"Nanaya, this is Kaiuchi Utsumi."
In the meeting room, Hanai Ryuichi introduced a rather unremarkable middle-aged man to Nanaya. "Mr. Kaiuchi has been sent by Rinpo corp. as the production manager. His main responsibility is to oversee the proper use of the film's budget."
"Hello, Director Nanaya," the man said, standing up and extending his hand. "I watched the clip you edited it left a deep impression on me. The woman in the footage is exceptionally beautiful."
"Thank you for the compliment, Manager Kaiuchi. I'm pleased to meet you," Nanaya replied, rising to shake his hand across the table.
It was clear that this representative from Toho wasn't just sent to go through the motions. He had at least familiarized himself with the project and with Nanaya, which was a relief. With an already tight budget, the last thing Nanaya wanted was a production manager who neither understood nor cared about the project otherwise, he'd be stuck haggling over trivialities all day. Compared to the misfortune of certain directors in the "Tsukihime" adaptation fiasco, Nanaya felt considerably luckier.
Kaiuchi returned a gentle smile. "Director Nanaya, I believe this will be a pleasant collaboration."
Rinpo, as one of Japan's largest and most established film companies, was incredibly well-organized. The company's mature structure and thorough production system were immediately apparent.
From the moment Chairman Ryutani informed Nanaya that the project was approved, only a week had passed, yet the preparations had already formally begun. The speed and efficiency made Nanaya realize what true confidence and capability looked like on a national scale.
This meeting was the first gathering of the main film staff, primarily discussing crew hierarchy and project-specific details.
The attendees were divided into two groups: on one side, Rinpo's representatives led by Kaiuchi, tasked with supervising the film's finances to prevent misappropriation, and assisting Nanaya with logistical matters like casting and crew coordination; on the other side, Nanaya and several trusted colleagues from Hanai Ryuichi's studio, who formed the creative core of the project.
Although Nanaya's team was the creative heart of the "Kara no kyoukai " project, Rinpo was the financier, so their input had to be taken into account. Their network and resources far exceeded what Nanaya could access, making collaboration preferable to conflict.
After introductions, everyone sat back down.
Kaiuchi spoke first: "Director Nanaya, according to Chairman Ryutani's instructions, I will cooperate fully with your team. Starting today, I will begin preparations. Are there any positions in your team that need to be filled?"
Nanaya nodded. "Most of the key crew positions are filled. The main concern is casting the actors."
"I understand," Kaiuchi replied, handing Nanaya a prepared salary chart. "Due to the tight budget, remuneration for crew members will be limited. Based on our calculations, here's the breakdown for key positions: director-150,000 yen, screenwriter- 150,000 yen, totaling 300,000 yen."
Nanaya glanced at the figures. If possible, he would even forgo his own salary, prioritizing more budget for the film itself. Yet he understood the rules: since Rinpo was the producer, the assigned director salary mainly signified that Rinpo owned the rights, and he was merely a hired hand. As a novice, Nanaya had little choice but to comply. His goal now was to make the movie so excellent that Rinpo would have no choice but to keep him on for a sequel, rather than replace him like an afterthought.
"Regarding actors…"
Kaiuchi pulled out a copy of Nanaya's script. "According to the screenplay, the primary roles needed are: male lead Mikiya Kokutou, second female lead Aozaki Touko, and the antagonist Kirie Fujio. There are also several minor roles for extras."
Although in the broader "Kara no Kyōkai" series, Mikiya's sister and the main villain Araya Souren are important, for Nanaya's adaptation of "Kara no kyoukai" these characters were relegated to minor roles. The reason was simple: the budget didn't allow for more. If he had cast those main roles with extras, it would feel unsatisfactory, so he decided to postpone their full appearance for a potential sequel.
"Ah, and the most important role the female lead, Ryogi Shiki," Nanaya said, lifting his head.
"What?"
Kaiuchi's mouth opened wide in surprise. "I thought she is the actress for Ryogi Shiki?" he asked, pointing at a young woman in black kimono sitting next to Nanaya.
I wish that were the case… Nanaya thought, glancing at his junior colleague with a silent sigh.
"Apologies, Manager Kaiuchi. She is the prop and costume designer for the crew," Nanaya explained.
Kaiuchi shook his head. "I see… What a shame. She really does have the presence of Shiki from the script."
Of course she is after all she was the lead in that experimental clip I filmed. Nanaya pinched the bridge of his nose. If possible, he too would have liked this junior to play the lead. But…
"What are your requirements for the female lead, Director Nanaya?" Kaiuchi asked.
Nanaya rested his chin on his hand, speaking seriously: "You've read the script, so you know Shiki is the absolute central character. Everyone else exists to support her. I want a young actress with solid acting skills for this role."
"I understand. I will keep that in mind. However, regarding her salary…"
"This role is crucial, so I plan to offer 500,000 yen. Thirty thousand is too low," Nanaya circled the figure on the chart.
Although modest by the standards of well-known actors, the film's budget was limited, and most of the funds had to go into production. This left little room for salaries.
Kaiuchi hesitated. "Even at this price, the options may be limited."
"Try your best. If negotiations fail, use my 300,000-yen salary as part of her pay, bringing it to 800,000. That's the absolute minimum," Nanaya said. His tone conveyed resignation: if the right actress required him to work for free, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. The opportunity to direct this film mattered more than personal profit.
"I understand. But know this: this is entirely your personal decision. You're effectively working for free on this project," Kaiuchi warned.
Nanaya nodded. "I understand. My priority is to make this film as perfect as possible. That's all that matters right now."
"Very well. Chairman Ryutani's goal for this project is a 10% viewership rating. If achieved, they will consider a theatrical release. Director Nanaya, please aim for that target."
"I understand. Please convey my thanks to Chairman Ryutani," Nanaya replied.
After noting some points on the script, Kaiuchi stood up. "I will return to the office to make preparations."
"I'll see you out," Hanai said, standing to accompany him, gently holding Nanaya back.
"Your main task now is to focus on making the film. Stay here and continue discussing production plans with the team," Hanai instructed.
As the office door closed behind them, Nanaya looked around at the rest of the crew. "Alright, everyone, you're free to relax now," he said with a small smile.