In a dimly lit studio on the outskirts of Beijing, Kim-Wai Chung meticulously adjusts a futuristic control panel – one of thousands of props he's created during his 38-year career shaping the visual identity of Chinese cinema. From the windswept deserts of New Dragon Gate Inn to the interstellar landscapes of The Wandering Earth 2, Chung's craftsmanship has become synonymous with immersive storytelling.
"A prop isn't just an object – it's a bridge between imagination and reality," says the 63-year-old artisan, whose career spans China's cinematic evolution from traditional martial arts epics to cutting-edge sci-fi blockbusters. His workshop archives contain everything from hand-carved Qing dynasty teacups to 3D-printed space helmets, documenting technological leaps that mirror China's film industry growth.
Chung emphasizes the human element behind the spectacle: "Young filmmakers often ask about 3D modeling, but I first teach them how to smell wood grain and feel metal textures." As China's film market expands globally, he mentors apprentices in both traditional craftsmanship and digital techniques, ensuring the next generation can "make audiences believe in worlds that don't exist."
