novellhall Chapter 73 Filming Completed
Chapter 73 Filming Completed
The filming of "The Disguiser" proceeded in a tense atmosphere, following a strict schedule, page by page.
Chen Nianbei quickly adapted to this high-intensity filming pace.
Every day, they have to do their makeup and styling before dawn, and they can only take off their costumes late at night.
His role is extremely important, appearing almost throughout the entire series, from the splendid prosperity of the Ming Mansion in Shanghai, to the muddy and cruel training camp of the Hunan Military Academy, and then to the perilous front line of the undercover operation.
This is not only a test of acting skills, but also a challenge to the limits of physical strength and willpower.
A major scene is scheduled for the second week after filming begins: Mingtai is forcibly taken from Shanghai to the military academy by Wang Tianfeng, marking their first direct confrontation.
Dust filled the makeshift training area on set.
Liu Yijun, dressed in a crisp military uniform and wearing sunglasses, with a habitual downward smirk at the corners of his mouth, exuded an aura of ruthlessness, strength, and inhumanity as a "madman" instructor just by standing there.
He didn't talk much before filming, but occasionally he would glance at Chen Nianbei with the kind of look that scrutinizes prey, and the pressure was put on him invisibly.
"Action!"
Chen Nianbei was roughly shoved to the center of the field by two "soldiers," his suit disheveled, his face covered in bruises and dust from the struggle.
He looked up, his eyes filled with shock and anger as he stared intently at the man a few steps away, who stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly admiring something interesting.
"Who are you? What right do you have to arrest me? Do you even know who my brother is?!"
He roared, his voice hoarse from excitement and lack of oxygen, a direct reaction typical of a scion of a powerful family when faced with rude treatment—a show of bravado masking inner weakness.
Liu Yijun slowly took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of sharp, hawk-like eyes with a hint of amusement.
He didn't answer Mingtai's question, but strolled over slowly, his leather shoes making a slight crunching sound on the sand.
"Ming Tai, the young master of the Ming family."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a cold, penetrating quality.
"The dancers at the Paramount Ballroom are quite good?"
This seemingly ordinary statement reveals a thorough understanding of Mingtai's background.
Chen Nianbei's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, and beneath his forced anger, a trace of panic and chill quickly spread as he was seen through.
His Adam's apple bobbed, as if he wanted to say something, but he was rendered speechless by the other person's condescending aura.
"Here, there is no Ming family, no eldest brother."
Liu Yijun moved closer, almost to his ear, his voice lower but each word sharp as a knife.
"Only trainees and instructors. Or... corpses."
As he uttered the last word, his eyes suddenly turned cold and ruthless.
Chen Nianbei froze, his swaggering, arrogant demeanor deflated like a punctured balloon, leaving only an instinctive fear of danger and the unknown.
"Click!"
Director Li Xue's voice rang out, "Excellent! The emotions were perfectly captured! Yi Jun's performance was incredibly powerful, and Nian Bei's transition from anger to panic to fear was very clear! Five-minute break, take one!"
Chen Nianbei finally relaxed a little from that tense state, his back already soaked with sweat.
Liu Yijun walked over, patted him on the shoulder, and dropped his "madman" expression, revealing a rare smile:
"Kid, you've got the acting right. If you had shown that panic in your eyes a little earlier, it would have been even more accurate."
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Liu."
Acting opposite Liu Yijun is like dancing on a knife's edge; you have to be completely focused, or you'll be swallowed up by his powerful aura if you're not careful.
The scenes with Liu Mintao afterwards were a completely different experience.
When filming scenes where Mingtai goes home and begs his older sister for pocket money or recounts his "experiences" outside, the atmosphere on set is always exceptionally warm.
Liu Mintao possesses a natural affinity and a gentle, motherly quality.
During a night shoot, Mingtai was injured while on duty and secretly went home to treat his wounds, only to be caught by his older sister who was getting up in the middle of the night.
