On November 23, 2019, the Education Forum “An Actor’s Self-Cultivation”, a main forum of the 28th China Golden Rooster & Hundred Flowers Film Festival, was held in Xiamen. It was hosted by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the China Film Association and the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government, and organized by Xiamen Taiyang Chuanhe Film and Culture Co., Ltd.
Attending the event were Rao Shuguang, Director of the Film Art Center of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Xu Yuechun, Deputy Director of the Theoretical Research Office of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Bi Wenyu, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Film Association; Yu Xuefeng, Director of the Publicity Division of the Theoretical Research Office of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles; and Yan Yuexi, Deputy District Mayor of Siming District, Xiamen. Wang Tiecheng, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and renowned performing artist; Li Zhenlin, Dean of and professor at the School of Film and Television, Shanghai Theatre Academy; Chen Gang, Party Branch Secretary and Head of the Acting Department, Central Academy of Drama; Huang Feng, Secretary-General of the Actor Agents Committee of the China Association of Performing Arts; Yang Ming, founder and CEO of Taiyang Chuanhe; actors Duan Yihong, Zhang Songwen, Yan Bingyan, Li Naiwen, Du Jiang and Wan Qian; and host Li Xiaofeng discussed the growth and training of actors under the theme “An Actor’s Self-Cultivation”, addressing the current state of the acting profession and prompting reflection.
Bi Wenyu, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Film Association:
In recent years China’s film industry has been full of vitality, and more and more outstanding actors have created memorable films. However, some phenomena in the industry call for reflection. A small number of actors have unknowingly drifted away from their identity as film creators and lack dedication and commitment to the profession. She called on actors and filmmakers to return to their artistic aspirations and focus on artistic creation itself.
Wang Tiecheng, member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and renowned performing artist:
The foundation for an actor’s self-cultivation is a love of life. Actors should draw nourishment from life and keep exploring the depth of works and characters. “Actors should treat the world, their performance, others and themselves sincerely. The smartest people in the world are the most honest. Actors must be completely honest in their lives and their art, and must not resort to petty tricks. This is the precondition and foundation for exploring characters in depth and portraying them with skill.”
Yang Ming, founder and CEO of Taiyang Chuanhe:
Speaking as the head of an entertainment company, he said that talent agencies should always stay ahead of their actors. He proposed “using innovative means to support actors’ growth”, arguing that the agency service model should keep evolving with the times. With the help of technology, performing talent can be matched closely with market projects, opening up room for actors’ personal growth so that they can focus more on the art of performance.
Actor Zhang Songwen:
At 25 he entered the Acting Department of the Beijing Film Academy. After graduating he went to auditions and was rejected by productions more than 800 times in three years. Having reached where he is today through twenty years of perseverance, he said he must hold himself to a higher standard.
In the round-table session, moderated by Chen Gang, actors Duan Yihong, Yan Bingyan, Li Naiwen, Du Jiang and Wan Qian held a candid exchange on the theme “How to improve an actor’s self-cultivation”.
Duan Yihong recalled four years of hard work at the Central Academy of Drama, which gave him a passion for acting. He said authenticity has always been what an actor strives for and is the life of the art of performance; all expression comes from the truth of life.
Li Naiwen, an elder schoolmate from the same academy, understands an actor’s self-cultivation as being responsible to the acting career he loves and to the audience.
Du Jiang spoke up for young actors, calling on people to analyze the issue from all sides rather than simply blaming popular stars. He said he has worked with many actors, including Angelababy and Chen He, who are serious about their craft.
Wan Qian said frankly that spending time experiencing life is part of an actor’s job and not something to boast about. Actors should live, and let their characters grow out of themselves.
Yan Bingyan, who moved from dance to film and television acting, said that acting is the profession closest to the arena of fame and fortune; the more one is part of it, the more one must keep oneself in check and know what should not be touched.
In recent years, “star-driven blockbusters” have repeatedly underperformed and actors’ high fees have been curbed. As Zhang Songwen said in his speech, “the good times have only just begun.” At the same time, the healthy development of the film market places higher demands on actors’ abilities and self-cultivation. The forum aimed to promote a new ethos among actors, set new standards for the industry, help more actors rediscover their original passion for acting, and support the comprehensive, healthy and sustainable development of Chinese cinema.
