The Making of a Character Actor: Feng Bing's (冯兵) Path from Military to Stardom
Feng Bing's journey from a soldier in the Beijing Military Region's Art Troupe to a versatile actor in China's film and television industry is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. His story, revealed during an interview with 1905.com's "Dialogue" program, showcases the evolution of an artist who has embraced diverse roles and continuously challenged himself.
Born with the character "冰" (ice) in his name, Feng's fascination with military parades as a child led his father to change it to "兵" (soldier). This early connection to the military foreshadowed his future service and laid the foundation for his acting career. During his time in the Art Troupe, Feng's initial tasks were behind the scenes, but his exposure to performers sparked his interest in acting.
After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy, Feng spent nearly a decade honing his craft, often cast as villains in popular productions. His breakthrough came with the role of Lao Mo, the lollipop-wielding assassin in the hit series "The Knockout." This character, with its stark contrasts, captivated audiences and marked a turning point in Feng's career.
Beyond Villains: Feng Bing's Breakthrough Role in "The Knockout" (狂飙) and New Horizons
Feng's approach to acting is immersive and methodical. For his role as a delivery driver in "Against the Current," directed by Xu Zheng, Feng transformed himself into a real delivery person, working in Zibo and Baotou. This dedication to authenticity allowed him to observe and internalize the experiences of delivery workers, adding depth to his performance.
The collaboration with Xu Zheng (徐峥) proved fruitful, with Feng given the freedom to improvise and add to his character. About 60% of his performance in "Against the Current" was not in the original script, demonstrating Feng's ability to bring characters to life through his own insights and experiences.
Feng Bing played Dahei, is a “chivalrous” single king, in his strong appearance, there is a passionate and soft heart, the wind and sun on the road, he also has his own life to protect. It is worth mentioning that the single king Dahei is Feng Bing's first “positive role”, before each scene shooting he will prepare for Dahei's “masterpiece”, the unique character arc light so that many viewers in the story of Dahei feel the real resonance.
Wu Jiakai's role as “love chasing knight” Yang Dashan and Liu Meihan's role as “invincible mother” Qiu Xiaomin also vividly presented the positive life drive of young people, becoming a cure for many viewers of the “spotlight essence”.
Feng's philosophy towards his craft is rooted in his military background. He often recalls a saying from his army days: "Hold your own bowl, don't look at or pick from others' bowls." This mentality has guided his career choices, prioritizing quality roles and projects over immediate financial gain.
While Feng has gained recognition for his villainous roles, he approaches each character without judgment, seeking to understand and portray them authentically. His preparation for the role of Lao Mo in "The Knockout" involved learning fishing techniques and personally selecting props, showcasing his attention to detail.
Method Acting and Life Experiences: Feng Bing's Approach to Diverse Roles
Feng is expanding his repertoire, taking on his first police role among his upcoming projects. He maintains that there's no distinction between positive and negative roles for an actor - each character is an opportunity for exploration and growth.
Feng Bing's career trajectory illustrates the power of persistence, versatility, and continuous self-improvement in the acting profession. From his military roots to his current status as a respected character actor, Feng's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a testament to the depth of talent in China's entertainment industry.
As he continues to take on diverse roles, Feng Bing remains focused on delivering authentic, impactful performances. His story is not just about personal success, but about the evolving landscape of Chinese cinema and television, where actors like Feng are pushing boundaries and bringing nuanced, memorable characters to life.
