The first scene of "High School Musical" is set during a New Year's celebration where East High School, attended by Zhang Jun, and Jingcheng High School, where Ning Ning studies, organize a joint New Year's party to foster inter-school cooperation. As prominent figures in their respective schools, Zhang Jun and Ning Ning are both required to attend the party. At the party, Ning Ning, pulled away from her books, and Zhang Jun, taken off the basketball court, are reluctantly pushed onto a small stage to sing a duet. They discover a new passion for singing and dancing.
The scene isn't difficult to shoot; it primarily portrays the process of the protagonists meeting and the unexpected emotion of discovering their love for song and dance. The dance is simple, but the duet they sing is crucial.
Although the song is a duet, its content mustn't overly express love, as the tone of the entire film "High School Musical" should be youthful, sunny, and inspirational. Plus, this is China, and the characters are high school students. Excessive romance, like in Western films, might draw criticism for promoting early romance.
Jiang Cheng wouldn't dare to cross the line set by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television. Consider "[Meteor Garden]" from the previous year - quite a sensation! In 2002, unofficial fan clubs in South Korea saw membership surge to over 200,000 within a week of formation, prompting the South Korean MBC network to rebroadcast the series, breaking viewership records even during late-night slots. "[Meteor Garden]" also became the highest-rated series in Indonesia since the establishment of its local television stations, with the cast's popularity spreading across the country and even receiving performance invitations from the Indonesian royal family. The craze led to a surge in Chinese language learning in Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Many countries and regions competed to invite the cast of "Meteor Garden" to boost tourism.
However, what was the outcome? On March 8, 2002, the National Radio and Television Administration issued a notice to provincial broadcasting authorities to immediately suspend the broadcast of the 18-episode Taiwanese youth idol drama "[Meteor Garden]." The reason? The show had a significant negative impact on society and could potentially mislead young people.
Though it was the new millennium, the era was still quite conservative compared to a few years later. Idol dramas considered simple in the future seemed somewhat excessive back then. Just like Jay Chou's songs, which would become normal in a few years, were considered very strange at the time.
Hence, in the script, Jiang Cheng blurred the romantic aspect between the protagonists, focusing more on friendship, or more precisely, a feeling "beyond friendship but not quite love."
Restricted by the system, Jiang Cheng had no choice but to toe the line.
These regulations gave Mai Zhenhong a headache. The song, a male-female duet, couldn't overly render romantic elements, yet it had to be youthful and sunny, suitable for teenagers and young adults. How could such a song be composed under so many constraints?
As the film's shooting was imminent, and Mai Zhenhong couldn't come up with the first song, Jiang Cheng "plagiarized" again, choosing a song from his memory.
The song was "The Summer Breeze," created by JJ Lin in 2005 to support his junior, (Kym) Jin Sha. It's a duet with a soothing and elegant tune, fresh and sunny, eschewing the usual emotional entanglements of love songs for a refreshing vibe. Although it's a love song, the romantic traces aren't too heavy, and it could also be interpreted as a friendship or familial love between childhood playmates who haven't seen each other in years. Both Lin and Jin Sha gained significant popularity with this song in 2005, becoming hot stars in the Mandopop scene.
Naturally, the song was excellent, as evident from Mai Zhenhong's reaction upon hearing it. It passed!
"Acheng, did you compose this?" Mai Zhenhong asked Jiang Cheng, eyes wide with astonishment.
"Yes, Brother Hong, do you think it's okay?" Jiang Cheng asked "humbly." Having "plagiarized" often, he had become quite thick-skinned.
"What do you mean, 'okay'?" Mai Zhenhong laughed wryly. "With this song's quality, your musical talent is not inferior to mine! I heard the OST for '[Autumn's Concerto]' was all your work. I didn't believe it then, but now... Ah! If I'd known your ability was so strong, I wouldn't have shown off my skills here!"
"Oh, not at all!" Jiang Cheng quickly replied. If his praise drove away the hard-to-come-by composer, he'd be in tears!
"I'm self-taught, with no formal training in composition. I can manage a song or two, but a full set of film scores is beyond me. Last time was just a fluke; I can't do that again. We still need a professional like you, Brother Hong!" Jiang Cheng explained and comforted.
Mai Zhenhong's mood improved, knowing Jiang Cheng was just being polite. Appreciating the sincere tone, he didn't pursue the matter further. But he was determined to give his all for the film's score, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of Jiang Cheng, a "composer" of his level.
Unaware of the additional effect his "showing off" had, Jiang Cheng moved on once the first song was decided. With all preparations complete, the Chinese version of "High School Musical" officially began shooting!
"High School Musical, scene one, ACTION!"
At Jiang Cheng's command, the entire crew sprang into action, each department operating smoothly.
The setting is a high school cafeteria, now decorated like a grand ballroom for the New Year's celebration, filled with flags and balloons. Several speakers played pleasant music, and a banner indicated the New Year's party. Students in various costumes filled the hall, exuding youthful vibrancy. Despite the winter cold outside, the students' enthusiasm dispelled the chill.
