noveltune Chapter 70: The Resonance of Young Talents - Tim Interviews Gu Nan
Chapter 70: The Resonance of Young Talents - Tim Interviews Gu Nan
Jinghai City, the new base for Chasing Light Pictures.
The atmosphere in the studio was unusually different that day.
The prop team, who usually wears work pants and smells of paint, was not polishing models as usual, but instead cleaned the entire Studio One spotless.
Several expensive RED cameras were set up, and the lighting technician was adjusting the "cinematic lighting" that is only used in top-tier gay films.
"Tsk tsk tsk, Brother Nan, isn't this a bit too much of a show of force?"
Su Zhe tidied his hair and asked somewhat nervously.
"To be honest, the other party is really rich and powerful. We've never seen so many cameras when we're filming."
"Today is different; they specialize in this."
Gu Nan was adjusting the microphone on his collar.
The person who came today can be called the "video quality maniac" in Bilibili's technology section, and is also one of the top video production technologies in China.
The moment the words were spoken, the door was pushed open.
A young man wearing a signature black T-shirt, glasses, and a sunny smile walked in.
He was followed by an equally professional photography team.
However, the equipment each person had made the post-production guys in the studio drool with envy.
"Hello everyone, I'm Tim!"
The young man strode forward, extending his hand enthusiastically. "Director Gu, I've heard so much about you! I'm so glad to finally meet the living father of Ultraman Tiga!"
The visitor was Tim, the founder of Filmstorm.
In this parallel world, Filmstorm remains the top-tier tech media that pursues ultimate picture quality and proclaims "infinite progress."
This time, with the help of Bilibili, these two young creators, who have both reached the pinnacle in their respective fields, have finally achieved a "dream collaboration".
"Welcome, Teacher Tim."
Gu Nan grasped his hand and felt the calluses on the other's palm from years of handling equipment.
"Just call me Gu Nan. I have a very strong impression of your episode on 'Weather Balloon Takes Flight'."
"No, no, no, I wouldn't dare call myself a teacher in front of you."
Tim's eyes lit up as he looked at the incredibly detailed miniature models around him. "When I came in, I glanced at that Victory Swallow model. My god, the texture of the skin, and the aged, smoked finish... Gu Nan, you're a madman! In a good way, of course!"
The two looked at each other and smiled.
A magnetic field, a connection between tech geeks and creators, instantly formed in the air.
……
The interview has officially begun.
Instead of choosing a serious studio interview, they sat directly in the middle of a miniature city model used in the filming of "Ultraman Tiga".
Two simple director's chairs, with a small round table between them. The background is a miniature model of the TV tower in the K region of the show, illuminated by lights.
"Action!"
Tim waved his signature hand at the camera.
"Hello everyone, I'm Tim! Welcome to this episode of Film and Television Hurricane."
"Today's video is absolutely amazing because we've come to the filming location of 'Ultraman Tiga,' which is currently the most popular and controversial show on the internet!"
"Sitting next to me is the creator of this series of miracles—Director Gu Nan."
Gu Nan nodded slightly to the camera: "Hello everyone, I'm Gu Nan."
Tim's interviewing style is very direct, which is why he's popular with audiences. He doesn't need any fancy pleasantries; he gets straight to the point.
"Gu Nan, actually before coming here, I watched all the currently updated episodes of 'Ultraman Tiga' frame by frame using our 8K monitor."
Tim leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I've discovered something terrifying. Many of your special effects shots, especially the explosions and monster destruction scenes, have a level of realism in the physical feedback that seems impossible for CG to replicate. There's a lot of talk online about what kind of cutting-edge technology you used. Could you reveal it today?"
Gu Nan smiled and pointed to the model building behind him.
"Actually, there's no black technology involved; it's just the dumbest method."
"A clumsy method?" Tim was taken aback.
"right."
Gu Nan picked up a piece of plasterboard used to make building fragments.
"The film industry nowadays prefers to use CG because it's fast and convenient. But no matter how realistic CG is, it can't simulate gravity. In many blockbusters we see, buildings collapse and float like pieces of paper because the gravity parameters are incorrect."
"Therefore, we chose to film it on location."
Gu Nan's gaze became focused. "We use high-speed cameras to film the model's collapse at 120 frames per second or even higher. Then we play it back at normal speed in post-production. This way, the moment a model that was originally only a few centimeters high collapses will appear, in slow motion, as if a colossal object tens of meters high is collapsing."
Tim slapped his thigh: "I knew it! This is the secret of miniature photography!"
At this point, Tim seemed to remember something, pushed up his glasses, and his tone became more excited and sharp.
