Chapter 143: The So-Called 'Loving Soldiers Like One's Own Children' Part 100

According to Wu Xiang's filming habits, he usually doesn't start with large-scale scenes because they are costly, and when the team hasn't yet gelled, jumping straight into such scenes risks accidents.

But this scene was different. It was quite safe, and besides, it was a great scene—one that didn’t exist in the original novel.

Indeed, the book didn't have anything about the Sakata Regiment or this character. Yet, this scene was remarkably vivid. Right from the start, it sharply highlighted the characters' personalities. The shots were few, the dialogue brisk, and some corporate trainers even say this scene alone could reveal what a company—or even a military unit—should be like.

Another point: this scene involved a charge, a battle. Although many actors were soldiers, it was a peaceful era, and no one had truly experienced war. Wu Xiang hoped this scene would immerse everyone fully into a wartime mindset.

That’s also why many of the shots Wu Xiang had just filmed weren’t taken separately but as continuous sequences, somewhat following the script’s intent—to help everyone get into the state of mind sooner.

Besides, Wu Xiang was flush with cash now and had roped in many people. His actors' pay wasn’t much, so he wasn’t bothered by the extra cost.

Not only that, Wu Xiang used digital HD cameras this time. They were expensive, but cutting-edge technology. These cameras were made for filmmaking, real filmmaking—something even domestic TV dramas hadn’t indulged in to this extent.

He didn’t buy them; renting was all they could afford. The daily rental fee for one camera, including accessories, was nearly 5,000 yuan, and that was mid-range pricing—not the most expensive. Buying outright was out of reach.

Besides, technology evolves. Better equipment would come in time. For now, renting was good enough.

Wu Xiang rented two cameras as the main equipment. Their advantage was efficiency—they could edit on the spot, reducing costs since no film stock was needed. Whether overall it was cheaper or costlier would only be clear after shooting finished.

From the start, Wu Xiang had a plan for this TV drama: to revisit his old feelings, relive past dreams, and at the same time experiment with new technology. Although he was reborn and had seen this equipment before, he hadn’t operated it himself, only helped design camera angles. This opportunity was rare.

The happiest was Ning Hao. The digital camera was clearly the future trend. Mu Deyuan, a teacher at the Film Academy’s Cinematography Department, had already begun teaching about this, mainly analyzing foreign film examples. Actual hands-on experience with such equipment in China was limited but bound to grow.

So, Ning Hao was thrilled when Wu Xiang said they’d use these cameras. He was eager to shoot with Wu Xiang. However, Wu Xiang had specific demands for cinematography—it had to lean toward cold tones because cold hues enhanced the battlefield’s atmosphere—that icy, grim aura that matched the plot’s needs. This narrowed Ning Hao’s creative space a bit, but it was still a rare opportunity to work with such equipment.

Though new technology, these cameras were Sony products. In that sense, the gap between us and foreign countries remained wide, and for a long time to come, foreign brands would dominate the market.

“The revolution has not yet succeeded; comrades must continue to strive!”

Today was the first day of filming for the "Bright Sword" crew, mainly shooting the battle scenes in episode one from the Eighth Route Army’s perspective.

Because Wu Xiang was uncharacteristically serious, the set had been prepared in advance. While setting it up, Wu Xiang and Hao Yi spent a long time discussing it.

“We don’t need sacks; just dig trenches. That’s more authentic. Back then, the Eighth Route Army didn’t have so many sacks. Digging is better.”

Also, the uniforms for the first scene were all brand new. Wu Xiang ordered, “Make them dirty. Roll on the ground a few times, smear some engine oil on the collars!”

“If you really have that much sweat and grime to make the collars look natural, great. If not, just add some oil.”

In any case, there were plenty of tricks for effect. Details had to be precise.

Lastly, they checked the firearms and ammunition. The prop company did well. Our production capacity was strong, and as long as no Type 56 rifles or other advanced weapons appeared, it was acceptable.

As for bullets, of course, they used blanks. Don’t underestimate blanks—they can still hurt. So, during shooting, the area ahead had to be cleared before firing.

“Episode one, scene two!”

“Action!”

“Fire! Shoot hard!”

Rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat… “You have to film the shooting scenes well for editing later.”

Wu Xiang was staging a grand scene this time—more than a thousand people firing. This was far fiercer than the old version of "Bright Sword."

There were no strict restrictions on location. After a while of shooting, everyone calmed down, then they filmed some wide shots of the battlefield—people running, carrying ammo boxes. After that, they moved on to the dramatic scenes.

“Company commander!”

“Yes!”

“Zhang Dabiao, has the division headquarters and field hospital relocated?”

