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E-mail China.org.cn, December 21, 2024
Chinese pop icon Jason Zhang has become the first singer from the Chinese mainland to release a concert film, which debuted on Dec. 20, his birthday. In an exclusive interview with China.org.cn, he shared his aim of transforming his spectacular concerts into a compelling cinematic experience.
Jason Zhang performs in concert at the National Stadium in Beijing, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Jason Zhang Studio]
"Jason Zhang Brilliance Tour" aims to give fans and cinemagoers an immersive experience that captures the essence of his live performances. "I wanted to condense the great concerts into a film and let everyone see it."
The film features his best performances of 40 songs from three sold-out concerts at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing in August 2023. He specially chose the last three shows of his tour for the filming, considering the high level of coordination between his band and staff, coupled with high-quality stage and recording equipment utilized during those particular performances.
The shows were part of the "Brilliance Tour," which first kicked off in October 2021 in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, spanning 13 cities and attracting a staggering audience of over 900,000 fans.
Jason Zhang poses for a photo with fans at the premiere of "Jason Zhang Brilliance Tour" in Beijing, Dec. 18, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Taopiaopiao]
Beyond just documenting a successful tour, Zhang's film serves as an unprecedented treat for fans unable to attend the concerts in person. The result extends the concert's reach, opening up Zhang's performances to a wider audience that goes beyond the physical limitations of a concert venue.
Zhang fondly recalls the energy of the tour, emphasizing how the collaboration with his team brought the grandeur of each show to life. According to Zhang, the film is a true reflection of what he envisioned, largely due to his personal involvement in the selection of performances featured in the film, ensuring a high level of authenticity.
His aspirations don't stop here. When asked about continuing to pioneer concert films in his career, Zhang hinted at even more cinematic ventures that blend his passion for music with the big screen. "I think preparing for the future is worthwhile," he mentioned, contemplating further on this blend of music and cinematography.
Zhang's 20-year career, during which he has won more than 210 music awards, illustrates his profound impact on Chinese popular culture, making him a fitting figure to create the mainland's first Mandarin concert film. When his concert film was first announced, the news immediately topped trending topics, and presales quickly reached more than 20 million yuan.
A poster for "Jason Zhang Brilliance Tour." [Image courtesy of Taopiaopiao]
The pop star said he felt fortunate to release this film and hopes it can serve as a trailblazing move allowing more Chinese singers to follow suit and produce concert films. This, he believes, will allow people to see more of their favorite singers at the cinema and enjoy an extremely joyful music experience. It sets a fresh paradigm for how modern musicians can innovatively archive and share their artistry on a global scale.
In Zhang's film, there are plenty of shots of passionate fans offstage, cheering, waving and crying. When they turn on the torch function on their cellphones or wave glow sticks, the concert venue transforms into a galaxy, and the singer makes sure to enjoy these moments, often asking fans to sing along. "I felt very happy and grateful for their support. They know me well and have walked with me through highs and lows," he said.
He mentioned three songs he always loved: "Love of the North Star," "The Most Beautiful Sun" and "This is Love," which he always sang together with the audiences. These are included in the film due to their popularity and emotional resonance, radiating strength and showcasing happiness at the live shows.
Jason Zhang on stage at a concert during his Brilliance Tour at the National Stadium in Beijing, 2023. [Image courtesy of Jason Zhang Studio]
The pop star said that he plans to hold more concerts in stadiums across the country in the future. He shared his reflections on his artistic journey and sources of inspiration: "I think if you love something, you should work hard at it without letting too many concerns hold you back. In the process, you'll encounter many obstacles that might try to stop you, but if you always remember the passion and purpose you started with, you will never lose your way."
