Ren Min (left) and Guo Junchen act in a scene of Cry Me A Sad River. [Photo provided to China Daily]

For instance, during the stage remake of the scene from The Thunder, Chen Ruoxuan who plays the narcotics officer failed to vividly convey the incremental emotions of the role when faced with the threat of Ming pulling the trigger and killing his father.

"You haven't fully portrayed the character at this tense moment," comments the veteran director. "You should show that the man who is at death's door is your own father."

He keeps giving trenchant and perceptive instructions to help the young actor better comprehend the complex ties between the characters.

Chen Ruoxuan then made some adjustments in the final take, where he successfully managed to connect with the audience on an emotional level.

"Film is the art form of a director as every frame reflects his or her personal vision," says Chen Kaige. "We should also know how to ease the nerves of the crew members on the set so that they can relax and tap into their potential.

"At the same time, I want to remind these young actors and actresses that acting requires real passion, wholehearted dedication and a lifelong commitment to hard work-and they have to work hard to prepare for every role."

The show has attracted 50 Chinese contestants from newbies to 20-year veterans, and the cast includes Hong Kong actress Gillian Chung, Taiwan singer-turned-actor Aaron Yan, Taiwan actress Sandrine Pinna, comedian Yang Di, actor Zhang Yunlong and fencer-turned-actor Dong Li from the Chinese mainland.

Yan says he joined the show because he wants to become a serious actor, even if Chinese audiences still regard him primarily as a pop idol.

The 34-year-old admits that the current film market is not so friendly to actors and actresses who have passed their teenage years and are no longer 20-somethings.