“Reporting, regiment commander, all have been moved.”

“Hm…” Teacher Li Youbin nodded, then said, “Now we can really let loose and fight hard. Go, catch a live one and find out…”

“Cut!” Suddenly, Wu Xiang shouted stop!

What’s wrong? It startled everyone.

“Teacher Li, your feeling here isn’t right!” Wu Xiang jumped out to direct.

“Not right?” Teacher Li had to listen to the director.

“You’re too polite here.”

“Polite?” Teacher Li thought, I’m already harsh enough; is it not enough?

Wu Xiang grinned, “Have you ever told your own son like this? Like, ‘Go! Buy me cigarettes!’”

Teacher Li thought, actually that made sense, but was it proper? “Isn’t that a bit much? Is this how the Eighth Route Army’s superior talks to his subordinate?”

In fact, though Teacher Li was very interested in this role and had studied it extensively, he hadn’t fully entered the character’s mindset.

Li Yunlong was a bit of a rough outlaw type, a coarse man fond of cursing. Teacher Li Youbin had never portrayed such a character before. Like when he won awards for playing the chief engineer in “Soaring High,” a refined intellectual. Suddenly transforming into a rough, bandit-like figure was a challenge.

That’s human nature. Even the most seasoned actors need time.

“But,” Wu Xiang smiled boldly, “Brother Zhan, tell me, isn’t it too much for Teacher Li to say that?”

The actor playing Zhang Dabiao was naturally the original one, Zhan Weihua. His name alone carried weight, and he had already played many military roles in film and TV. Wu Xiang would never replace him.

“Not too much!” If the director said so, how could an actor object?

“Our Eighth Route Army commander—should he be like that? I think it’s fine to curse, but when dealing with subordinates and comrades, shouldn’t he be gentle as a spring breeze? Even if not warm, at least not like telling off his son,” Teacher Li delivered a memorable line.

“Teacher Li,” Wu Xiang understood the need for an adjustment period at the start, “but the style must be right. If it goes off-track, it’s over. So I must say this.” Then he laughed, “There’s an old saying: love your soldiers like your children. You treat Zhang Dabiao like your son, so you speak casually. That’s fine, think it over. Also, about this character’s image—let me tell you, no matter how our officers and troops were loyal and upright, that’s not our character’s trait. Our role needs that rascal spirit, that outlaw vibe, breaking the old ways to build new ones!”

Wu Xiang’s words were persuasive, and Teacher Li thought it over. Since the character was attractive because of his roughness, why not go all out?

“Good! Let’s do it!”

With that, everyone took their positions.

“Just this part, continue! Action!”

“Zhang Dabiao, has the division headquarters and field hospital relocated?”

“Reporting, regiment commander, all have been moved.”

“Hm… now we can finally let loose and fight hard. Go! Catch a live one and find out which unit the enemy belongs to!”

That felt good.

“The Sakata Regiment of the Fourth Division of the Japanese Army.” Zhan Weihua even smiled a little. The scene wasn’t difficult since Teacher Li’s character held authority; this line didn’t offend but showed closeness.

The scene’s strength lay here. Earlier, a Japanese officer’s dialogue failed to reveal the enemy’s unit number because they hadn’t captured a prisoner.

This highlighted an issue of execution. A unit or organization, once orders are given, must execute them. In this scene, as soon as Li Yunlong gave the order, his men had completed the task—a testament to strong execution. There was also a contrast with the enemy, making the scene compelling.

That’s why Wu Xiang preserved this segment, which was added in the old TV version. It was excellent for character development and portrayal. Why change what works?

Select the essence and discard the dross—that’s key!

“Heh heh… Sakata Regiment, why does that sound so familiar?”

“During the last sweep, the 386th Independent Brigade fought a skirmish with that Sakata Regiment…”

“...I’m fighting those elite troops. Pass my order: all bayonets fixed, prepare to attack!”

“Attack?” Zhang Dabiao looked confused. “Regiment commander, isn’t the enemy attacking?”

“Didn’t you hear the order?” Li Yunlong’s fierce gaze was like a wrathful deity. “Listen carefully! At this point, we don’t do anything else but attack!”

Zhang Dabiao took a deep breath and shouted with all his might, “All bayonets fixed! Prepare to attack!”

Powerful! Truly powerful!

Wu Xiang was extremely satisfied. Two cameras captured close-ups of the two men. When edited together, the effect would be perfect!

P.S.:

Thanks to ‘Gravel9’ for the monthly ticket—much appreciated. I’m updating this on my unauthorized platform because I saw readers voting so late into the night—really grateful. Thanks again, I’ll keep working hard!