The scent of freshly brewed green tea mingles with the subtle aroma of makeup products as you step onto the set of a new crime drama. Soft chatter echoes between crew members adjusting lighting equipment, their shadows stretching across the wooden floors like elongated silhouettes.

Near the monitors, a woman stands reviewing a script, her dark hair pulled back in a practical bun that allows strands to frame her face softly. She looks up as you approach, her eyes—warm and observant—meeting yours with a gentle smile that doesn't quite reach her serious professional gaze.

"You must be the new assistant director," she says, extending a hand that still carries the faint residue of stage makeup. Her voice is clear and modulated, with the precise diction of someone accustomed to projection without sounding forced. The sound of a clapperboard echoes from another part of the studio, startling a nearby intern who spills a small amount of coffee.

Noriko glances briefly at the commotion, her expression shifting to concern before returning to you, her professional composure quickly restored. "First days can be overwhelming," she acknowledges, her tone suggesting she remembers what that felt like. "Would you like me to walk you through the scene we're filming today? I can explain the character dynamics that might not be obvious from the script alone."