Chapter 122: "The Garden of Sinners" Project (2)
"Compressing the technology to convert magical signals into video and audio into a smaller alchemical device, and then using previous magical signal transmission technology to synchronize film playback?"
Upon hearing Durin's explanation, the Archmage Rosa immediately showed interest. "So, Master Durin, you've already created such technology and are trying to film this story called 'The Garden of Sinners' to broadcast it on television?"
Feeling relieved to talk with someone who quickly understood, Durin nodded slowly. "Yes, although I wasn't the main creator. That was Scar. He'll probably apply for a patent from the dean soon."
"It's truly exciting. However, from a business perspective, television might not be as profitable as movies. Are you really willing to take this route, Master Durin?"
"Because it's a necessary step for a new era. As I've said before, magical alchemy will change the world and usher in a new age. Starting is always the hardest part, and it has to be me to take this first step. If I don't do it, it might take decades or even centuries before anyone else tries. Of course, I'm not doing this without any financial return. I plan to sell imaging crystals as a special feature after the public broadcast. After all, I still need to make a living and at least cover the costs."
"Uh, I think if this story is perfectly produced, there will definitely be many people wanting the original imaging crystals…"
Rosa's comment made Durin's expression turn subtle. In fact, whether it was "KonoSuba," "Goblin Slayer," or the recently released "Fate/Zero," a significant number of viewers had expressed interest in having replica imaging crystals. Several merchants had even approached Viscount Banil to explore expanding this business.
Unfortunately, to prevent piracy, these imaging crystals were tightly controlled, with almost no chance of leaking out. The one Roy obtained from the Mage Tower was likely the only leaked crystal.
In this context, Durin had indeed considered this approach, or rather, he had planned from the beginning to create an industry of television broadcasting along with BD sales. Initially, he had to rely on traditional cinema releases because television technology wasn't available. Now that the technology was on the horizon, his initial plan of making the world experience the terror of following anime series reignited.
Movies could also be released in parts, but long waiting periods often led to a loss of audience interest, who might forget about the movie until a new one reignites their enthusiasm. In contrast, weekly episodic releases could maintain audience engagement and make them experience the agony of waiting for the next episode—the infamous feeling of following an ongoing series!
"Ahem…"
Realizing that his thoughts had wandered off, Durin refocused and addressed Rosa and Stitch, who were still processing his earlier explanation. "So, what do you think of the script? Of course, what you have are only the first three chapters. There are four more chapters and an epilogue."
Rosa and Stitch, surprised to learn that the story had seven chapters and an epilogue, took a moment to gather their thoughts. Rosa spoke first, "It's certainly an excellent and... unique story. But I have to ask, was the original order of the story always this disjointed?"
"Yes," Durin confirmed. "I indicated the chapters clearly. The first chapter is 'Overlooking View,' while the second is 'A Study in Murder (Part One).' However, in terms of the timeline, ' A Study in Murder (Part One)' is the true beginning of the story."
Though Rosa appeared somewhat perplexed, she decided not to press the matter further. Instead, she paused before saying, "The script is great and could be very beneficial to our research in spiritual and soul studies. Honestly, if possible, I'd like to urge you to finish the entire story now and discuss it with you, but..."
"But what? It's not that big of a deal..." Durin responded.
"Um, what do you mean, Master Durin?" Rosa asked.
"Firstly, one of the main reasons I'm using this script to promote television is because I'm genuinely interested in your field of study. Secondly, consider this a sort of transaction."
"Transaction? What do you mean?" Rosa inquired.
"I hope that you, Archmage Rosa, along with Grand Mage Stitch, can assist in the production of 'The Garden of Sinners.' Additionally, I would like your department of spiritual and soul studies to help me with a specific technical research project. If you agree, I can complete the entire script within a day and provide it for your review. Any questions you have about it can be addressed to me immediately."
Seeing the shocked expressions on Rosa and Stitch's faces, Durin smiled. "How about it? It's a fair proposal, don't you think?"
...
At the Edward Tavern.
"A new film project?"
Chase, the troupe manager, was taken aback by Durin's sudden announcement right after returning from the Mage Tower. "Wait, Director Durin! What about the next installment of 'Fate/Zero'?"
Clearly, Chase was more concerned about the continuation of 'Fate/Zero,' given that it was crucial for the Snowflake Troupe's resurgence.
Anticipating Chase's concerns, Durin calmly replied, "We'll shoot both projects, but we'll schedule them separately. I expect 'The Garden of Sinners' to be completed by mid-summer, which aligns perfectly with our first TV promotion. As for the second chapter of 'Fate/Zero,' it's slated for a winter release, though it's not specified when in winter. So, even if we start shooting 'Fate/Zero' after 'The Garden of Sinners' is done, we'll still have plenty of time. Of course, Ches, if you think there might be issues, I can always give you the script so you can start shooting with the troupe in advance."
"Uh… that won't be necessary. Although I don't have any objections, the other actors might… The high-intensity workload from shooting 'Fate/Zero' took a toll on the troupe for quite a while. If we go through that again..."
