In the summer of 2014, Hou Hongliang, the producer of Noon Sunshine , received a call:
"Teacher Hou, I accepted the role of Mei Changsu. Maybe I am not the best actor, but I must be a phoenix reborn from the ashes. Representative, from this point of view, Mei Changsu and I met very late...."
The person on the other end of the phone was none other than the actor Hu Ge.
If you want to talk about the rebirth of the phoenix, Hu Ge definitely has the right to say it. Everyone must know the reason.
But behind the filming of "Langya Bang", I never expected that such a story would happen, which makes people have to sigh: classics are by no means accidental.
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In 2015, the costumed Machiavellian drama "Langya Bang" turned out to be the second best drama in the Chinese drama rankings, with an average score of 9.4 on Douban. Noon Sunshine has also established the industry reputation of " produced at noon, must be high-quality " with this drama.
The success of a TV series is the result of a perfect combination of many aspects. "Nirvana in Fire" is a textbook-level success story.
"Nirvana in Fire" is a novel of the same name written by the female writer Haiyan in 2007. It has attracted countless book fans on the Internet. It is an out-and-out big IP. It was well-known before it was made into a TV series.
For such a popular IP that became popular before filming, major film and television companies are interested in acquiring it, including director Yu Zheng, who is famous for his ancient puppet dramas.
However, the loyal fans of "Langya Bang" shied away from the enthusiasm of "Yu Ma" and did not dare to accept it. In order not to let the copyright be entrusted to others, book fans decided to find a "beloved" for "Langya Bang" themselves.
Producer Hou Hongliang is that "beloved man".
Hou Hongliang has deep feelings for his family and country, and has always attached great importance to the quality of his works. His past works are all excellent productions with meticulous workmanship.
A very motivated book fan immediately recommended @houhongliang to recommend "Nirvana in Fire", hoping that he would buy the copyright.
Initially, Hou Hongliang was not too interested in such a costume drama with an imaginary historical background.
But after reading the original work, the slap in the face came too quickly. He was so fascinated that he flew to Chengdu overnight to negotiate with the author for copyright.
Therefore, it also corresponds to the old saying: A good girl does not have to worry about getting married, and her husband will come . The good "marriage" between "Nirvana in Fire" and Zhongwu was determined from then on.
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The next step is the most critical part of casting.
Hou Hongliang said: "Casting is a technical job. If the actors are suitable, a drama will be more than half successful."
The male protagonist in the dramaMei Changsu is a unicorn talented man. He is burdened with family hatred and bathing. He is reborn from the fire, has a weak body, and is extremely intelligent, but he has to fight wits against traitors, clear up wrongs, and support the new king. He has both righteousness and warmth, and the characters are three-dimensional and full of emotions. The role of
is very difficult to play well, and the requirements for actors are particularly high. It can be said that the selection of Mei Changsu determines the success or failure of "Nirvana in Fire".
In Hou Hongliang's eyes, there are only two actors who can play Mei Changsu: Huang Xiaoming and Hu Ge.
Huang Xiaoming resigned due to schedule, while Hu Ge simply refused to act.
As for Hu Ge, he became famous for filming the costume drama "The Legend of Sword and Fairy " and was called the "little prince in costume" by the audience. However, because of this, the audience's impression of him is limited to "costume cream". Xiaosheng".
Hu Ge, who has high demands on himself, feels that what he needs is more non-homogeneous roles and works to break through himself.
Hu Ge refused to perform. Hou Hongliang had no choice but Hu Ge's fans "Pepper".
Netizen "Xingyun Tianbian" who is both a Pepper and a book fan sent the original work of "Nirvana in Fire" to Hu Ge to read. Netizen Yang Qian simply wrote a 20-page synopsis of the story for Hu Ge and sent it to the set. Pepper also produced A film and television video of Hu Ge was posted to the entire Internet to solicit opinions from book fans.
These efforts were not in vain. After deeply understanding the original work, Hu Ge saw his own shadow in Mei Changsu over the years: becoming famous as a young man, wearing bright clothes and angry horses, encountering disasters suddenly, and falling into the dust.
The difference is that Mei Changsu has been reborn from nirvana, while Hu Ge is still waiting in the fire.
Hu Ge found a compatibility and resonance with Mei Changsu. He hoped that he could get more from Mei Changsu, and he believed that he would also give Mei Changsu more.
Later facts proved that Hu Ge made the right decision.
Hu Ge experienced the pleasure of entering the character in the midst of creative depression. His interpretation of Mei Changsu was precise and remarkable.
For his wonderful performance as Mei Changsu, Hu Ge won the Magnolia Award for Best Actor, Golden Eagle Award Audience Favorite Actor and other important awards.