"Speaking of 'realism' and 'simulation,' Gu Nan, I have to mention episode 31, 'Victory Base Attacked,' which just aired. Was the concept of Bizomo in that episode a metaphor for current generative AI (AIGC)?"
As a top content creator in the tech category, Tim is extremely sensitive to technological trends.
"That episode gave me the creeps. Hizomo hacked into, learned from, and replicated Horii's image through a data cable, even the logical consistency of his line 'I just want to live'... It's practically a preview of AI technology spiraling out of control!"
A hint of appreciation flashed in Gu Nan's eyes; it was so comfortable chatting with smart people.
"You're very accurate."
Gu Nan nodded. "AIGC is developing too fast now. Sora and various large models are like Bizomo. They devour data (electricity) like crazy, 'reproducing' and 'generating' with extremely high efficiency."
"right!"
Tim chimed in, somewhat wistfully, "Our studio has recently been exploring using AI to write scripts and generate storyboards. The efficiency is truly remarkable, but it's also terrifying. Sometimes they create 'hallucinations,' spouting nonsense with a straight face, like how Hizoma deceived Horii. And most importantly…"
Tim paused, then pointed to his chest.
"The works they produce always seem to be stuck in the 'uncanny valley.' Although they are pixel-perfect, they just lack a bit of 'humanity.'"
"Just like Horii said in the show, because they don't have hearts."
Gu Nan's answer was incisive.
"Hizomo can replicate Horii's face and his voice, but it can never understand Horii's humanity and compassion. That's why we insist on using miniature models and live-action footage. Only things crafted by hand, things that contain 'clumsiness' and 'sweat,' can retain that little bit of human warmth in this algorithm-dominated era."
This was also Gu Nan's original intention in filming Ultraman Tiga.
"Using the most basic, 'hard work' to fight against the most cold, 'algorithm'..."
Tim savored those words, his eyes brimming with barely concealed delight.
"That's so punk! Brother Nan, I think this layer of thinking is even more exciting than Ultraman Tiga fighting monsters!"
Their brief but witty discussion about AI and creation was like an exchange of signals between observers from two different eras.
……
After calming his excitement, Tim steered the conversation back to reality.
"But Gu Nan, this kind of persistence is too expensive! And the margin for error is extremely low. If it explodes once and fails, the model is ruined and has to be rebuilt. Aren't you afraid of failure?"
"Afraid."
Gu Nan answered honestly, "Just like when you sent balloons into the sky, they popped so many times, weren't you afraid?"
Tim was stunned.
He recalled the early days of his business, the nights he spent waiting in the cold wind for a single shot, and the moments he stared blankly at the ruins after his failures.
"I'm scared."
Tim gave a wry smile, but his eyes softened. "I remember when I was a kid, I saved up money for a long time to buy a remote-controlled airplane, but I was wrongly accused of stealing it. At that time, I felt like all my hard work was for nothing."
"Later, when I made videos, I invested so much in the early stages, but nobody watched what I produced... That kind of anxiety can really kill you."
"but……"
Tim changed the subject, looking at Gu Nan, "When you see the final cut, when you see someone in the comments saying 'I was moved'..."
He paused.
"All the fear turned into pleasure."
"That's right."
Gu Nan nodded. "This is the fate of people like us, I guess. We made this meal of dumplings just for a little bit of vinegar."
"I made all these dumplings just for this little bit of vinegar!"
Tim repeated the sentence.
"Haha, that's absolutely right! I think that statement could be a motto for all of us content creators!"
……
The interview was progressing smoothly.
We talked about technology and passion, from miniature models to the sweat and toil of the costume actors.
Tim looked at Zhang Zhao's well-worn Tiga suit from the first season and couldn't help but reach out and touch it.
"This material... is this what you call neoprene leather?"
As a gear enthusiast, Tim recognized the material at a glance.
"These are the kind of things you only see in high-end diving suits. And here... wait, are those liquid cooling pipes?"
Tim was surprised to pull a thin tube out from the inside of the leather case.
"right."
Gu Nan explained, "To ensure the actor's survival, the temperature inside the suit can reach 50 degrees Celsius. Without this system, Zhang Zhao would have suffered heatstroke long ago."
"Oh my god..."
Tim sighed to the camera, "Viewers, behind every cool flying kick you see, someone is really risking their life. Gu Nan, honestly, in this era where short videos reign supreme and everyone is chasing the 'golden three seconds' for a high completion rate, why do you go to such great lengths to film this kind of 'thankless' tokusatsu?"
That's a very good question.
This is a question in everyone's mind.
Gu Nan remained silent for a moment.
