way, I feel like I learned how to direct not from sitting at a desk, but rather through observation. I've picked it up in a very informal style," and he smiled, acknowledging the strengths of 'Director Ha Jung-woo' by saying, "I learned these things well."
(Continues in interview④.)
[Photo] Provided by SHOWBOX.
[OSEN]