Director’s advice: Zhao Wei and Liu Ye to cut down on late nights and drinking respectively
Entertainment Report No. 228
25 Jun 2008
Zhao Wei said that amongst the many male co-stars, Liu Ye’s looks are most compatible with hers. Hence, for this pair of good friends, it was an enjoyable acting along one another for the first time in [A Woman’s Epic Poem], a television serial adapted from Yan Geling’s novel, which was about a lovelorn lady chasing after an artistic man. Last Thursday, our reporter went to Anhui Wuhu to visit the filming site, to witness firsthand, the chemistry amongst the two big-eyed artistes.
Picture: [A Woman’s Epic Poem]: Zhao Wei enacting a happy-go-lucky lovelorn lady in love with Liu Ye.
Youngster trained in martial arts volunteering to protect his idol
As everyone knows, Zhao Wei’s hometown is here at Anhui Wuhu. Hence, she received special treatment in her homecoming to act in the television serial. The crew was filming a scene last Thursday afternnon, in which a middle-aged Tian Sufei (Zhao Wei’s character) was sending her daughter off to the army. The filming happened during the period when students had finished school. As a result, several students carrying backpacks crowded around the filming site. Those who were shy remained at the site, staring and pointing at the artistes, while those who were more passionate tore off pages from their textbooks to ask for Zhao Wei’s autograph. A muscular youth dressed in a tight black T-shirt stood up to maintain order amongst the students, disallowing reporters or fans to take photographs. He was also seen fanning Zhao Wei during filming breaks.
At first, we thought that he was Zhao Wei’s bodyguard. Later, we learned from the crew that he was also Zhao Wei’s fan trained in martial arts, and had volunteered to help at the production site to protect his idol from harm. In the following two days, we also saw many fans of all ages approaching Zhao Wei. The lady boss of the hotel, which was used as a filming site, was also seen saying to Zhao Wei, “Your parents frequently came here for meals…” She also requested Zhao Wei to sign on a picture in her office.
Zhao Wei, who is currently studying Masters in Directing, also had a chance to practice her new skills. Director Xia Gang revealed that she would often discuss on her acting, and when she had no scenes, Zhao Wei would help in advising other artistes, or to direct the work at the site. Director Xia had no qualms about her actions, as it allowed him to concentrate on other matters, and Zhao Wei was indeed doing a good job. One can say that Zhao Wei is an integral part of the production. In fact, author Yen Geling had stated that Zhao Wei must be acting the role of ‘Tian Sufei’. Being the ‘home heroine’, Zhao Wei also enjoyed the fans’ passion as well as the respect and love of the director and production crew. This “little swallow” is easily the ‘Big Sister’ in this production.
Director discloses Liu Ye’s fondness of an occasional drink
It was reported in the media previously that Liu Ye likes to drink. However, director Xia Gang had a different view. He said that Liu Ye and Zhao Wei are both outstanding artistes who did not require make-up to convince the audience of the age of their characters. Still, he had some words of advice to his main leads. “I frequently told Zhao Wei, that she should not always go out at night for events. Having an active nightlife is not good for the body. Maintaining a good body will also prolong an artiste shelf life. As for Liu Ye, he really does like an occasional drink. I also advised him to cut down on drinks. But so far, we did not have any drink-related incidents at the production site.”
When Liu Ye heard the director’s comments, he felt a little embarrassed, and replied, “Ok, I’ll quit the drinking habit!” Zhao Wei then went to the aid of Liu Ye, saying that his drinking tolerance level was only average, and would be drunk by the second drink. He was only more daring in drinking. In any case, the filming schedule has been hectic, and they have not been out clubbing for sometime.
Picture: [A Woman’s Epic Poem]: Zhao Wei has been acting to her heart’s content, starring in several recital roles such as Xi-er, Li Shuang Shuang, Sifeng, etc.
Zhao Wei: Men would hurt women
Nanjing Weekly: N
Zhao Wei: Z
N: After Ouyang (Liu Ye’s character in A Woman’s Epic Poem) fell in love with another woman, your character Tian Sufei also entangled with other man, such as the colleagues at the recital, and the character enacted by Sun Haiying.
Z: Not really, the relationship between Tian and the other men were only a little tense, and all awkwardness disappeared once Tian saw Ouyang. In Tian’s heart, none of the other men could be compared with Ouyang.
N: I guess every woman would encounter their special someone in love, but what kind of woman should be considered as “epic”?
Z: I feel that Tian Sufei can be considered as an epic and special woman because she has really encountered and experienced a lot. She is very dogged in love and very intense. I feel that in real life, every woman would meet someone like Ouyang and be hurt, but I don’t think I can do what Tian Sufei did for him.
Translated by 小妹子