He looked at the glow stick prop in his hand, his gaze seemingly piercing through the top of the studio and looking towards the distant starry sky.
"Tim, have you ever thought about going to Mars?"
Gu Nan suddenly asked a question.
"what?"
Tim paused for a moment, then laughed. "I did mention it, but it seems no one took it seriously before, thinking I was joking. But I'm not joking, I really am going to Mars. Even if it's just a one-way ticket."
His teasing tone carried a strong conviction.
"This is it."
Gu Nan's voice was deep and powerful, "Why did we make Ultraman Tiga? It wasn't to sell toys, nor was it to make quick money."
"In this world, everyone is busy and tired. The pull of reality is too heavy, pressing everyone firmly to the ground."
"What I want to do is to give them a ray of light."
"Even if it's just for half an hour. Make them believe that outside of this world of mortgages, car loans, and KPIs, there are monsters, Ultraman, and... miracles."
"Just like you want to go to Mars."
Gu Nan looked at Tim and said, "That's the most primal and romantic impulse of humankind. We can't lose it just because we've grown up."
The scene was deathly silent.
Even the staff operating the machines stopped what they were doing and listened quietly.
Tim took a deep breath, his eyes slightly reddening. He took off his glasses, wiped them, and put them back on.
"That's so well said..."
Tim's voice trembled slightly. "Really, Gu Nan, I think we're the same kind of people. Although we do different things, we share the same core of 'idealism'."
"Actually, I've always had an anxiety."
Tim candidly admitted, "Looking at the current data and the company with over a hundred people, sometimes I don't know where to go next. Should I continue focusing on high-quality content? Or should I create more mainstream content? I've even wondered what will happen if one day I'm no longer the 'youngest entrepreneur,' and I no longer have that drive?"
"But seeing you today, seeing your team."
Tim pointed to the young and passionate faces around him. "I feel healed. As long as there are people willing to fight tooth and nail for a dream, there is hope for this industry."
"Unlimited progress."
Gu Nan extended his fist.
"Unlimited progress!"
Tim also extended his fist, and the two fists lightly touched in the air.
This scene was perfectly captured by the photographer.
……
At the end of the interview, Tim visited Gu Nan's "secret base"—the super-large "urban complex" that was under construction for the next episode.
Holy crap!
"Will all these building models eventually be 'consumed' in Ultraman's battles?"
Tim touched the plaster building, and was utterly amazed by its exquisite design.
"This is way too hardcore!"
That's why we need to keep improving.
Gu Nan patted Tim on the shoulder.
The video ended with the two of them laughing heartily.
……
That evening, the Bilibili account of Filmstorm released this video.
The title is simple, yet extremely attractive:
[Interview with Chasing Light Studio] What would happen if we disregarded costs and went all out to create a dream?
The description reads: "I initially thought this was just a typical business exchange, but it turned out to be the most heartfelt episode I've recorded this year. In Gu Nan, I saw my former, reckless self. PS: I highly recommend watching the discussion about generative AI and Bizomo repeatedly."
The video's views skyrocketed as soon as it was released.
Half a million in one hour.
Three hours, one million.
The barrage of comments was completely overwhelmed.
[A dream collaboration! A double delight for fans!]
Is this the resonance of the strong?
Hearing the line, "I made all these dumplings for this little bit of vinegar," brought tears to my eyes.
[The comparison between Somo and AI is amazing! Director Gu's foresight is incredible!]
Indeed, AI can draw perfect pictures, but it can't draw "light"!
Gu Nan's vision is truly grand! "To give light to those held down by the gravity of reality"—I'll etch this phrase into my DNA!
This is why Ultraman Tiga was so popular! Because it was made with lives on the line!
In the comments section, countless peers and creators also appeared.
Popular content creator [Hello Teacher, My Name is He Tongxue]: "I finished watching it and was deeply moved. We are always pursuing algorithms and traffic, but we have forgotten why we picked up the camera in the first place. Thank you Gu Nan and Tim for helping me rediscover my original aspirations."
Renowned film critic [Old Tang the Sharp-Tongued]: "This interview was even better than the movie itself. It revealed the truth behind that 'miracle.' It's not just about technology, it's about faith. Gu Nan, you win."
……
The video's influence even extended beyond Bilibili, trending on Weibo and Zhihu's hot search list.
Topics such as #Tim interviews Gu Nan#, #The endless progress of tokusatsu#, #A ray of light for adults#, and #Gu Nan talks about the AI dilemma# dominated the list.
In this era where traffic is king and content is fast-paced, the in-depth dialogue between two young people is like a breath of fresh air, washing away people's restless hearts.
……