Text | Ah K
"China Film Report" 丨Interview with Wang Jiayi
"The person I hate most in my life is a renegade."
In the movie "Manjiang Hong", Yaoqin, which combines beauty and fierceness, has become a bright color in this "man's drama", which is amazing.
Actor Wang Jiayi, who plays Yaoqin, is only 21 years old, and her debut can play the heroine in a big drama directed by Zhang Yimou, which is undoubtedly a very high starting point for newcomer actors.
In an exclusive interview with China Film Report, Wang Jiayi also admitted that this is both pressure and motivation, "I have to work harder in the future to be worthy of the support of the audience and the trust of the director." ”
In order to play the role of Yaoqin, what kind of test did Wang Jiayi go through and what preparations did she make? As a rookie actor, how do you find the feeling of acting under the guidance of the director and seniors? And listen to Wang Jiayi share the behind-the-scenes of the filming of "Manjiang Hong".
1
"One in a Million"
Prepare yourself for the character
Famous director Zhang Yimou has always been known for his unique vision for selecting actors. This time, Wang Jiayi also went through a year-long casting process, from screening, training to fitting, and finally stood out.
"At the beginning, I had a completely world-facing attitude. For a college student like me, learning something in Zhang Yimou's director team is already a rare opportunity. I am especially grateful to the director for being willing to use me and for trusting me. ”
The dance Ji Yaoqin in "Man Jiang Hong" is soft on the outside and rigid on the inside, like duckweed but solid as a rock, which is what Wang Jiayi appreciates the most, "I liked this role when I saw it at the beginning, because she is very brave, very resolute, and full of family and country feelings." ”
In order to accurately interpret the temperament of Yaoqin from the inside out, she also specially learned dance, vocal music, body, etiquette and other skills before filming, and made all-round preparations.
"Red cherry, green plantain" Yaoqin's heartfelt "Cherry Song" in the film is unforgettable for a long time, Wang Jiayi frankly said that although she has studied vocal music, this song is not easy to practice.
"The ditties in the film pay more attention to the emotions of Zhang Da and Yaoqin in the prescribed situation, not that I want to sing well, the point is that it is more difficult to express emotions."
2
"Starting from scratch"
Constantly learning from directors and senior actors
Wang Jiayi still remembers that the first scene was filmed in the scene where Yaoqin appeared, with a graceful waist and a clever smile, with only a few movements and lines, a seemingly frivolous and worldly Mai Ji image stood up.
Although she made sufficient preparations, she could not suppress her nervousness when facing the camera for the first time, and always subconsciously ruffled her hair, which affected the rhythm of the performance.
This small problem was immediately pointed out by Zhang Yimou, who patiently told Wang Jiayi that newcomer actors must pay attention to details and avoid developing such habits. Wang Jiayi also quickly understood and adjusted her state.
Recalling these set moments, Wang Jiayi is very grateful to director Zhang Yimou for his careful guidance of the newcomer actors, and always patiently explained the character biography and character fulcrum for her before filming began.
"The director is more helpful and caring for our newcomer actors, and he has always encouraged us to practice more and ponder."
Not only director Zhang Yimou, the crew of "Manjiang Hong" also gathered a group of experienced and powerful actors. Being able to play with them also benefited Wang Jiayi a lot.
She told us that these senior actors did not have the imaginary "frame" and sense of distance on the set, but understood and took care of the newcomer actors very well, and always took the initiative to help them walk and play together.
In particular, Shen Teng, who played the most with Yaoqin, often took the initiative to adjust the atmosphere of the scene to relieve the tension of the actors, "The atmosphere is not so tense, we are not so 'pressed', the performance will be much better, these details really move me." ”
Many audiences who have seen "Manjiang Hong" praised Yaoqin's performance as mature and natural, unlike rookie actors.
Wang Jiayi modestly said that this is all thanks to the guidance and help of the director and actors, "Everyone's hard work has made such a work, I still have many shortcomings, and I have to work hard to enrich myself." ”
3
"Sing and act"
Turn stress into power
Yaoqin in the play can sing and dance well, which coincides with Wang Jiayi's experience before becoming an actor.
Wang Jiayi studied music in middle school, and coincidentally took a few acting experience classes in her third year of high school, which made her feel the charm of acting at once, and with the support of her parents, she was also determined to apply for the acting major.
Wang Jiayi admitted that it was not easy, but love made her persist, "Vocal music and performance are completely two categories, but because I like this thing, I am willing to work hard for it and work hard." There is a lot to ponder and learn from acting. ”
The kung fu paid off, Wang Jiayi was successfully admitted to the Central Academy of Drama, and was fortunate to be selected by Zhang Yimou, and ushered in her big screen debut during college.
Along the way, her parents have been Wang Jiayi's strongest support. Speaking of the evaluation of her daughter's performance, Wang Jiayi said with a smile that her parents only praised "simply", "They are afraid that they will praise too much, making me complacent will make mistakes, and I am afraid that not praising will hit my self-confidence, so I simply praised, saying that I still have room for improvement and should work harder." ”
As of press time, the box office of "Manjiang Hong" has exceeded 4.4 billion, ranking seventh in the box office of Chinese film history. As the heroine, Yaoqin-related topics have also appeared on hot searches many times, causing heated discussions among the audience.
In the face of the remarkable results of her debut, Wang Jiayi confessed that she was both surprised and full of pressure, "It is precisely because of everyone's love and support that I feel that I will work harder in the future, worthy of the audience, worthy of the support of my family, and worthy of the director's trust in me." It's both stress and motivation. ”
Regarding the future, Wang Jiayi said frankly that her current primary identity is still a student, and completing her studies seriously is the first priority, but she also looks forward to meeting the characters and scripts that attract her again, and continue to learn from her predecessors in practice.