Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Chinese Web Series Movies

Crafting the Visual Spectacle: Behind the Scenes of ‘The Untamed’

‘The Untamed’ (陈情令), a 2019 Chinese web series adapted from the danmei novel ‘Mo Dao Zu Shi’ (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation), captivated audiences globally with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Beyond the on-screen magic, a dedicated team worked tirelessly to bring this fantastical world to life. Delving into the behind-the-scenes aspects reveals the meticulous planning, creative ingenuity, and sheer hard work that contributed to the series’ resounding success.

Production Design: Building a World of Cultivation

The production design of ‘The Untamed’ was crucial in establishing the series’ unique atmosphere, blending elements of traditional Chinese aesthetics with fantastical elements. The series was primarily filmed on location in various scenic spots across China, including Guizhou Province and Hengdian World Studios, one of the world’s largest film studios.

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  Location Scouting: Extensive location scouting was undertaken to find landscapes that perfectly matched the novel’s descriptions of the various cultivation sects and their domains. Rolling hills, misty mountains, and serene lakes were carefully selected to create a sense of grandeur and mystique.

• Set Construction: While leveraging natural landscapes, the production team also constructed elaborate sets to represent key locations like the Cloud Recesses of the Gusu Lan Sect, the Lotus Pier of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, and the Burial Mounds. These sets were designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating traditional Chinese architecture, intricate carvings, and symbolic elements.

• Color Palette and Symbolism: The color palette played a significant role in defining the identity of each sect. The Gusu Lan Sect was characterized by its elegant white and blue hues, reflecting their emphasis on discipline and purity. The Yunmeng Jiang Sect, on the other hand, embraced vibrant purples and reds, symbolizing their passion and loyalty. The Qishan Wen Sect, known for their ruthlessness, was associated with dark reds and blacks.

• Props and Artifacts: The production team meticulously crafted a wide array of props, including swords, talismans, musical instruments, and ritualistic objects. Each prop was designed to be both visually appealing and functional, adding depth and authenticity to the world of cultivation. The iconic Chenqing flute, Wei Wuxian’s signature instrument, was a particularly important prop, requiring careful design and construction to ensure it looked and sounded authentic.

Costume Design: Weaving Threads of Character and Identity

The costumes in ‘The Untamed’ were not merely garments; they were integral to character development and visual storytelling. The costume design team, led by renowned designers, created hundreds of unique costumes that reflected the personalities, social status, and allegiances of the characters.

• Research and Inspiration: The costume designers drew inspiration from various sources, including traditional Chinese clothing styles, historical records, and artistic representations of ancient Chinese culture. They also carefully studied the novel to understand the characters’ personalities and backstories, ensuring that their costumes accurately reflected their identities.

• Fabric Selection and Dyeing: The selection of fabrics was crucial in creating costumes that were both visually stunning and comfortable for the actors to wear. The team used a variety of materials, including silk, linen, and cotton, and employed traditional dyeing techniques to achieve the desired colors and textures.

• Embroidery and Ornamentation: Intricate embroidery and ornamentation were used to add detail and symbolism to the costumes. Motifs such as clouds, lotuses, and dragons were incorporated into the designs, reflecting the characters’ affiliations and aspirations.

• Character-Specific Designs: Each character had a unique costume design that reflected their personality and role in the story. Wei Wuxian’s initially vibrant and carefree attire gradually evolved into darker, more somber colors as he embraced demonic cultivation. Lan Wangji’s pristine white robes symbolized his unwavering adherence to the rules and his inherent purity.

Cinematography and Visual Effects: Painting a Picture of Magic and Mystery

The cinematography and visual effects in ‘The Untamed’ played a crucial role in creating a visually immersive and captivating experience for the viewers.

• Camera Work and Composition: The cinematography team employed a variety of camera techniques, including sweeping landscape shots, close-ups of characters’ faces, and dynamic action sequences, to create a visually engaging narrative. The composition of each shot was carefully considered to create a sense of balance, harmony, and visual interest.

• Lighting and Color Grading: Lighting played a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere of each scene. Soft, natural lighting was used to create a sense of tranquility in the Cloud Recesses, while harsh, dramatic lighting was used to emphasize the intensity of the action sequences. Color grading was used to enhance the overall visual aesthetic of the series, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look.

• Visual Effects (VFX): Visual effects were used to enhance the fantastical elements of the story, including the cultivation techniques, the mythical creatures, and the supernatural phenomena. The VFX team worked closely with the production designers and cinematographers to seamlessly integrate the visual effects into the live-action footage.

• Wire Work and Stunt Coordination: Wire work was extensively used to create the gravity-defying action sequences that are characteristic of wuxia dramas. The stunt coordination team worked closely with the actors to ensure their safety while performing these complex stunts.

Music and Sound Design: Composing a Symphony of Emotion

The music and sound design in ‘The Untamed’ were instrumental in creating an emotional and immersive experience for the viewers.

• Original Soundtrack: The series featured an original soundtrack composed by renowned composers, incorporating traditional Chinese instruments and melodies to create a unique and evocative soundscape. The soundtrack included both instrumental pieces and vocal performances, with songs that reflected the themes of love, loss, and redemption.

• Sound Effects and Foley: The sound design team meticulously crafted a wide range of sound effects to enhance the realism and impact of the scenes. Foley artists created realistic sounds for everything from footsteps and sword clashes to the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds.

• Dialogue and Dubbing: The dialogue in ‘The Untamed’ was carefully written and delivered by the actors, conveying the characters’ emotions and motivations. In some cases, the series was dubbed into other languages, requiring skilled voice actors to capture the nuances of the original performances.

• Mixing and Mastering: The music, sound effects, and dialogue were carefully mixed and mastered to create a cohesive and immersive audio experience. The sound design team paid close attention to the balance between the different elements, ensuring that the music and sound effects enhanced the story without overwhelming the dialogue.

Challenges and Triumphs: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Success

The production of ‘The Untamed’ was not without its challenges. The team faced logistical difficulties, weather-related delays, and the pressure of adapting a beloved novel for the screen. However, their dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit allowed them to overcome these obstacles and create a series that resonated with audiences worldwide.

• Adapting the Novel: Adapting a popular novel for the screen is always a challenge, as it requires balancing the expectations of the existing fanbase with the need to create a compelling and accessible story for a wider audience. The production team worked closely with the author of ‘Mo Dao Zu Shi’ to ensure that the adaptation remained true to the spirit of the original novel while also making necessary changes to suit the medium of television.

• Logistical Challenges: Filming on location in remote areas presented a number of logistical challenges, including transporting equipment, accommodating the cast and crew, and managing the unpredictable weather conditions. The production team had to be resourceful and adaptable to overcome these challenges and keep the production on schedule.

• Dealing with Censorship: Chinese television dramas are subject to strict censorship regulations, which can sometimes limit the creative freedom of the filmmakers. The production team had to navigate these regulations carefully, ensuring that the series met the necessary requirements without compromising its artistic integrity.

Despite these challenges, ‘The Untamed’ became a massive success, both in China and internationally. The series’ popularity can be attributed to its compelling story, its well-developed characters, its stunning visuals, and the dedication of the cast and crew. The behind-the-scenes efforts of the production team played a crucial role in bringing this fantastical world to life and creating a series that has captivated audiences around the globe. The intricate details in set design, the symbolism woven into the costumes, the breathtaking cinematography, and the emotive soundtrack all converged to create a truly unforgettable viewing experience, cementing ‘The Untamed’ as a landmark achievement in Chinese web series history.