wavenovel Chapter 347 Gaia is finished, and he was on an interview?
Chapter 347 Gaia is finished, and he was on an interview?
(These two chapters are just for fun, imitating Xiao Yang~)
After the ending theme of episode 51 of Ultraman Gaia ended.
An unprecedented "withdrawal reaction" broke out.
One second they were still thrilled by Gaia and Agul's final battle against Zog, but the next second, as the screen went black and the credits started rolling, a huge sense of emptiness washed over everyone like a tidal wave.
"There are monsters on Earth, but there are also Ultra Warriors. We will love this beautiful planet even more."
This sentence became the standard caption on major social media platforms that night.
However, beneath the overwhelming tributes and emotions lies an unfillable emptiness in the hearts of countless viewers.
The comment sections of major tokusatsu forums, Tieba, and Bilibili were almost completely paralyzed by the massive traffic that night.
For example, Zhihu, which has always prided itself on "rational discussion," has had Gaia completely dominate its top three trending topics.
Under the question "How would you rate the finale of Ultraman Gaia?", countless lengthy reviews of tens of thousands of words have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, with every answer filled with "shock" and "reluctance to let go".
Some have analyzed the symbiotic relationship between the Earth's will and human civilization from a philosophical perspective, while others have devoted thousands of words to analyzing the audiovisual language of the final battle frame by frame...
On social media, even people who never watch tokusatsu shows are sharing classic stills and lines from "Gaia".
Self-media bloggers on major video platforms rushed to produce videos overnight, with titles all being "Goodbye Gaia," "The End of an Era," and "Why Gaia is the Pinnacle of Tokusatsu."
Some fans even organized themselves to display the crowdfunded tribute posters on outdoor screens in major cities.
Lengthy reviews and pent-up emotions filled every corner.
【Aaaaaah! Why did it end so quickly?! How am I supposed to live without Gaia updates on Fridays?!】
Have you ever felt that emptiness inside? Like a friend who's been with you for a long time suddenly saying they're leaving. I know this is just a TV drama, but I just can't get over it.
[That's it? I can't accept this! My spiritual nourishment is gone! Director Gu, you scoundrel! Please, just release a movie already! Wasn't there supposed to be another one in the story?]
[A tokusatsu series has somehow managed to elevate itself to the level of exploring human evolutionary history, the Gaia hypothesis, and the philosophy of Earth's natural world. How am I supposed to watch any other mindless, entertaining shows after this? It's easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Gu Zei, you have to take responsibility for my eyes!]
The hype was like oil being poured on a hot fire, propelling the name "Ultraman" to the pinnacle of tokusatsu history.
Bilibili, as the largest gathering place for young people in China and the exclusive streaming platform for this masterpiece, naturally wouldn't let go of this massive influx of traffic.
The official personally facilitated the connection, quickly leading to an exclusive interview.
The invitee is "Little Sheep's Appointment," a top-rated talk show on Bilibili.
The guest, of course, is Gu Nan, the director who created all of this.
a few days later.
A video titled "[Exclusive Interview with Gu Nan, Chief Director of 'Ultraman Gaia,' Unveiling the Story Behind the Masterpiece!]" was unexpectedly featured on the Bilibili homepage.
Countless fans, still deeply moved by the finale of Gaia, clicked on the video with tears in their eyes and a sense of pilgrimage.
They thought it would be a serious, profound, artistic, and humanistic documentary-style interview with a master.
However, something went wrong the moment the progress bar started.
Two folding chairs are casually placed in front of a simple, pure white background wall.
Although the host, Xiao Yang, was dressed in a neat casual suit, she had a perpetually expressionless face.
Gu Nan, sitting to the side, wearing a T-shirt and looking completely at ease.
"Hello everyone."
The little lamb didn't even have a script in his hand, his voice was completely flat, and he had his usual stern face.
"Welcome to 'Little Sheep's Appointment.' Today, we have invited... a renowned domestic director, founder of Light Chaser Animation Studios, successor to director Eiji Tsuburaya, actor who played Zheng Jingwu in Ultraman Tiga, creator of the Ultraman Tiga, Dyna, Gaia, and Light Chaser trio, and one of Bilibili's top 100 content creators... Gu Nan."
"However, since there isn't enough room for so many people, we only invited this one."
The lamb turned to look at Gu Nan.
"Say hello to everyone."
Gu Nan raised an eyebrow slightly, realizing the joke, and straightened his expression.
Although there were two cameras on set when this video was filmed not long ago.
But Gu Nan still casually found a camera angle, faced the camera, and gave it a gentle smile:
"Hello everyone, I am Gu Nan, who has received the above titles. I am very happy to meet you all."
"That's it?"
"Ah, you can say a few more words."
The lamb suddenly interrupted.
Gu Nan replied directly:
"...two sentences."
A barrage of question marks immediately filled the screen.
【? 】
I have watched it seriously.
[Guessing the wrong protagonist]
[There's not enough room for all these people, and how did the referee get on the field?]
Ace vs Ace
[Opening Ceremony Strike]
[You're going to start with some gimmicks, huh?]
Hahaha! Those two's expressions are hilarious!