Regarding this, he said: "I just turned around and let the audience see the other side of me."
Hu Ge's role as Mei Changsu was almost expected by everyone, Wang Kai's performance as Prince Jing Jamel Xiao Very different.
Before Wang Kai signed the contract, his most well-known role was Chen Jiaming, a feminine urban male white-collar worker who often raised his orchid fingers and had an enchanting posture.
Although Wang Kai's character image has changed greatly in "All Quiet in Peking", Chen Jiaming is too deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. If he wants to tear off this label, Wang Kai needs a more influential role.
"Nirvana in Fire" also gave Wang Kai the opportunity to "turn around". It's just that when the actors were first announced, fans of the book didn't accept it.
In the hearts of book fans, King Jing Xiao Jingyan is forbearing and calm, mature and calm, has feelings for his family and country, and has great friendship with his colleagues. How can he be played by a "feminine" actor?
Despite the strong opposition from book fans, Hou Hongliang continued to support Wang Kai as always. In his eyes, Wang Kai is a very serious and down-to-earth actor who knows exactly what he needs.
For this reason, Hou Hongliang chose Wang Kai with his professional vision and judgment, and he believed in his decision.
A thousand-mile horse also needs Bole to get ahead.
Wang Kai was grateful for Hou Hongliang's recognition. He was also obsessed with the charisma of Prince Jing Xiao Jingyan. When reading the script, Wang Kai shed tears many times for the brotherhood between Prince Jing and Lin Shu.
The ascetic King Jing, who has an upright and clean appearance and is indifferent to men and women, and Wang Kai are very compatible with each other. With careful consideration of the roles, the "newcomer" Wang Kai, who has been debuting for 9 years, finally became famous in one fell swoop with King Jing.
The book fans who were severely "slapped in the face" did not hold grudges. They turned around and became "Princess Jing" who competed for the position. This shows how successful Wang Kai's portrayal of Prince Jing Xiao Jingyan was.
In the original work, the "beautiful young man" Xiao Feiliu next to Mei Changsu is mentally retarded, kind-hearted, strong in martial arts, ruthless and not very talkative. He is the most loyal guardian of Brother Su.
For such a character with many appearances, few lines, and important roles, book fans have also worked hard.
They screened a large number of actor information and selected Wu Lei who had the right image, age, temperament and even schedule. They sent stills of Wu Lei with similar characters to Hou Hongliang.
Under the strong recommendation of book fans, Wu Lei entered "Nirvana in Fire" to replace the original actors who had already joined the cast, creating the most popular "silly kid" Xiao Feiliu.
In the male drama "Nirvana in Fire", the heroine Princess Nihuang almost blooms alone. Who will play this role, which is the only one with a love interest in the male lead Mei Changsu, so that it will not steal the main role, but also be touching and beautiful?
Hou Hongliang considered several candidates for Nihuang, but still couldn't decide.
At this time, actress Liu Tao came to the group to audition. She wanted to play the role of Concubine Jing, the gentle and intelligent mother of Prince Jing.
Hou Hongliang saw the appearance of Nihuang in Liu Tao. After some exchanges, Liu Tao became Nihuang, and Jing Fei was played by Liu Mintao, who was closer in age and temperament.
I have to say that professional work still needs to be done by professionals. Hou Hongliang's vision in casting is outstanding, and Liu Tao, the character he selected, played the role of Nihuang to perfection.
Liu Tao not only performed Nihuang's capable, free and heroic appearance when he was on his own, but also performed his unwavering love for Lin Shu's brother until death.
Princess Nihuang is definitely worthy of Mei Changsu.
A good work must be a group portrait work, not just the success of one or two characters.
In addition to young actors with both good looks and acting skills, "Nirvana in Fire" also has veteran actors who dominate the scene: Ding Yongdai, who plays the emperor, Wang Jinsong, who plays Yanhou Ye, and Ning Guohou, who plays Ning Guohou. Liu Yijun ...
is either a diamond-level supporting role, or the chief representative of the uncle circle. Regardless of the priority of the role, they are all heavyweight actors.
With such a luxurious cast, it may be difficult for "Nirvana in Fire" to succeed.
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In addition to the professional vision in selecting actors, Hou Hongliang and the directors also have high-precision professional requirements for other production links.
The background of the story in the original work is based on fictional history, but in the TV series, the costumes of the actors must have specific historical basis. To this end, the costume teacher of the crew studied a large number of ancient books and finally decided to make the costumes in accordance with the etiquette of the Western Han Dynasty.
So the "Nirvana in Fire" we saw later was different from other costume dramas. The costumes were not random in red and green, but in plain and simple colors, with sophisticated accessories.