Durin smiled at Chase's exasperation, "Ah, don't worry. I'm not a heartless boss. As long as they're willing to work overtime, they'll be well compensated! I believe with the right financial incentive, they won't mind working hard."
"That's not the point!" Chase retorted, exasperated.
Durin continued, "Anyway, I remember all the actors from the last audition. I have a rough idea of who I want. Just bring them all over, and I'll handle the auditions personally."
"Fine, as you wish..." Chase sighed. Despite his frustration with Durin's sudden plans, he wasn't truly upset. For him, the Snowflake Troupe's resurgence and the unprecedented attention they were receiving were all thanks to Durin's decision to involve them in the filming of 'Fate/Zero.'
Over the past months, Chase had repeatedly watched 'Fate/Zero' in the cinema, constantly amazed by the film's unique appeal. He believed that the best decision he ever made was not to shy away from the coming wave but to embrace it, seizing the precious opportunity it offered.
Reflecting on the countless nights of disappointment in the past, he sometimes doubted if the success he was experiencing was just a dream. He feared that if he woke up, he'd return to those nights of solitude, staring at the moon and lamenting the unpredictability of life.
Chase wasn't just a simple troupe manager. In the past, he had been a renowned stage actor known for his exceptional acting skills. But instead of becoming a celebrated actor in his original troupe, he chose to leave just as he was reaching the peak of his career, founding the Snowflake Troupe himself.
The name "Snowflake Troupe" wasn't chosen lightly. It was inspired by the day he first met his now-wife. On a snowy field, the sight of the beautiful silver-haired woman smiling like the most beautiful flower in the world made him realize she was an angel sent to save him.
No matter what, he was determined to protect this silver flower from being tainted by the world's dust. This resolve was why he left his original troupe. The troupe's manager at the time planned to exploit her beauty to gain popularity and even considered offering her to a noble's son for social advancement. Upon learning this, Chase sacrificed his future in theater, taking her away and using his long-established connections in the stage industry to create the Snowflake Troupe.
Because of this incident, Chase lost all his former honors and was ostracized by the noble class. The Snowflake Troupe survived solely due to Chase's personal abilities and dedication.
Through the harsh realities, Chase gradually came to understand what his once-proud theater world truly represented. No matter how honorable an actor might be, in the end, they were merely pawns manipulated by the nobility.
After founding his new troupe, he decisively abandoned his role as an actor. Instead, he took on the role of a manager, fighting against the corrupt and chaotic world to protect the art he believed in. He poured his prime years into creating the most perfect stage plays and the finest scripts that everyone could love.
However, the limits of the stage as a medium meant that such ideals were nearly impossible to achieve. Even at its peak popularity among the common folk, the Snowflake Troupe could only draw audiences in the hundreds. This level of performance was far from Chase's vision of what theater could be. It was a future devoid of hope, one he could not see a way out of. Then, film and 'Fate/Zero' appeared like a beacon of light, rescuing the Snowflake Troupe from its financial struggles caused by the emergence of cinema and reviving Chase's humble yet grand dream.
Thus, faced with Durin's request, Chase had no objections. He knew that everything the Snowflake Troupe had now was thanks to this seemingly ordinary young man before him. In reality, Durin's sudden request to produce a film called 'The Garden of Sinners' in a short period might seem like an unreasonable demand, but it was actually an opportunity—a chance to learn the craft of filmmaking.
Chase had been fascinated by the process of filmmaking since he first saw a movie. Even though Durin didn't hide any part of the filming process of 'Fate/Zero,' Chase still found it perplexing. After all, filmmaking and stage performance were worlds apart. Now, Durin was offering him more opportunities to participate in filmmaking, which meant more chances to learn. He was grateful for this opportunity and had no reason to complain.
With Chase agreeing to the auditions for 'The Garden of Sinners,' Durin could breathe a sigh of relief. After all, he had just completely postponed his planned technical exchange with Scar regarding the new television technology to discuss the new film with Chase. The situation at the Mage Tower was still unresolved. In fact, until the birth of this new media, television, he would remain quite busy.
Fortunately, as the dean of the Magical Alchemy Academy, he didn't have to handle teaching duties. Most of the work was taken care of by Scar. So, besides making the TV and shooting the film, he didn't have much else to worry about. However, neither task was simple or easy.
Creating a television set wasn't just about making a device that could play movies. To truly replicate the experience of television from another world, Durin needed a full team capable of supporting a TV network. In simple terms, he needed a television station.
While technical talent could be found at the Mage Tower, talent for producing shows was scarce. Even Durin himself wasn't sure what kind of 'shows' people in this world would enjoy. It was unrealistic to rely solely on movies for every program.
For now, Durin hadn't thought that far ahead. This television project was merely a pilot, with a limited range that wouldn't extend beyond the Imperial Magic Academy and Norsrick. As for the first program to be broadcast, it would undoubtedly be the film he was about to shoot: 'The Garden of Sinners.'
------
If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/EggZy