Chapter 204: Where Did The Eight Parts of Dragon Go to Huadong?

Chapter 204: Where Did The Eight Parts of Dragon Go to Huadong?

In September, filming for Mercury City officially began. The futuristic underwater city was reconstructed anew, with extensive use of green screen effects. The actors were divided into three groups. Some had to attach real fish gills to their collarbones for authenticity, requiring them to endure the fishy smell during filming. Others had to be waxed before shooting underwater, enduring the discomfort.

There were numerous diving scenes, causing even the cinematographer's skin to wrinkle from frequent immersion.

As for Tang Fei, who played a regular human, she had to encase herself in a specially-made glass sphere in the scorching September heat. In post-production, the glass sphere would be transformed into an underwater air bubble effect. It was cumbersome and suffocating, and after each scene, everyone had to drink copiously to replenish their fluids, as well as consume sugar-salt water to balance their electrolytes and boost their energy.

Each actor would be drenched in their own sweat multiple times a day.

Underwater filming was particularly challenging. Rescue personnel stood by at all times, ready to respond in the vast, 300-square-meter pool that was six meters deep, designed specifically for grand aquatic scenes.

Chen Ye paid meticulous attention to detail, demanding that every actor, including extras, meet his standards. Occasionally, he would alter the shooting angle to find inspiration for the visuals, requiring the actors to reshoot repeatedly.

"Look up about ten degrees when you blink, Tang Fei, so the camera captures the helplessness in your eyes clearly."

"Tang Fei, wait thirty seconds before blinking again. Count silently, then do three more takes. Use three different emotions while blinking this time – think of them yourself."

"The extras' positioning is incorrect; the seaweed in the shot is being blocked."

"Sheng Xiaogong, what are you doing? I told you not to pay attention to the audience during your speech. You're supposed to be a madman absorbed only in yourself. Why are you looking down when the audience leaves?"

Despite being a 38-year-old award-winning actor, Sheng Xiaogong was ruthlessly criticized by Chen Ye. Tang Fei, on the other hand, had discussed her interpretation of the character with Chen Ye, and they shared similar views. Hence, only minor adjustments were needed. Sheng Xiaogong's ideas were quite different from Chen Ye's, and neither was willing to compromise.

"Director, I believe his madness is merely a facade. The character uses it as a disguise to hide his true self. He cares deeply about whether others acknowledge his theories.

That's why he shows an incredible affection towards the female lead after she appears."

Though not exceptionally striking, Sheng Xiaogong had a versatile appearance suitable for various roles - charming, disheveled, warm, or cold. He was a rare leading man in the film industry.

Chen Ye threw down the script in frustration. "Why would your character care if these cats and dogs listen to him? You should believe that you're a genius, an arrogant and proud person. You'd only give the female lead a second glance if she agrees with your views. If others don't listen, you'd think they're blind."

"That goes against the script's theme. My character should treat everyone equally. If he looks down on others, how is he any different from those so-called elites?"

"There is no difference. Have you understood the script? Who told you about treating everyone equally? Is that the theme? Is Mercury City about a utopian overthrow of the old society? Our film isn't about creating dreams; it's about telling people that they're all the same! The rulers you look down on are no different from you. When those in power become oppressed, they are also the same."

Chen Ye waved his hand, "That's it for today. Take a break, Sheng Xiaogong, come with me. We'll discuss this further before resuming the shoot. The rest of you, go back and rest."

Chen Ye had a notorious temper. Tang Fei acknowledged that both the director and Sheng Xiaogong had valid points. This character could indeed be interpreted in different ways, and both interpretations were crucial to the significance of the work.

It all boiled down to who could convince whom.

The growth and transformation of the female lead were more apparent on the surface, whereas the complexity of the male lead's inner world was deeper.

For a role like the male lead, Chen Ye had chosen the more formidable Sheng Xiaogong. As for the female lead, whose portrayal was slightly less profound, he wasn't concerned about Tang Fei's ability to execute it well.

Even after the shoot, he realized that Tang Fei was capable of handling more complex roles, so he made slight modifications to the script, allowing the female lead's character to be portrayed in a more intricate and multidimensional way.

For instance, when faced with the dilemma between love and her ideal of leading the underprivileged to build a terrestrial kingdom, she no longer gave up her love so effortlessly.

Her inner turmoil, confusion, and eventual mental upheaval and transformation were depicted in greater depth.

He Zhou brought Tang Fei a glass of iced water. She looked as if she had just been pulled out of the water, drenched in sweat. Drinking while listening to He Zhou, she remained much quieter than usual.

"Big Sis, you've blown up again in the Soul Power Frenzy. You were on screen for less than twenty minutes in the first ten episodes, but people have cut your scenes out and they're getting almost as many views as the actual episodes."

Tang Fei, who should have been overjoyed, merely let out an "oh," her heart feeling heavy.

"Big Sister, the filming in Mercury City went smoothly. Why aren't you happy?"

Drinking water, Tang Fei smiled, but there were some things she couldn't share with others. If she told He Zhou that his sister was long gone, he would likely find it hard to accept.

Tang Fei's family was truly wonderful. So much so that when she thought of her parents and siblings in another world, her sadness wasn't as overwhelming.

"A Zhou, if I were to disappear one day, would you be very sad?"

"Hmph, hmpf! Cousin, what are you talking about? Spit it out, do you know the saying 'may you live to a ripe old age'? Big Sister, is something wrong? Want to talk about it? Did Zhou Weichuan that bastard bully you again? I'll teach him a lesson."

"You're thinking too much. It's just that I had a sudden realization, and my heart feels uneasy, like accidents can happen at any moment. Life is unpredictable, after all."

"Well, deal with it if and when it happens. Don't think about it if it hasn't! Big Sister, it's a holiday today. Let's relax. How about we check out the rough cut of 'The Heaven Dragon Eight Parts'? Six Dao Immortal Melody is still taunting us on our messages. I saw the finished product, and it's incredibly engaging.

That's your hard work, Big Sister. After the 'Spiritual Frenzy' finishes airing, it'll be on Huadong Satellite TV."

"Is the soundtrack done?" Tang Fei perked up slightly. It was futile to dwell on the system matter. She couldn't delve into it right now, so she decided to avoid using it for the time being.

"It's done, they're editing the trailer already."

"Great, let's watch 'Tianlong Babu.' Any news on 'Six Realms Immortal Melody'?"

"It's finished production. We're just waiting for scheduling. They'll head to Xiangnan TV to compete against Huadong."

"Why didn't 'Tianlong Babu' go to Xiangnan?"

Xiangnan TV is much more receptive to period dramas than Huadong. 'Six Realms Immortal Melody' would have had a significant advantage there, whereas 'Tianlong Babu' might struggle against Huadong.

"Sis, your senior sister's husband didn't win the position of vice director within the station. Nie Xiangyin played some tricks."

"Well then, let's see whose drama truly shines. The platform is just part of the support; ultimately, it comes down to the quality of the show itself."