Shang Yechu was exhausted; filming a major production was incredibly draining. And being under the scorching sun was pure torture.
Zheng Bohan walked up to Shang Yechu, his expression somewhat conflicted.
Shang Yechu immediately noticed this, "Director Zheng, do we need to reshoot?"
Zheng Bohan stared at Shang Yechu's face for a long time before finally shaking his head. "No need."
Shang Yechu only rested for ten minutes before going back on set to film another long shot.
Zheng Bohan was surprised to find that Shang Yechu's performance in the second take wasn't much worse than the first. Normally, for long-range shots, the requirements for facial expressions are much more lenient—after all, it's hard to see clearly. Yet Shang Yechu remained meticulous, solemn, her hair perfectly styled, and her demeanor dignified.
Zheng Bohan observed her walking posture for a while. Shang Yechu didn't make any unnecessary movements; she didn't twist her waist or sway her hips.
His steps were leisurely, as if he were strolling in a garden.
Moreover, Zheng Bohan also discovered that when Shang Yechu walked, the twelve tassels on her crown swayed very slightly with each step, and the swaying was almost the same with each step!
In period dramas, demeanor is a very important aspect.
Many actors in period dramas nowadays like to twirl their sleeves and robes wildly when they move, and the tassels on their hair ornaments sway like fairy wands. Although it looks like a kind of untamed and wild beauty, it is actually wrong.
True ancient people—especially those of noble birth like Emperor Pingzhao—should have been dignified in demeanor, walking with their feet concealed, as still as a pine tree, and sitting as upright as a bell. This was a habit naturally cultivated through long-term aristocratic life.
A person's walking posture can reveal a lot. There was once an emperor whose walking posture was "dragon-like and tiger-like," which made people realize that he was no ordinary person, and he later indeed became emperor.
An actor whose clothes are fluttering wildly and whose tassels are slapping his face, even if he is wearing a dragon robe, would be hard for the audience to believe that he is the crown prince. Instead, they would mock him for not looking like a ruler.
It's not that Zheng Bohan is advocating for these restrictive and outdated customs. Of course, it's a good thing these things disappear. Zheng Bohan wholeheartedly supports equality and freedom for all.
But actors receive hundreds of thousands or millions in paychecks, so they should at least put in some effort commensurate with their income, right?
Earning half a lifetime's income from just one movie, and then letting the audience watch your tassel flying magic? Isn't that a bit too much?
While Zheng Bohan was pondering, Shang Yechu meticulously repeated the process from before, still full of emotion, without making the slightest mistake.
This long shot was also done in one take!
If getting the first take right might be due to being in good form, then this take truly showcases Shang Yechu's solid skills!
Any actor with even a little experience knows how difficult it is to find the right state of mind when acting. But what's even harder than finding the right state is maintaining it.
This scene was perfect in every aspect, from demeanor and expression to movement and dramatic tension.
Not everyone present was an experienced actor or crew member. But even so, after watching Shang Yechu's entire performance, they could vaguely predict that this scene would be one of the most classic moments in the entire series.
Prior to this, the crew had already filmed several good scenes. For example, Qin Tianye's imperial wrath, Su Ge and Qin Tianye's affectionate hand-holding across time and space, and the acting showdown between several old eunuchs and Qin Tianye.
But who is Qin Tianye? And who are those old eunuchs?
Those are all veteran actors who have been in the entertainment industry for decades!
Shang Yechu, a newcomer whose surname many people might even mistake, actually managed to display acting skills that were no less than those of his seniors.
Some people didn't believe it, and some couldn't understand it. But many more people showed a fresh wave of goodwill towards this exceptionally talented young man.
"Xiao Ye, you did a great job!"
"Oh, Xiao Ye, you really startled us!"
"You must be tired from wearing such a tall crown and walking such a long way, right? Here's a chicken leg with your lunchbox!"
Even Qin Tianye, who was watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but take a few steps forward.
Qin Tianye gazed at Shang Yechu with a complex expression, his eyes filled with both relief and a touch of melancholy.
"Talented people emerge in every generation," Qin Tianye exclaimed. "The younger generation is truly formidable."
Shang Yechu's eyes widened in surprise, and she waved her hands repeatedly, "Teacher Qin, you flatter me..."
"Not at all," Qin Tianye chuckled. "Being too modest isn't a good thing."
Someone joked, "The princess is used to keeping a low profile, Your Majesty, please don't make things difficult for her!"
Qin Tianye laughed heartily, "I'm already a memorial tablet, don't call me Your Majesty anymore. Ye Chu is a much better emperor than me!"
Qin Tianye was an easygoing and humorous person, and the crew often joked with him. Hearing him say that, someone immediately started teasing him:
"Incredible! The late emperor has come to support the new emperor!"
"Look, Your Majesty, doesn't the late Emperor favor you quite a bit?"
"What about those old ministers who were clamoring about His Majesty in front of the princess? Drag them all out and execute them!"
The cast and crew of "Yun Qing Ji" were mostly relatively unknown actors, so they got along fairly equally and had a good relationship. They often joked around in a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
"I mean it." Qin Tianye patted Shang Yechu's shoulder appreciatively, praising her with the eyes of a senior looking at a junior: "You are a rare kind of actor. You are both talented and hardworking."
Some actors are by no means lacking in acting skills; on the contrary, their acting is quite mature. But they just lack that one spark. It's like fried rice without the scallions that garnish the soul.
Some actors possess natural talent, but lack the dedication to hone their skills. Ultimately, their brilliance is worn away in the fame-driven world of entertainment, resulting in a tragic fate like that of Zhong Yong, a prodigy who failed to live up to his potential.
Shang Yechu is very lucky; she has both, and she is also young, which makes others envious.
Qin Tianye looked at Shang Yechu's face with emotion.
How far will this young man go?
He was really looking forward to it.
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