On the 16th of August, the latest addition to Youku's White Night Theater, "Border Water Tales," premiered with a special advanced screening event titled "The Challenge of Sanbianpo." During the event, director Suan shared his creative vision and the meticulous attention to detail that went into crafting every aspect of the series. From the geographical settings and character development to the opening credits and typography, each element was carefully considered to immerse viewers in the fictional world of Sanbianpo from the very first frame.
At the advanced screening, director Suan engaged with the audience, delving into the creative process behind "Border Water Tales."
The series transports viewers to the intricate and exotic universe of Sanbianpo, where protagonist Shen Xing (played by Guo Qilin), an ordinary worker, embarks on a perilous journey into uncharted territory in search of his uncle. Along the way, he encounters the enigmatic Cai Shu (portrayed by Wu Zhenyu), setting off a chain of events filled with danger and moral dilemmas.
Suan, known for his meticulous approach, revealed that even the opening and closing credits were given considerable thought. "We chose a bird's-eye view reminiscent of a sand table to introduce the unique landscape of each episode's setting. Each opening sequence also includes fun Easter eggs, which aligns well with Shen Xing's role as a driver who connects various storylines throughout the series. Our goal is to captivate the audience right from the start."
Regarding the distinctive typography used for the subtitles, Suan emphasized its importance in establishing the show's visual aesthetic. "Rather than sticking with the conventional black text on white background, we opted for custom yellow fonts. This choice reflects the unique cultural and geographical context of the series, ensuring every visual element complements the overall style."
The opening sequences feature bird's-eye views of the landscapes, while the custom yellow typography adds to the immersive experience.
Attendees at the screening praised the performances of Guo Qilin as Shen Xing and Wu Zhenyu as Cai Shu. Suan credited the success of these portrayals to the actors' deep understanding of their characters and the production team's thorough development of each role. Speaking about Guo Qilin's portrayal of Shen Xing, Suan noted, "Guo Qilin brings a unique comedic touch to the character." He recounted how the decision to cast Guo came naturally after watching him perform stand-up comedy during a meeting with the show's executive producer, Director Cao Baoping. "It became clear that no one else could play Shen Xing quite like Guo Qilin."
