roccoschili Chapter 254 Diamonds
Chapter 254 Diamonds
The recording site of "Star Making Lab" was brightly lit, with lights cascading down in the center of the studio like a waterfall, illuminating the entire space as if it were daytime.
The contestant area is laid out in a pyramid shape, and each seat is numbered to represent its ranking.
The closer you are to the top of the pyramid, the higher your ranking.
The seats at the base of the pyramid are unremarkable, but each seat on the pyramid itself has a unique design. The gilded numbers inlaid on the backrests shimmer with subtle halos under the lights, making them not only eye-catching but also greatly enhancing comfort.
The TOP1 seat, symbolizing the champion's throne, is designed to be incredibly luxurious. The crystal-carved back of the chair resembles a blooming nebula, making it the absolute visual focus of the entire event.
After entering the venue, the contestants need to find their desired ranking position and sit down.
As Jia Lai entered, his portrait flashed briefly on the big screen.
Against a dark background, the boy's features are delicate, but there are too many good-looking people on the show today.
Moreover, a stunningly beautiful mixed-race woman had just entered, causing a sensation throughout the venue.
Therefore, Jia Lai's appearance did not cause much of a stir, as everyone's attention had already been drawn to the next person to enter.
He randomly picked an empty seat in the middle of the pyramid.
The spot was a bit cramped, and the metal handrails were cold, but that suited him perfectly.
Before he participated in the show, his agent repeatedly told him to keep a low profile.
Jia Lai obediently complied.
The position he chose was one that almost no one picked in the early stages.
Although the current ranking does not represent the final ranking, who wouldn't want to sit in a higher position?
Those players who drew early entry slots practically took up all the top spots as soon as they entered.
Jia Lai didn't want to join in the fun.
Before he could even sit down properly, someone quickly ran over and took the seat next to him.
Jia Lai had a strong premonition, and when he looked up, it was indeed Lü Cong.
The moment their eyes met, Lü Cong winked at him, her lips moved but no sound came out, her whole face was full of joy, "I'm here to keep you company."
Ever since learning that Jia Lai belongs to the legendary Day and Night Entertainment in the industry, this contestant has become an inseparable piece of chewing gum.
Despite Jia Lai’s repeated explanations that the company is known for its strictness and that newcomers would never receive special treatment and would even have very little screen time in the early stages, Lu Cong stubbornly believed that “being close to the source gives you an advantage.”
In the end, Jia Lai had no choice but to compromise. As long as Lü Cong didn't reveal the information about his signing, he didn't care what happened.
Actually, if you think about it carefully, although Lü Cong seems too shrewd, he is also honest and has no bad intentions. He only has the intention of "getting on camera," which is very "pure."
Jia Lai even gradually felt that it was nice to have someone to talk to. In order to get closer to Jia Lai and at the same time get more screen time for himself, Lü Cong transformed into a human bullet screen machine and a professional critic.
He would both introduce the background of new contestants to Jia Lai when they entered the arena, and also make some reactions that Jia Lai considered slightly exaggerated at certain times.
For example, right now, when people are on the verge of fighting over the TOP1 seat, Lü Cong clicked his tongue meaningfully twice and complained, "What year is it now? How come people are still fighting over such a hot potato as the TOP seat?"
Jia Lai was watching the commotion when he heard Lü Cong's words. He looked away from the two contestants who were competing to see who could do more push-ups in place and asked in confusion, "Why?"
TOP's crystal throne refracted a dazzling light under the spotlight.
—The tallest and most eye-catching one in the entire event.
Almost all the contestants take a good look at the room when they come in, and some even sit down to experience it before choosing another seat.
If you want to gain a lot of attention from the start, then getting to the top of the charts is definitely the key to getting traffic.
Lu Cong rested his chin on one hand, tapping his fingertips rhythmically on the armrest, and shook his head, saying, "Those who grab the top spot in the first round will definitely not debut. This has become an invisible curse of talent shows."
He lowered his voice, his pupils reflecting the fierce competition on stage: "That position looks glamorous, but it's actually a target for a later comeback story. True kings know how to play dumb to outmaneuver their opponents."
Jia Lai suddenly tilted his head, his eyes curving into cunning crescents: "So you are? A master of playing dumb to fool others?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lü Cong almost choked on the mineral water he had just sipped. He coughed violently and waved his hand.
Jia Lai's direct question caught him off guard.