Chen Nianbei needs to portray a character who is enduring pain and pretending to be relaxed, but gradually breaks down under his older sister's concerned gaze, revealing the vulnerability and dependence that belongs to a younger brother.
Only one table lamp was left lit, casting a dim, yellowish glow over the small study.
With his back to the camera, Chen Nianbei awkwardly applied medicine to the "wound" on his arm with one hand, wincing in pain but not daring to make a sound.
"Mingtai?" Liu Mintao appeared at the door, wearing a bathrobe, his voice filled with sleepiness and concern.
Chen Nianbei stiffened, quickly pulled her shirt over her wound, and turned around with her usual slightly ingratiating smile on her face:
"Big sister, why are you up? I... I'm looking for a book."
Liu Mintao didn't say anything, but walked in, his gaze falling on the bloodstains on the cuff of his shirt that he had hastily covered up but which were still showing, and then moving to his face, which was trying to appear calm.
She didn't immediately expose him, but simply sighed softly, stepped forward, and took his hand:
"Don't move, let me see."
Chen Nianbei's smile faltered, her eyes flickered, and she tried to pull her hand away, but her older sister gently but firmly held it down.
When Liu Mintao carefully lifted her shirt and saw the "wound," her eyes instantly reddened. It wasn't an exaggerated cry, but a deep, heart-wrenching wetness.
She didn't ask how he got the injury; she simply lowered her head and gently treated it, her fingers trembling slightly.
Behind the monitor, both Director Li Xue and Kong Sheng nodded slightly.
This scene is extremely emotionally intense, and it puts the actors to the ultimate test of their restraint and ability to move the audience.
Liu Mintao's performance was subtle and understated, while Chen Nianbei's transformation from pretense to breaking down was natural and smooth, with genuine emotion. The vulnerability was captured perfectly; any more would have been affected, and any less would have been unmoving.
"Pass!"
Director Li Xue was very satisfied, "Min Tao, Nian Bei, you did a great job, the sibling relationship was perfectly portrayed."
Liu Mintao released his grip, patted Chen Nianbei's back, and his tone returned to its usual gentleness:
"Well done, Nianbei, your emotions were spot on."
This is genuine affirmation from a senior colleague.
The scenes between Chen Nianbei and Wang Kai are filled with another kind of subtle tension.
On the surface, Mingcheng is Minglou's secretary and housekeeper, loyal and reliable, but in reality, he is also an undercover agent. He has a brotherly relationship with Mingtai, but due to their identities and missions, they also have a complex relationship of testing and cooperation.
Wang Kai's performance is delicate and restrained; a single glance or subtle movement can convey a wealth of inner information.
One scene shows Mingtai suspecting Mingcheng's identity and testing him in the study late at night.
The two were separated by a desk, with the light only illuminating a small area of the desk.
Chen Nianbei casually flipped through the book, muttering unrelated words, but his eyes would occasionally sweep sharply towards Wang Kai, who was quietly organizing documents.
"Brother Cheng, you've been with your older brother for so many years, haven't you ever thought about... going out and starting your own business?"
Mingtai spoke casually, but his questions were subtly pointed.
Wang Kai's hands moved without pause, he didn't even raise an eyebrow, and his voice was calm and even:
"Being able to follow my older brother and do my job well is what I want to do most."
His answer was impeccable, making him seem like a truly loyal deputy.
But Chen Nianbei noticed that the moment Chen Nianbei answered, Wang Kai's fingers, which were organizing documents, paused almost imperceptibly before resuming normal operation.
This is an extremely subtle performance design that hints at the character's fleeting inner turmoil.
Chen Nianbei understood immediately, but instead of responding right away, she picked up her teacup and took a sip.
The conversation between the two seemed ordinary, but beneath the calm tone, undercurrents were turbulent, and every pause and every exchange of glances was full of dramatic tension.
Besides the dialogue scenes, a large number of action scenes were also a major part of the filming.
Whether it's the rigorous training on the training ground, street chases, or indoor gunfights, Chen Nianbei insists on doing all the stunts himself, trying his best not to use a stunt double.