The camera panned over Zhang Jun, dragged from the basketball court, and Ning Ning, coerced to leave her books. Both looked impatient and out of place in the lively setting.
The camera then moved to a small stage in the hall's center, where students spontaneously performed. The host, having just seen off a male and female student who sang a duet, playfully asked, "Who's next to showcase their singing talent? No volunteers? Let our spotlight decide then!"
The spotlights swung around, eventually landing on Zhang Jun, who had just yawned, and Ning Ning, who was sneakily reading. Both looked surprised and confused. The host enthusiastically approached, saying, "Come on, it's your turn to perform!"
Jiang Cheng, playing Zhang Jun, and Liu Yifei, playing Ning Ning, resisted but were ultimately pushed onto the stage by the host and enthusiastic students. The host left them with a cryptic comment: "Who knows? One day you might thank me for this!" and handed the microphone to Jiang Cheng with a "Have fun!" leaving the bewildered pair on stage.
With no way out and facing the expectant crowd, they braced themselves and stood on stage.
"The Summer Breeze" began playing, and seeing the lyrics prompt, Jiang Cheng realized he knew this song and started singing into the microphone:
"Do you remember that summer day,
When the breeze blew for a moment,
It seemed to overturn everything,
Leaving only loneliness to settle."
After singing, Jiang Cheng turned away, as if he had just gone through the motions.
Liu Yifei, overcoming her nervousness, closed her eyes and sang:
"The wind still blows today,
Autumn rain follows, but the warmth in my heart doesn't fade,
As if I continue with my eyes closed,
The familiar face will appear before me again."
Her voice rose, and Jiang Cheng turned to look at her, seemingly surprised by her good singing. They began the duet:
"Blue nostalgia,
Suddenly turns into a sunny summer day,
The warmth in the air,
Isn't too far away,
Winter seems no longer lingering,
Green nostalgia,
Waves at me saying 'Seasons won't change,'
Just one season's time,
We're back to the beginning,
That summer touched by the wind!"
As they sang, they became more involved, singing with more passion and performing a few dance moves.
Liu Yifei: "Remember that summer day,
When the breeze blew for a moment,
It seemed to overturn everything,
Leaving only loneliness to settle."
Jiang Cheng: "The wind still blows,
Autumn rain follows, but the warmth in my heart doesn't fade,
As if I continue with my eyes closed."
Together: "The familiar face appears again."
Jiang Cheng: "Blue nostalgia,
Suddenly turns into a sunny summer day,
The warmth in the air,
Isn't too far away,
Winter seems no longer lingering,
Green nostalgia,
Waves at me saying 'Seasons won't change,'
Just one season's time,
We're back to the beginning,
That summer touched by the wind."
Liu Yifei: "Blue nostalgia,
Suddenly turns into a sunny summer day,
The warmth in the air,
Isn't too far away,
Winter seems no longer lingering,
Green nostalgia,
Waves at me saying 'Seasons won't change,'
Just one season's time,
We're back to the beginning,
That summer touched by the wind!"
Together: "That summer touched by the wind!"
Though Liu Yifei's singing skills weren't as polished as Jin Sha's, with some practice, she managed to capture the essence of the song. Their duet, while not flawless, was touching and pleasant.
As the song ended, the students erupted into cheers and applause. The two looked around, smiled knowingly, and realized they actually enjoyed singing and dancing!
Jiang Cheng smiled and extended his hand to Liu Yifei: "Zhang Jun!"
Liu Yifei, slightly nervous and excited, nearly blurted out "Liu Yifei" but managed to control herself at the last moment, sweetly saying, "Ning Ning!"
Their hands clasped together, the camera lingered for a moment, and then Jiang Cheng called out, "CUT!"
Everyone stopped their activities, and the set quieted down as Jiang Cheng walked to the director's spot, took the clapboard from Zhang Da, and started reviewing the footage.
Liu Yifei watched nervously; this was her first film role as the lead actress. She felt she had performed exceptionally well and hoped to pass on the first take, seeking a positive start to her acting career. She dreaded hearing "No Good" from Jiang Cheng, which would disappoint her greatly.
Fortunately, Jiang Cheng didn't say "No Good." He finished watching the footage with a smile, stood up, and announced to everyone, "GREAT! Very good! Everyone performed excellently! Perfect! This take is good!"
Cheers louder than before erupted, as if to lift the roof!
The students were from nearby high schools, recruited by the crew as extras for this scene. Their performance was natural, and Jiang Cheng's approval was the greatest encouragement and praise.
Jiang Cheng watched the cheering crowd and waited for most to calm down before smiling and saying, "We have one more scene to shoot. Let's aim for another perfect take. Then you can all enjoy the party we've prepared for you!"
The students responded enthusiastically, ready to give their all. Jiang Cheng spoke a few words to Zhang Da, the photography, lighting, and sound teams, and the crew moved outside to shoot the scene of the New Year's arrival.
Exchanging a glance with Liu Yifei and seeing the encouragement in her eyes, Jiang Cheng smiled and called out, "High School Musical, scene two, ACTION!"
The clapboard sounded, and the crew sprang back into action!