TV drama fans flames of appreciation

A TV drama that seeks to cultivate a greater appreciation of the work of firefighters and medical professionals recently premiered on Hunan Satellite TV.

Fireworks of My Heart revolves around the protagonist, Song Yan, who leads a group of courageous firefighters on their mission to safeguard the lives and property of residents in the fictional Yancheng city.

Alongside the intense firefighting narrative, the series also has a love story that tugs on the heartstrings, as Song reconnects with Xu Qin, his long-lost first love, who is now a doctor. Overcoming familial obstacles, they find their way back to each other, offering mutual support and personal growth as they work to save lives in their different ways.

At a meet-and-greet event for the TV drama on July 7, director Li Muge shared his insights into the creative process.

Li, known for directing critically acclaimed dramas such as Rattan (2021) and Goodbye, My Princess (2019), says that he initially found it very stressful following his decision to direct the drama.

"My foremost worry was to avoid a sense of artificiality or detachment, particularly in capturing the authenticity of the firefighting and medical aspects," he says.

During the process of scriptwriting, Li and the writers actively engaged in on-site research by visiting fire stations. Several firefighters were also involved throughout the filming, providing valuable guidance and insights into the details of rescue operations.