Part 1

Community Center

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1

Rui

Listen

Okay, I'll start explaining how to use these devices.
2

Rui

Listen

I was hoping to be there for the actual event, but I unfortunately have a scheduling conflict.
3

Honami

Listen

No, that's okay. We really appreciate you providing us with the necessary devices on top of coming up with the effects.
4

Nene

Listen

Yeah, thanks for doing all this on such short notice.
5

Rui

Listen

This was actually quite fun since it's a rare opportunity to come up with effects for a reading event.
6

Rui

Listen

Anyway, about these devices...
They're designed to be controlled using this remote.
7

Rui

Listen

You do have a long list of effects lined up for this event, but that shouldn't be a problem since everything can be done from here.
8

Honami

Listen

From this remote?
That's incredible...
9

Rui

Listen

Hehe. Everything should go rather smoothly as long as the devices are all positioned correctly.
10

Honami

Listen

I see...
11

Rui

Listen

Is something bothering you?
12

Honami

Listen

No, it's just...
I'm wondering if I'll be able to control everything while reading at the same time.
13

Rui

Listen

Not to worry. I have that covered.
I'll explain while we test everything out.
14

Honami

Listen

Oh... Thank you very much.
15

Rui

Listen

Alright, why don't we start with the snowmaker?
16

Honami

Listen

We'll be using that when the dog reaches the first stop along his journey. The land of snow.
17

Rui

Listen

Yes, I'm thinking that you should let it start snowing right at the beginning of this scene.
18

Rui

Listen

This page in the book.
After you say, “The first stop along his journey was a chilly land of snow and ice.” How does that sound?
19

Rui

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I think you'll want to set the stage early for an adventure through a winter wonderland.
20

Nene

Listen

I could be the one to activate it since Mochizuki will be reading that line.
21

Rui

Listen

Yes, I was also thinking that it'd be best to divide up the work. So, I've come up with a timeline of who is going to be doing what.
22

Honami

Listen

Oh...!
This will make things so much easier...!
23

Rui

Listen

Hehe. I'm glad to hear that.
24

Rui

Listen

So, why don't we try testing it now?
Would you mind pressing the button for me, Mochizuki?
25

Honami

Listen

Wait, you want me to do it?
26

Rui

Listen

Yes, since the best way to learn how it works is to actually try using it for yourself.
27

Honami

Listen

O-Okay.
Umm... The button for the snow is... Oh, here it is!

Sound Effect: Play

28

Honami

Listen

Oh...
29

Honami

Listen

That's incredible. It's really snowing...!
30

Nene

Listen

Yeah, it's really pretty.
31

Rui

Listen

Yes, but...
32

Nene

Listen

Is something wrong?
33

Rui

Listen

Well, this may actually be too much snow.
34

Honami

Listen

Too much?
I think it's wonderful and leaves a nice impression...
35

Rui

Listen

Yes, that impression may be too strong.
Your listeners will likely start focusing on the snow instead of the story.
36

Rui

Listen

You're going to be reading to first and second graders, yes? This is just the sort of thing which they'll find a little too captivating.
37

Nene

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Right. Some kids are really energetic and might even try to touch the snow.
38

Rui

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Precisely.
Thus, it may be wise to reduce the amount of snow that's produced.
39

Rui

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It needs to feel more ephemeral.
To the point that it disappears before hitting the floor.
40

Rui

Listen

I hate to make you wait like this, but I promise to finish my adjustments in time for the event.
41

Honami

Listen

Oh, it's no trouble...
42

Honami

Listen

I didn't realize that you'd go this far...
I'm surprised since I know next to nothing about directing performances.
43

Rui

Listen

Hehe. These sorts of effects are meant to help make the lead shine.
44

Rui

Listen

You can't do too much or too little. If you don't strike the right balance, you end up hurting instead of helping them.
45

Rui

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Which is why it's a director's job to obsess over these sorts of things. It's also why directing is so fun.
46

Rui

Listen

I plan on doing everything I can to ensure the elementary schoolers who attend the event have a fantastic time.
47

Honami

Listen

Thank you very much...!
I promise to return the favor sometime after the event.
48

Rui

Listen

You don't need to do anything in return as long as you use these effects to put on a wonderful event.
49

Rui

Listen

Helping put on an incredible show is the best reward any director could ask for, after all.
50

Nene

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*Nod*
And we plan on making it a good event.
51

Honami

Listen

R-Right. We promise to do our very best.
52

Rui

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Then, I'll need to do a good job as well.
Would you mind meeting for another test run after I've finished making my adjustments?