The martial arts choreographer's movements are designed to be both practical and visually appealing, demanding extremely high levels of physical fitness and coordination from the actors.
In a chase and gunfight scene set in an abandoned factory, Chen Nianbei had to complete several high-difficulty actions, including climbing over obstacles, rapid movement and shooting, and close combat.
After filming seven or eight takes, he twisted his ankle when he jumped off a high platform. It hurt terribly, but he just frowned to indicate that he was fine, sprayed some medicine on his ankle, and gritted his teeth to continue.
"Nianbei, are you alright? How about we use a stand for that roll down there?"
The action director was somewhat worried.
"It's okay, I can do it again!"
Chen Nianbei stretched his ankles, his eyes resolute. He knew that a genuine reaction and consistency could never be completely replaced by a stand-in.
Director Kong Sheng looked at the monitor and said to Li Xue beside him:
"This kid has a real workaholic streak. But the performance is truly effective."
The most challenging and brilliant moment for Mingtai's acting comes after he personally executes a traitor for the first time. There are no lines, only a two-minute long shot focusing on him sitting alone in the corner of the safe house.
From the cold numbness after the operation ended, to the uncontrollable trembling of her fingers, to the nausea and dry heaving as if her stomach was spasming, and finally, after suppressing it to the extreme, she buried her face deeply in her palms, her shoulders shaking silently...
All the psychological shocks, moral struggles, and pangs of faith are conveyed through subtle control of body language and facial muscles.
After the scene was filmed, the entire set was completely silent.
Chen Nianbei remained in that position for a long time before slowly raising her head, her eyes red-rimmed.
The staff barely dared to approach and disturb them. After director Li Xue called "Cut," she remained silent for a few seconds before leading the applause.
"Nianbei,"
Liu Yijun walked over unnoticed, handed him a bottle of water, and spoke with unprecedented seriousness.
"This scene was very good."
This assessment, coming from a demanding fellow actor, carries immense weight.
Filming continued day by day, and the Shanghai summer slipped away amidst sweat and film.
Chen Nianbei could clearly feel the changes in herself.
Not only has his acting become more refined under pressure, but more importantly, he has become increasingly symbiotic with the soul of "Mingtai".
He began to get used to reacting in Mingtai's way of thinking, observing with Mingtai's eyes, and even in the gaps between filming, certain small gestures and tones would inadvertently bring out the shadow of the character.
In the film crew, from the director to the main actors and ordinary staff, the way they looked at him changed from initial scrutiny and curiosity to recognition and respect.
He earned the respect of the team through his solid acting skills.
For Chen Nianbei, filming "The Disguiser" was more than just a TV series job.
The final shot focuses on Mingtai's profile, where his youthful naiveté has faded, his eyes are resolute yet reveal a weariness.
He stood on the misty banks of the Huangpu River, with the outline of Shanghai still shrouded in the smoke of war in the distance, the hem of his trench coat swaying slightly in the damp wind.
There are no lines, only a long gaze, as if trying to etch this city, which has borne too many sacrifices, lies and growth, along with the part of his soul that is forever left in the past, into his eyes.
"Click!"
Director Li Xue's voice came through the loudspeaker, clearer than usual, and carrying a hint of barely perceptible relief: "The entire crew of 'The Disguiser' has wrapped filming!"
As the last word fell, the set fell silent for a moment. Then, the fatigue and pressure that had been building up for months seemed to find an outlet, turning into applause and cheers that were not uniform but exceptionally enthusiastic, mixed with sighs of relief and faint sobs from the staff.
The lights blazed on, dispelling the dim, yellowish glow of the simulated dusk and pulling the film set, which had just been immersed in a tragic, epic atmosphere, back to reality.
Chen Nianbei stood there, motionless for a long time. The wind from the riverbank blew directly onto his face, carrying the chill of early autumn.
That minute-long stare had almost drained his last bit of energy.
