Ever caught yourself staring at a jaw-dropping movie scene and wondered, "How did they build that?" 🎥
Enter Kim-Wai Chung, a prop wizard with 38 years in the game. He’s the mastermind behind props and sets in over 100 films—from the legendary wuxia action in "New Dragon Gate Inn" 🗡️ to the futuristic spectacle of "The Wandering Earth 2" 🌌.
Back in the day, Chung handcrafted every sword, lantern and tea cup by hand. Fast forward to now, and he’s working with advanced industrial manufacturing—think 3D printing and CNC machines—to bring blockbuster visions to life. It’s this mix of old-school craft and hi-tech that pulls us right into the story.
"Well-built sets are like characters," Chung says. "They talk to the audience and make the world feel real." And with every detail—from weathered wood floors to ultra-realistic space pods—he ensures you’re glued to the screen.
But Chung isn’t just looking back. He’s all about the future. He wants fresh faces to pick up the tools, learn the ropes and keep elevating the mainland film industry. "I’m happy to share everything I know," he laughs. "I hope they learn to love films as I do and contribute to Chinese cinema."
So, if you’re obsessed with design, engineering or storytelling, take note—there’s a whole universe behind the camera waiting for you. Who knows? Maybe the next epic set you swoon over will be yours. 🌟
Reference(s):
Prop master crafts sets, objects over 38 years for Chinese cinema
cgtn.com
