Veteran Directors Partner with Newcomers: A Trend Reshaping Chinese Filmmaking
The recent announcement of Ning Hao (宁浩) and Ge You's new film "Viral Good Person" (爆款好人), set for release during the 2024 National Day holiday, marks an exciting development in Chinese cinema. This film not only continues the story of Ge You's beloved character Zhang Beijing from the "My People, My Country" series but also introduces a new collaborative approach to filmmaking that's gaining traction in the industry.
What's particularly noteworthy about "Viral Good Person" is the inclusion of Xu Lei, director of "Sherlock in Luoyang," as co-director alongside the veteran Ning Hao. This collaboration represents Ning's first feature-length film working with another director, signaling a shift towards a mentorship model in Chinese filmmaking.
This trend of established directors partnering with up-and-coming talent is becoming increasingly common in Chinese cinema. Recent examples include Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang co-directing "Dongji Island," Wuershan collaborating with Xia Peng on "Abnormal Below," and Chen Sicheng's planned partnership with Dai Mo for "Detective Chinatown 1900."
The benefits of this co-directing model are multifaceted. For newcomers like Xu Lei, it provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry veterans and gain experience in large-scale, commercial productions. Xu's journey from his indie debut to working alongside Ning Hao illustrates the potential for growth and development this model offers.
For established directors like Ning Hao, collaborating with younger talents can inject fresh perspectives and innovative approaches into their work. This synergy has the potential to create films that combine the best of both worlds – the technical expertise and industry knowledge of veteran filmmakers with the creative energy and contemporary viewpoints of emerging directors.
The practical advantages of co-directing are also significant, especially for large-scale productions. Films like "Abnormal Below" and "Dongji Island" benefit from having multiple directors to manage complex shooting schedules and diverse filming units. This approach allows for more efficient production timelines and can help maintain creative consistency across different aspects of the film.
Ning Hao and Xu Lei: A Promising Collaboration for "Viral Good Person"
Historical precedents for successful co-directing partnerships in Chinese cinema include Zhang Yimou's collaborations in the late 1980s and more recent examples like Chen Guofu and Gao Qunshu's work on "The Message." These partnerships demonstrate how combining different strengths and perspectives can lead to critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
The mentorship aspect of these collaborations is particularly valuable for the Chinese film industry. As veteran directors like Lin Chaopin transition from being mentored to becoming mentors themselves, they contribute to a cycle of knowledge transfer and skill development that strengthens the industry as a whole.
However, the success of co-directing partnerships often hinges on clear communication and well-defined roles. As seen in the case of "The Message," where Chen Guofu focused on pre- and post-production while Gao Qunshu managed on-set directing, a clear division of responsibilities can maximize the benefits of collaboration.
Balancing Experience and Fresh Perspectives: The Benefits of Co-Directing in Modern Cinema
This trend of co-directing partnerships between established and emerging filmmakers presents an exciting opportunity for innovation and growth. By combining experience with fresh perspectives, these collaborations have the potential to produce films that resonate with audiences while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technical execution.
The upcoming release of "Viral Good Person" will be a testament to this new approach, offering audiences a chance to see how the combined talents of Ning Hao and Xu Lei translate to the big screen. As more films adopt this model, it may well shape the future of Chinese cinema, fostering a new generation of directors while allowing established filmmakers to continue evolving their craft.