A suspicious blush rose to the tips of her ears: "No, no, don't talk nonsense! I've always been an upright and honest person..."
Meanwhile, dozens of images were flashing on the monitor wall in the control room.
Backstage in the control room, a dozen people stared at the dense array of cameras in front of them. Amidst the constant commands of "Cut!" and "Zoom in!", everyone's focus was almost entirely on the two contestants vying for the top spot.
Unsurprisingly, the rivalry between these two for the TOP spot will definitely be included in the final cut, and their tense stance is even enough to make a high-energy trailer.
Audiences love watching scenes full of tension and conflict.
The other contestants were either observing or egging each other on.
In the corner, the female director wearing black-rimmed glasses focused her attention on other shots.
The scene is located in an inconspicuous spot in the middle of the pyramid, with close-ups of Jia Lai and Lu Cong filling the screen.
Her fingertips unconsciously rubbed her chin as she watched Lu Cong frantically trying to explain himself on the screen, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips.
She had just noticed these two little gadgets; they were talking non-stop in front of the camera. She listened to a few snippets and found them quite amusing, so she kept the camera focused on them.
The conversation just now had a strangely humorous quality to it.
She quickly drew two stars on the storyboard, circled the camera position number in red, and secretly thought about exporting this conversation separately and marking it as a key point later.
If the post-production editing includes humorous subtitles, it might become an unexpected Easter egg.
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Inside a private box on the upper level of the studio.
Bai Li leaned back on the leather sofa in the private room, watching with great interest.
This studio was meticulously renovated to the specifications of a large stage.
Its large scale not only allows it to perfectly accommodate subsequent performances and easily hold thousands of audience members, but it can also continue to serve as a performance venue even after the show has finished recording.
In addition to the basic audience seating, several private boxes have been specially designed to accommodate VIPs from the media, entertainment companies and other industries.
Today, representatives from several sponsoring brands came to follow up on the filming progress of the program.
Bai Li arranged for someone to warmly receive everyone in the other private rooms.
They are just representatives; there's no need for Bai Li to personally receive them.
After working non-stop lately, Bai Li wants to take a break today and watch a show. She really doesn't want to waste any more energy on business dealings.
While leisurely watching the lively scene below the stage, she chatted with Su Yaqin, discussing which contestants they thought were the best and whether anyone would challenge for the top spot.
Previously, Bai Li had only watched edited versions of talent shows and had never seen a live performance.
Watching live offers a unique experience, allowing you to witness the contestants' true talents and keep track of the entire event.
However, compared to the edited final cut, the pace of the live performance was slightly slow.
Fortunately, she wasn't alone in the private room; there were also core members of the creative team, including the project manager and chief planner. Listening to their plans and discussions for the later stages of the program, Bai Li didn't find it boring.
Just as they were getting into the conversation, all the lights in the room suddenly went out, plunging the studio into darkness, with only a few spotlights focused on the center of the stage.
After a moment of silence, the entire venue erupted in cheers and applause.
Below the stage, the contestants all stood up, their eyes burning with enthusiasm.
Bai Li was also attracted by the sudden change in lights and stared intently, holding her breath.
Under the spotlight, the top-tier host walked steadily in the middle of the group, exuding a powerful aura.
The mentor team following behind was even more dazzling.
Accompanied by rhythmic electronic drumbeats, this row of people slowly emerged from the shadows behind the stage, making their entrance in perfect unison.
The familiar faces, all heavyweights who have graced the Spring Festival Gala stage, gathered here, instantly igniting the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
These people are not only mentors, but also judges for a while, commenting on the contestants' initial performances.
As expected of a top-tier host, the moment he picked up the microphone to speak, he had already completely grasped the rhythm and atmosphere of the entire venue.
After interacting with the contestants, he quickly explained the rules for this round in the simplest and most understandable way.
"Before the contestants' official debut performances, according to the procedure, the mentors will give a demonstration performance first! Let's give a warm round of applause to mentor XX!"
……
The performance begins.
On stage, top singers and dancers showcased their talents, making the whole scene comparable to a spectacular mini-concert.
But the most stunning performance of all was Yu Xinglan's.
This is Yu Xinglan's first real stage appearance after a long period of silence.
Although Bai Li had seen Yu Xinglan's performance videos in the practice room before, it was only after witnessing him on stage in person that she truly felt the overwhelming sense of pressure.