"Let's get right into today's interview."
The lamb simply went through the process on its own.
"it is good."
Gu Nan nodded, trying to regain his composure as a director.
Hello, hello.
The lamb clapped its hands perfunctorily twice.
"Why did you choose to come to our program?"
Gu Nan sat up straight and answered seriously:
"Since Gaia has just finished airing, there are many behind-the-scenes stories I want to share with everyone..."
The little lamb pouted and said quietly to the camera:
"This person isn't telling the truth... he's clearly someone with connections."
Gu Nan: "Okay, does it have to be so dramatic...? It was at the request of the Bilibili platform."
Little Sheep: "That's right. We're all shrewd old foxes, why play these ghost stories? After all, Director Gu made his fortune by uploading his graduation thesis to Bilibili. The secret to Bilibili's traffic is something those who know, know."
As soon as these words were spoken, the comments section erupted in laughter.
[It seems like Ah B's uncle and aunt are gritting their teeth.]
[Classic Interruption]
[You dare mess with the government's favorite son? Little Sheep, I think you're about to get a good beating!]
Hearing this, even though it was a joke, Gu Nan couldn't help but shake his head and smile, feeling a pang of sadness.
Yes, the story of how they made their fortune.
Back then, in this parallel world where tokusatsu had long been ruined by unscrupulous capital and regarded by the public as "childish farce," he was just a penniless senior art college student.
Of course, this refers to his personal assets; excluding his parents' inheritance, he was indeed penniless.
Despite facing ridicule and incomprehension, he managed to create a sensation on Bilibili with a short drama series titled "Ultraman Tiga," which was essentially a college student's graduation project.
Who could have imagined that the leather suit that looked somewhat cheap at the time, the red, purple and silver body standing in the sunset, and the Zepelion Ray that shattered the darkness, would directly break the winter of tokusatsu?
From the sudden emergence of Ultraman Tiga, to the inheritance of the orthodox Seven OV, to the steady progress of Dyna, and now to the complete ascension of Gaia.
He is a true miracle who emerged from the soil of Bilibili.
"Let me introduce our program to everyone."
The little lamb ruthlessly interrupted Gu Nan's recollection once again, staring blankly at the camera.
"Little Sheep's Appointment is a very serious program. As an interview program, we sincerely hope that our guests can open up and talk about anything. The most important thing is authenticity. That is absolutely the most important thing."
Gu Nan took a deep breath and maintained a polite smile:
"No problem, I'll do my best to answer."
"So our first question is..."
The little lamb stared intently at Gu Nan.
Who is your least favorite actor in a film or television production?
The air suddenly became quiet.
The video was even maliciously edited to include the "cawing" sound of crows flying by.
The live chat exploded.
Holy crap! That's a really sharp question!
[Haha, little sheep, you really dare to ask!]
Director Gu is drenched in sweat!
[Those who said it was serious earlier, come out and take your punishment! Where's the seriousness here?!]
Gu Nan paused for two seconds, then smiled:
"Does it have to be this way? I don't dislike anything."
"Not true."
The lamb shook its head.
"That's unreal. You have to name the one you hate the most."
Gu Nan helplessly shrugged:
"Everyone worked together very well; there really wasn't anyone I disliked."
Seeing the little lamb staring intently at him, Gu Nan knew he had to give an answer.
He sighed:
"So you're fired. I hate you. Next question."
[Hahahaha, I hate you so much!]
Director Gu has such a good temper; anyone else would have flipped the table long ago.
[Even though I know it's a prank, the little sheep's Sima Yi face is really abstract.]
Although it was for the sake of the show, during the recording of this video, seeing that Xiao Yang seemed to be planning to continue cracking jokes, Gu Nan couldn't help but get straight to the point:
"No, please don't ask that. Our interview follows a set procedure, right?"
"Okay, okay, I understand."
The little lamb pulled a crumpled A4 sheet of paper from its pocket and glanced at it casually.
"As a director with extensive filming experience, what was the biggest challenge you encountered while preparing for 'Gaia'?"
Even though he knew his actions were part of the whole thing, Gu Nan's expression became slightly more serious; this was finally a normal question.
"The biggest challenge is actually positioning the new work."
Gu Nan spoke eloquently.
"In early 2028, when Dyna was still airing, Tiga and Dyna had achieved tremendous success, so the new project faced a lot of resistance. Many people felt that it would be better to just continue using the previous world view and make films as they naturally went along."
The lamb nodded:
"So you think they're right?"
"wrong."
Gu Nan decisively rejected it.
"From a time perspective, the story of the previous work has been told to a great extent. To continue it would not only be superfluous, but would also seem like a forced attempt to create something out of nothing."
Gu Nan crossed his arms:
"Therefore, I've decided to start all over again and create a completely new worldview that's entirely different from the Dede Universe."
The live chat was flooded with words of admiration.
This is the confidence behind a masterpiece!
[That old thief is still pretty good.]
[They'd rather start from scratch than rely on past achievements. Impressive!]
The scope of "Gaia" is indeed grand.
Director Gu's aesthetic sense is unparalleled.
