OBS Chapter 92 of "Nirvana in Fire" is finished filming.
Chapter 92 of "Nirvana in Fire" is finished filming.
Guo Fan's voice was like a key, instantly unlocking the floodgates of emotions that had been building up in the square for months.
"Oh—!! Filming wrapped up!!"
"Thank you for your hard work!!"
"Finally finished filming!"
A huge cheer swept in like a tidal wave, instantly drowning out the solemn and tragic atmosphere that had just been there.
The lighting technician turned off the glaring main light, the staff high-fived and hugged each other, and the actors wore relieved smiles.
The "army" that was just moments ago at loggerheads is now swaying back and forth, arms around each other, laughing and joking around.
Zheng Peng remained in the same position, sword sheathed, his ears ringing.
The illusion of "controlling life and death" from that scene hadn't completely faded when I was jolted awake by this sudden sound of joy.
Just moments ago, both sides were filled with murderous intent, but now they were all laughing and joking. The dignified "generals" were chatting and laughing as they walked down from the platform... Everything changed so quickly that he felt a little dizzy.
"Hey, you there, the one playing the soldier!"
A man wearing a vest and with a loud voice walked over.
"What are you standing there for? The filming is over, give me the props, I need to check and put them away."
Zheng Peng then seemed to wake up from a dream, quickly said "Oh, oh" twice, and hurriedly handed back the prop sword with both hands.
The moment of handover, the cold touch of metal on his fingertips took away the last trace of his illusion lingering in the play.
The man took the sword, casually inspected it, then turned and walked to the corner where the equipment was piled up. He chatted and laughed loudly with his companion as he counted the items, without giving Zheng Peng another glance.
Zheng Peng stood there, looking at his empty hands, and then at the noisy crowd around him, which seemed to have nothing to do with him.
The feeling of suddenly falling from the clouds came over me with crystal clarity.
Filming has wrapped.
The filming is finished.
The focus of attention just now, that feat of "slaying the emperor with his own hands"... it was all just a play. It was just a footnote in someone else's story, a story without even a name.
Tomorrow when the sun rises, all traces here will be cleaned up, and the Imperial City Square will welcome the next film crew.
And he, Zheng Peng, had to once again carry that woven bag printed with faded peonies, squeeze into the entrance of the Hengdian Actors Guild, and look up at the fierce competition for a minor role that might only allow him to show half his face or have one line.
In the end, he was just an extra.
As usual, he silently turned around, intending to leave the set quietly.
At least, the pay for today's scene is much higher than that of a regular extra.
"Hey! You over there! The soldier acting out the emperor's assassination! Wait a minute!"
Just as he was about to leave the filming area, a voice called out to him.
Zheng Peng turned around and saw Assistant Director Sun, who was in charge of coordinating the extras and some on-site affairs. He was known for his strictness in the crew, but was considered fair.
"Director Sun, you wanted to see me?" Zheng Peng's heart skipped a beat, but he was also a little expectant.
Assistant Director Sun walked over, looked him up and down as if to make sure he hadn't gotten the wrong person, took out a business card from his pocket, and handed it over.
"Here you go." Assistant Director Sun gestured for him to take it. "Just before we wrapped up, Director Guo specifically mentioned to me that you did a good job with your last shot today. In Hengdian, there aren't many extras who can act convincingly without being stage-frightened."
Zheng Peng's heart skipped a beat, and he took the business card with both hands.
This wasn't some elaborately designed personal business card; it was just an ordinary business card with "Hengdian World Studios Actors Guild" printed on the back and a name and phone number written in ballpoint pen on the front.
Assistant Director Sun explained, "This Zhao Kun is a fairly reliable group leader in Hengdian. He's worked on many large productions, has a wide network, and often has opportunities for small extras with lines, supporting actors, or stuntmen who need some acting skills. Go find him and mention Director Guo's name."
Zheng Peng gripped the simple yet incredibly precious business card tightly, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.
"Thank you... thank you Director Guo! Thank you Director Sun! I... I will definitely do my best!"
"Okay, pack it up. The road ahead is long, so do your best." Assistant Director Sun patted him on the shoulder, said nothing more, and turned to get back to the busy work of wrapping up.
Zheng Peng carefully placed the business card into the innermost compartment of his wallet, along with his ID card.
Then, he looked back at the center of the crowd.
Guo Fan was talking to a few people, seemingly completely unaware of the little incident that was happening here.
But Zheng Peng knew that his all-out thrust today had actually pierced something.
The clamor of wrapping up filming gradually turned into the noise of dismantling props.
As night drew to a close and dawn approached, Zheng Peng took one last look at this "palace" that was about to become a memory, and strode out.
......
In the "Palace" square, the lights went out one by one, leaving only a few work lights to illuminate the finishing path, like the faint light left after a grand dream has ended.
"Congratulations, Brother Fan, filming has wrapped up."
Guo Fan was squatting on the ground, carefully sealing the last few reels of footage labeled with the final scenes from "Nirvana in Fire" into a box.
He stood up, walked up to Qi Yue, said nothing, and simply bumped shoulders with Qi Yue.
There were no extra words, nor were they necessary. Only Qi Yue truly understood the immense pressure Guo Fan had endured during the months he was in charge of directing "Nirvana in Fire."
"The Long March... we've finally taken the first step." Guo Fan let out a long breath. "Whether it succeeds or not depends on the post-production and the broadcast."
"Brother Fan, good luck is coming."
This is not flattery. Guo Fan may not be the kind of director who is exceptionally talented and can achieve success overnight, but he is a diligent craftsman. With extensive preparation, meticulous planning, and an almost obsessive attention to detail, he builds his cinematic world brick by brick.
Guo Fan smiled, a smile of relief in it. He looked at Qi Yue, his eyes serious.
"Actually, I'm the one who should be thanking you the most. Qi Yue, without your support and encouragement to let me direct, this film wouldn't have turned out like this."
He knew that Qi Yue was not only the male lead, but also the "pillar of stability" of the film. From the initial script direction to the casting of key actors, to the decisive decisions made when filming encountered major difficulties, and even the intangible influence on the overall tone of the project, Qi Yue's role was irreplaceable.
Qi Yue shook his head, not responding to that question. "When does post-production start? You'll be overseeing the editing yourself?"
"Okay, I'll rest for two days and then go to the editing room. I'll have to do the editing myself."
"We've already coordinated with the special effects, voice-over, and music teams. Time is tight, but we hope to make it in time for the summer season."
"Just say so if you need help."
"I know, I won't stand on ceremony with you."
The two stood silently for a while, watching the workers dismantle and load the massive palace gate props onto trucks. The wind swept across the empty square, stirring up scraps of paper and dust from the ground.
"Let's go," Qi Yue turned around, "Everyone's waiting, let's go get a drink."
Guo Fan followed his steps, a slight smile of relief finally appearing on his tired face:
"Okay, let's not talk about work tonight, just drink!"
"Nobody would believe you."