In the play, the character's rank and status can be seen at a glance from the hats and ribbons worn by the characters. Even the details such as wearing the jade belt in front of the body instead of behind the body are strictly based on ancient records.
In order to avoid making jokes in the etiquette aspect of costume dramas, which is the most error-prone, the director team specially invited domestic professional court etiquette teams to provide training for the actors.
The most famous etiquette expert in the industry, "Mr. Wen " Zhang Xiaolong , specially sent his protégé Li Bin to the team to provide guidance anytime and anywhere. From small things like saluting and sitting postures to big things like national ceremonies, there is no room for ambiguity.
In terms of other details, the production team of "Nirvana in Fire" also "pays every penny" and takes everything seriously.
For example, when Xiao Feiliu chews an apple, the director has to demonstrate it personally, and there are requirements for the direction and size of the bite.
The small wooden signs representing the six parts in the play are props . The colors of the words on them are different, and the hidden meanings and endings are also very particular.
Also, Prince Jing’s walking pace was different at the wedding, during the palace performance, and at ordinary times. The difference between the handwriting of Mei Changsu and Lin Shu corresponding to their different identities is also clear at a glance.
When filming the scene of King Yu's rebellion, in order to pursue the effect of the number of people reduced from 50,000 to 3,000, a 20-minute scene was filmed by the director for 7 days.
There are also many clever tricks in the deep meaning of the play. Craftsmanship, for example, the brazier is a metaphor for the red flame army , and Mei Changsu's constant presence with the brazier reflects his attachment to his past experiences.
and so on, the list goes on and on.
The filming of the TV series has been completed, and the post-production is also meticulous. dubbing was completed by inviting industry celebrities.
Li Lihong, the dubbing teacher of Liang Di, is the Taishan Beidou in the Chinese dubbing industry. Baomu Zhongyang, the dubbing king of Yu, is well known for his masterpiece "One Hundred Thousand Cold Jokes Series". Feiliu is the dubbing teacher. Zebra has been Wu Lei's collaborator in the previous work "The Legend of the Condor Heroes".
and Zhang Lei, who dubbed Qi Min, Vice Commander Zhu, and Zhen Ping, once again demonstrated his superb professional level of "sound separation".
The only ones who did not have post-dubbing were Mei Changsu and King Jing. Some netizens left a message asking if the crew did not have money to hire a dubbing celebrity?
This is a joke. The reason is of course that Hu Ge and Wang Kai’s lines and voices are comparable to professional voice actors. They are saving money for the crew.
Hu Ge and Wang Kai save money for the crew in more than just dubbing. There are many beautiful melodic interludes throughout the TV series, all composed by them.
"When the Wind Rises" was sung by Hu, "Sticking Blood" was sung by Wang Kai, and " Beauty Old " was sung by Liu Tao. The production of these songs did not cost the crew any money.
The actors' professional singing added a lot to the TV series, and also increased Wang Kai and Liu Tao's singing confidence. The two later participated in the variety show " Crossover Singer " and won the championship of the third season and the first season respectively.
If the two kings of singers talked about their singing experience, it is estimated that their experience in "Nirvana in Fire" would be indispensable.
The crew of "Nirvana in Fire" is a very budget-conscious crew. No matter how much money you have to spend, you will still be willing to save it. No matter how little money you can save, you will still save it.
The strongest supporting team in the history of domestic TV drama production is "Nirvana in Fire". The only one that can be compared with it is probably the 1987 version of "A Dream of Red Mansions" 35 years ago.
html Although the crew of the 187 version of "Dream of Red Mansions" also has numerous guest roles, it is not yet powerful enough to have major directors like "Nirvana in Fire" appear together..
The main supporting role in the play Li Gang is guest-starred by deputy director Wang Hong, and the performance is spot-on and emotionally real;
Zhen Ping is guest-starred by executive director Zhao Yilong. His movements are neat and beautiful, and he can be called a "fighter";
Tong Lu's casting Director Wei Wei makes a guest appearance. This director has arranged a large number of emotional scenes for himself, and is obviously suspected of "using public opinion for personal gain".
Not only the assistant directors came together, but also the director Kong Sheng was not to be left behind. Director Kong found himself the role of a minister, with almost no shots, just a pure human background.
Director Kong, who has directed nearly 400 works and won the Magnolia Best Director Award, is so addicted to acting that he must appear in his works in person? It is said that no one at the scene could stop him.
What deserves special mention is that the actor and executive director of the villain Xia Jiang, teacher Wang Yongquan, not only played the role vividly, but also invited his wife to guest star as Xia Jiang's married wife.