He unleashed almost all the energy within him; such a cool and aloof person in real life possessed a terrifyingly powerful energy on stage.
Every dance step was precisely timed to the drumbeat, and every difficult move was executed perfectly by relying on muscle memory.
Her solid singing skills were on full display; every time she opened her mouth, her voice was remarkably steady.
With the music playing, he fully immersed himself in the music, effortlessly drawing everyone into the emotions of the audience.
Under the spotlight, he is the king of the stage.
Watching Yu Xinglan's wonderful performance from the side of the stage, Brother Shen's eyes unconsciously became a little sore.
He quietly wiped his wet eyes with the back of his hand, his heart filled with emotion.
It had been too long. He hadn't seen Yu Xinglan so radiant in so long. That soul, which had once seemed trapped in an icy shell, had finally burned through all its shackles like a flame, radiating dazzling brilliance.
As the last note slowly faded away, Yu Xinglan knelt on one knee, pressing her palm against her violently heaving chest.
Sweat dripped down his chin and onto the stage floor, shimmering under the starlight-like lights overhead.
Inside the control room, the staff were extremely busy.
A perfect performance requires meticulous coordination in every aspect, from camera movement and close-up shots to motion capture.
"Cut off Unit 2!"
"Next is the dance sequence, Units 8 and 9, get ready!"
In just eight minutes on stage, the control room needs to issue nearly a dozen instructions.
Until the very last moment, the monitor in the control room froze on the instant Yu Xinglan looked up at the camera.
—His pupils, devoid of coldness, burned with a fiery light, the gaze unique to the beast of the stage.
"That's the close-up shot! Hold it! Perfect!!!"
The director's back was covered in sweat after directing the performance.
Although it was tiring, it was also enjoyable.
His last note almost cracked.
This is probably one of the most brilliant performances he has ever directed in his career.
He used to direct more songs.
The camera work for singers is much simpler than that for idols, requiring only simple switching between long shots and close-ups.
For idols, it's not just about the difference between near and far shots; different camera angles also need to be adjusted to match the movements, the progress of the song, and the tempo.
Furthermore, there are specific guidelines for adjusting the camera position; it cannot be too fast or too slow.
For the filming of this program, he specifically consulted with experts brought back from abroad for his team.
The experts provided a lot of advice and guidance, which led to the perfect filming we have today.
He was certain that Yu Xinglan's performance would be the most exciting part of the episode.
At the same time, Yu Xinglan's performance ended, and the studio lights gradually dimmed.
After a full five seconds of deathly silence, the cheers and shouts that erupted from the contestants' seats were deafening, almost lifting the roof off the recording studio.
"Ahhh! So cool!!!!"
"Holy crap, did you guys notice? That was a live microphone! It was so smooth, was he even human?"
"Encore! Encore!"
Previously, when the other mentors finished their performances, the contestants were also very excited, but the wonderful performances of these professional dancers and singers were all within everyone's expectations.
While highly professional, this information offers relatively limited reference value for the contestants.
But Yu Xinglan's appearance showed them the infinite possibilities for their future.
This is a benchmark, absolutely a benchmark!
It is the goal I will strive for in the future!
Hearing the cheers coming from the studio below, Bai Li lowered her head and chuckled softly.
I've really struck gold.
Turning to Su Yaqin beside him, he asked, "Did you design this segment?"
Su Yaqin was still immersed in Yu Xinglan's performance, her face full of intoxication, and she couldn't speak for a moment.
She said in a daze, "Yes, arranging for the mentors to perform first is to set an example for the contestants."
Next up was the contestants' first stage performance.
Based on the contestants' performances on their initial stage, the mentors will assign grades from A to D.
The mentors' performances can ease the contestants' tension and also serve as an opening act, giving them a good start.
But she never expected that the final result would be so stunning.
With the support of a professional stage, Yu Xinglan's performance was truly stunning.
Bai Li praised, "This design is fantastic!"
If there were still doubts about the ranking criteria before, and the contestants were still struggling with what kind of performance would earn them an A, then Yu Xinglan's brilliant performance has undoubtedly provided the most perfect answer.
For these newcomers, reaching Yu Xinglan's level might be difficult, but at least they should wholeheartedly enjoy the stage like Yu Xinglan to deserve an A grade.
Bai Li had a deep premonition.
Yu Xinglan is about to become a huge star.
"Star Making Lab" can not only promote newcomers, but also make this long-dormant "diamond" shine brightly again.