COLOURFUL STYLE

Macau Asia Satellite TV: The magnificent opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics gives people greater expectations for the 2008 opening Olympic ceremony. No originality implies failure. So I would like to ask if Mr. Zhang Yimou would continue in "Chinese red" style. What's the preparation for the opening ceremony like? Do you have the confidence to match the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony against that of the Sydney Olympics?

Zhang Yimou: All the people I know love red. It seems really gorgeous to decorate the "Bird's Nest" in red. So I think it's a sure thing -- red will be displayed during the Olympic ceremony performance. But the presentation cannot be demonstrated by a single color. It must be very vibrant, full of all kinds of colors. I loved the Athens Olympic opening ceremony; it was well directed and excellent. Our objective is to make the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony even more wonderful than that of the Athens Olympics. This is our common hope. We have carefully studied the superb performances and opening ceremonies of former Olympiads. We'll learn from all of them and for the show we'll try to display our profound Chinese culture; in this way the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony will be better than past ones and truly magnificent.

The Straits Times: My first question is for Mr. Zhang Yimou. Mr. Steve Speilberg quit as the artistic consultant for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. Did he make any contribution to the ceremonies before he left? Will his exit influence your overall plan in any fashion?

Zhang Yimou: I personally feel regret that Mr. Steve Spielberg quit. He came to Beijing twice about half a year ago. We had two discussions with other consultants on some detailed artistic issues. He showed great expectations for the Beijing Olympics at that time. But I don't think his withdrawal will make any difference to the opening ceremony because we have gathered plenty of experts and artists domestically and also from abroad. The whole group is moving forward smoothly.