By the way, Teacher Wang’s son also plays a guest role in the drama. Can anyone who has watched the drama find it out?
People said that there are no supporting roles in "Nirvana in Fire". They are not only talking about the directors teaming up as walk-ons, but also because the acting skills of these walk-on directors are extremely good.
Only with competition can there be motivation. Directors are rushing to steal the actors' jobs, so the actors naturally have to work hard to perform well.
This is probably an important reason why the director teamed up to make guest appearances. Facing these scheming boys, what we especially want to know is Hu Ge and Wang Kai, who are often "kneeled" by the director in the film. Are you "under a lot of pressure"?
The director's "scheming" is also everywhere in the filming. In one scene, Mei Changsu had a long line of dialogue, which was difficult to pronounce and difficult to remember, and it was very easy to make mistakes.
Director Kong asserted that Hu Ge would definitely not be able to get away with it. The young and energetic Hu Ge accepted the challenge and made a bet with the director to lose 100 yuan at a time.
Director Kong originally planned to take at least 20 shots to pass this shot, but he didn’t expect that after only six NG shots, he got the shot that he was satisfied with and earned Hu Ge 600 yuan. He was very happy.
But this made Hu Ge put higher demands on himself, not because he lost 600 yuan, but because he felt that he should pass by one step.
Perhaps, it is because of the director's "careful" approach to every detail in his work that "Nirvana in Fire" can be presented to the audience with an almost perfect performance and become an enduring classic drama.
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is almost perfect, but there are still imperfections. It is rare for picky viewers to pick out a few imperfections in the 54-episode drama.
One imperfection is the casting of Ning Guo Hou ShiziXie Bi. Her father is the handsome middle-aged uncle Xie Yu from Zhilan Yushu, her mother is the beautiful and elegant middle-aged Princess Liyang, and her sister is the classical beauty Xie Qi.
Looking at Xie Bi’s appearance, one can’t help but wonder if the prince was adopted?
The second imperfection is the casting of Qi Wang Posthumous Son Tingsheng. The original work says that Tingsheng is handsome, has a good temperament, and is not humble. However, in the play, among the three children selected by Mei Changsu from Ye Youting, the two on the left and right are obviously more like Wang Sun.
The audience just wants to ask: Did you see the wrong person, Qilin Talent? Or do you have bad eyesight?
The third imperfection is Lin Chen. By the way, where did the elegant, suave and unrestrained young master of Langya Pavilion in the original work go? This young master is obviously QQ Penguin who went to the wrong set!
However, there is no pure gold, and these shortcomings will ultimately outweigh the flaws. The artistic achievements of "Nirvana in Fire" are obvious to all and have received rave reviews.
Compared with the ups and downs of depression and tension in the drama, the behind-the-scenes of the "Nirvana in Fire" crew is really "happy good times", and the primary school students headed by "middle two" young people Hu Ge and Wang Kai are all laughing. Continuous and joyful.
Not much to say, just look at the pictures. A friendly reminder not to eat or drink while looking at the pictures, otherwise someone on the opposite side may come to settle a score with you.
Who doesn’t have a little princess living in his heart?
Nihuang, why don’t you save me? Am I no longer your brother Lin Shu?
Hey, you three, watch your manners! Mei Changsu, what about you, put your skirt down!
Hello everyone, I am Mei Changsu, the spokesperson of New Balance.
While her brother Lin Shu was away as spokesperson, she quickly bullied the princess.
I want to see what you have taken?
Concubine Jing: Your Majesty, you cannot stop taking the medicine!
I am a little Feiliu who is highly skilled in martial arts. Why is riding a lion so difficult? !
Mei Changsu: When we were taking pictures in winter, they all envied me holding the heater, and when summer came, they even asked me to hold the heater! Nihuang, brother is so hot!
Look at me Jiangzuo League leader and Qilin Talent’s new method——Orchid Finger.
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"Nirvana in Fire" has become the focus of heated discussions among viewers since it was aired. Its reputation and ratings have remained popular all the way.
In the market of hundreds of costume dramas in China every year, "Nirvana in Fire" has carved its own unique path to success with its exquisite, meticulous and sophisticated production, and has reached the throne of costume dramas.
A good film and television work will still shine and impress the audience after dozens or hundreds of years. There is no doubt that "Nirvana in Fire" is such a classic that can withstand the polishing of time.
"The bright eyes in my heart cannot be concealed by the green mountains; the picturesque mountains and rivers are the words of my heart. There is no beacon smoke on the way home; a stroke of fate will make a difference in the hearts of future generations. "
-END-
Author | Xiaokun
Editor | Xiang Wan Late
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