Mingtai's story has come to an end. The proud, fragile, struggling, and ultimately tempered into steel in the flames of adversity, with the director's shout of "Filming wrapped," can finally lay down his burden and hand over his fate to the audience to judge.
As for himself, actor Chen Nianbei, he needs some time to slowly peel away from that heavy soul.
The production assistant quickly walked over with a bouquet of flowers and handed them to him.
Next came producer Hou Hongliang, director Li Xue, and director Kong Sheng, who walked out from behind the monitor.
"Thank you for your hard work, Nianbei."
Kong Sheng patted his arm, the pressure neither too light nor too heavy, his gaze lingering on his face for a moment, revealing a rare, undisguised satisfaction.
"Mingtai, it's done."
Director Li Xue also laughed and said, "The emotion in that last shot was just right. It's harder to act with restraint than to act with abandon. These past few months haven't been easy."
Holding the flowers, Chen Nianbei bowed slightly: "Thank you, Director Kong, thank you, Director Li. You gave me this opportunity and have always guided me."
Soon, the other actors gathered around. Liu Yijun still had that somewhat "crazy" demeanor, but the sharpness in his eyes had lessened considerably. He gave Chen Nianbei's shoulder a firm squeeze:
"Kid, that's a wrap! You did a great job, didn't embarrass yourself!"
Liu Mintao gave him a gentle hug, as tender as the older sister in the drama:
"Nianbei, get some rest. You've been exhausted these past few months."
Back in the dressing room, I slowly removed my makeup, took off the wig from that era, and changed into my own T-shirt and jeans.
He touched the stubble on his chin that he hadn't had time to shave properly due to continuous filming, and let out a soft sigh.
The wrap party was held at one of the largest hotels near the film and television base.
The atmosphere was infinitely more relaxed than during the reading session, yet it was still filled with a strong sense of reluctance to part.
Everyone toasted each other, took photos, and talked about the funny and embarrassing things that happened during the past few months of filming, with laughter filling the air.
Chen Nianbei was given a lot of drinks, which he accepted without hesitation. He sincerely thanked every director, actor, cinematographer, lighting technician, action choreographer, and even ordinary production assistant he had worked with.
He knew that a good play was the result of the hard work and dedication of everyone on and off stage.
As the banquet was drawing to a close, Director Kong Sheng, holding a wine glass, called him aside to the terrace.
"I will oversee the post-production of 'The Disguiser,' and the broadcast should be scheduled for next year."
Kong Sheng gazed at the distant night sky. "Take a break for yourself during this time and recharge."
"Okay, Uncle Kong."
Kong Sheng nodded, said nothing more, and simply drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
It was already late at night when I got back to the hotel.
The first thing Chen Nianbei did was take a hot shower to wash away the smell of alcohol and fatigue.
Lying on the familiar bed, my body was extremely tired, but my mind was strangely clear.
When I close my eyes, what flashes through my mind is not the scene of celebration, but Mingtai's gritting eyes on the training field, the forced smile on his lips in front of his older sister, the slightly trembling finger after pulling the trigger, and the silent back of him by the river at the end.
These images are so vivid, as if they have become part of his memory.
He knew that he had left a part of his soul in that turbulent year of 1938, in Mingtai's body.
An actor's journey is one of giving generously time and time again, only to receive it back with difficulty time and time again.
When delivering a role, you give it your all; when you return, you take away not only exhaustion, but also the rewards of the role itself.
Those deeper understandings of human nature, more delicate grasps of emotions, and a more devout reverence for performance.
My phone vibrated in the dark; it was a message from Nazha:
"Is filming wrapped up? Get a good night's sleep and don't think about anything. (hugs)"
He replied with an "Mm" and put down his phone.
Outside the window, the night sky was devoid of stars, with only the city's neon lights illuminating a faint glow.
My body sank into the soft mattress, and exhaustion finally overwhelmed me like a tidal wave.
Mingtai from "The Disguiser" has finished filming.
After undergoing this long and profound experience in film and television, actress Chen Nianbei will take a short break before continuing her journey.