The domestically produced fantasy movie Creation of the Gods is currently being shown in theaters. During the film’s closing credits, which last for nearly 3 minutes, the names of 2,204 craftsmen are showcased. Among them, 155 names are listed under the category of “Set Decoration Woodcarving,” all of whom are skilled Dongyang woodcarvers. The filmmakers showed respect to these dedicated craftsmen, saying, “Every scene reflects their hard work and expertise.”

Wu Xiangping, the leader of the Dongyang Woodcarving team featured in the first part of Creation of the Gods, comes from Shangcun Village in Dongyang. After junior high, he pursued the art of wood carving, and has dedicated 34 years to it. He frequently collaborates on woodcarving projects with various film crews, accumulating experience with over 40 different production teams. During his off-set time, he focuses on refining his carving skills at the workshop of the provincial master of arts and crafts, Guo Xiangfeng.

Creation of the Gods draws inspiration from historical legends during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The meticulously designed props, scenes, and other elements aim to capture the essence of that era. The review process was conducted with strict standards, incorporating infrared scans to detect even the slightest deviations. After a six-month period, Wu Xiangping’s team successfully passed the testing due to their exceptional carving skills. Wu noted, “We were the fifth group to undergo testing, as the previous four groups did not meet the production team’s requirements.”

In the first installment of Creation of the Gods, the Longde Hall stands as the primary hall of the King of Shang. Covering an area of over 2,500 square meters, the hall has a ceiling height of 17 meters. The construction of this grand hall presented a significant undertaking for the Dongyang woodcarving team, requiring seven to eight months to complete.

Upon entering the movie theater, Wu felt an immense sense of fulfillment, considering all the effort worthwhile. “The movie’s visual impact is truly stunning, with every woodcarving on the screen meticulously handcrafted.” (By Wang Lei)