Beijing Enlight Media Chairman Wang Changtian announced the development of the science fiction film “The Three-Body Problem” at the opening forum of the Shanghai International Film Festival in June this year. The director is Zhang Yimou, and the project has entered the preliminary operation stage.
On October 18th, Xinhua News Agency released an interview video with director Zhang Yimou, revealing the progress of the production of the movie ‘The Three-Body Problem’.
Zhang Yimou said in an interview: “The adaptation of ‘The Three-Body Problem’ is a second creation from literature to film script. The original work of ‘The Three-Body Problem’ is very accurate. What we want is some innovation, but it’s all about ‘The Three-Body Problem’, all reflecting Liu Cixin’s core. I plan to shoot using several ways of ‘new technology’ and ‘new concepts.’”
Zhang Yimou stated that in preparation for this movie, besides polishing the script, more than 10 elite “post-90s” have been selected to establish an AI team first, which will use “Made in China” new technology and new concepts for creation. Zhang Yimou gave an example that when designing how alien spacecraft should be presented, one needs to sort out and learn from the designs in thousands of previous science fiction movies and games; this process can be completed with the help of AI.
Zhang Yimou frankly admitted that the biggest challenge in filming “The Three-Body Problem” movie is making a good-looking film. Finding a point of entry is crucial; having good characters integrated with Chinese culture and science fiction values are important as well. “I don’t intend to make three parts; I only plan on making one part. The key is adjusting your mindset, reading lots of books and various materials continuously learning and improving.
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In terms of special effects, Zhang Yimou stated that currently Chinese special effects teams are at a world-leading level and fully capable. The challenge lies in finding an outstanding visual effects director to present many of Liu Cixin’s rich Chinese cultural imaginations from ‘The Three-Body Problem’ through visual effects. Although the visual effects director has not been selected yet, related design work is already underway.
Regarding the progress of preparations for ‘The Three-Body Problem’ movie, Zhang Yimou revealed that the script for the movie is still being polished, and the specific filming time is not set yet. The plan is to complete the production of ‘The Three-Body Problem’ movie in 4 to 5 years. “Polishing the script will take a long time; it’s not that simple. Recently, I have already checked train tickets from Beijing to Shanxi. I have made an agreement with Liu Cixin to go to Shanxi anytime for face-to-face consultations; I hope he won’t find me annoying.
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