As he said those words, a barely perceptible hint of reminiscence flashed deep in Gu Nan's eyes.
Deep in his heart, he silently paid tribute to those great Tsuburaya Productions directors of his past lives.
In 1998, Tsuburaya Productions faced a very similar situation of both despair and triumph.
With Tiga and Dyna's explosive success, how will the third installment break the deadlock?
Producer Masato Oida was facing a crisis of ideas and eventually brought in screenwriter Chiaki Konaka to take the helm.
Instead of resting on their laurels, they possessed the courage to break with the old and establish the new.
It directly overturns the old worldview, introduces hardcore physics knowledge, including the antimatter universe, quantum mechanics, micro black holes, and even a grand concept full of profound humanistic concern.
As a transmigrator, all Gu Nan can do in this parallel world is to perfectly reproduce the pride and integrity of the Yuangu people from his previous life.
"Since we're not living off our past achievements..."
The lamb chimed in.
"The setup process must have been incredibly complicated. I heard you guys were really overwhelmed with work in the early stages?"
"right."
Gu Nan explained.
"We set the tone of 'hard science fiction' from the very beginning. We also emphasized the continuity, timeliness, and documentary-like nature of the story. This required an extremely high production budget, with the budget for costumes, props, and sets far exceeding the scale of previous TV dramas."
"To enrich the script, our team found a group of the top and most experienced screenwriters in China to create custom proposals, and then selected them. Their proposals were very different, and in the end we extracted and combined all their highlights to form the basic shape of 'Gaia'."
The little lamb suddenly interrupted:
"So you just gathered a bunch of veterans to create a heartless Frankenstein's monster?"
Gu Nan was momentarily speechless:
"...That's drawing on the strengths of many."
[This is what veterans are like, old-school power.]
[What a weird Frankenstein's monster!]
[Little Sheep, you really have a sharp tongue!]
However, such perfect stitching is a testament to exceptional skill.
Gu Nan appeared helpless, but inwardly he was filled with emotion.
The creation of Gaia in its previous life was originally the crystallization of the collision of ideas among several top geniuses.
Chiaki Konaka's hard science fiction framework, Kenji Konuta's fantastical ideas and feng shui folklore, Ai Ota's tender humanistic concern, and Shin Yoshida's chapter on the natural controller, which can be described as humanity's darkest future...
These brilliant sparks of inspiration, in this mediocre parallel world, can only be made to shine by him, this "Frankenstein's monster."
The interviews are ongoing.
The little lamb looked at the note:
"The villain in the show is called something like 'Root Destruction Invitation Entity.' The name is so long, and there's not even a clear description of what he looks like. Is it because they didn't have enough money to make a suit?"
Gu Nan chuckled:
"How could that be? This is a setting I deliberately requested as the series composer. I strongly resist those behind-the-scenes mafia schemes with specific names and physical manifestations. That seems very strange."
Why?
"Because the 'indescribable' is the essence of terror."
Gu Nan's eyes were deep.
"Even in the final chapters, the so-called Root Destruction Summoning Body, Zog, was not given a detailed introduction, precisely because of this."
"I've also read many comments from viewers, and everyone's guesses are all quite reasonable. Is it a future Earthling? Or an alien? I won't comment too much, because this story has already become a real world from our pen, and now their story in this world has come to an end. We, the audience, naturally can't see their new future."
"Therefore, leaving room for the audience's imagination regarding the true identity of the Destruction Summoner is the unique charm of this type of villain."
The unknown is the most terrifying thing.
The oppressive feeling of the Destruction Summoning Entity is indeed strong; you never know what dimension of monster will be sent next.
The lack of specific details actually makes the scope seem grander.
The lamb nodded thoughtfully, then changed the subject:
"What about the fighter jet's design? Why is it a hexagonal prism shape? Was it controlled by the sponsors?"
Gu Nan coughed lightly:
"Well... we did have in-depth discussions with the toy developers. In all the projects, after 'layers of screening,' they strongly requested the use of hexagonal prism-shaped aircraft mechanisms, believing that it would be more innovative and easier to turn into toys."
"So you've succumbed to capital?"
"Adapt to local conditions."
Gu Nan retorted illogically.
"To make the design of these aircraft carriers more realistic, I specifically added anti-gravity devices. Furthermore, we set the defense force's base in the air, launching them with special transformations. This immersive experience of the clash between old and new ultimately creates a stunning effect."
Gaia's fighter jets are indeed not as cool as those in the previous two games, but the transformation gameplay is really interesting.
I understand. They were held hostage by capital, but they gave birth to a genius.
[Bandai: Just say my name.]
[But the aerial base is really cool, and the transformation mechanisms of some fighter jets are simply a man's dream!]
Gu Nan chuckled inwardly. It wasn't just Bandai; the demands of Bandai Toy Factory in his previous life were also so demanding.
In order to survive, Tsuburaya Productions compromised on the ease of making toys.
However, the mechanical designers of the previous generation cleverly utilized this point to create the most classic aerial base and container hexagonal fighter system in the history of tokusatsu.
It's not shameful to compromise with capital; the real skill lies in creating timeless mecha designs while compromising.