When Chinese broadcaster CGTN premiered its AI-powered 3D animated short film "The Legend of Wukong" on October 4, viewers around the world were transported back to the mythic realm of Sun Wukong. Yet the real magic unfolded behind the scenes, where technology and traditional performance met in a creative dialogue.
Liu Xiao Ling Tong – the actor celebrated for bringing Sun Wukong to life in the 1982 TV series "Journey to the West" – sat down with the production team after watching the new short. Drawing on decades of acting experience, he offered a fresh perspective on how digital tools can elevate, rather than replace, the human element in storytelling.
"Great technology has to serve the story," Liu explained. "When animators used AI and motion capture to craft Wukong's movements, they gained speed and flexibility. But it's our emotional truth – our breath, our pauses, our intention – that breathes life into every frame."
He applauded the team's skill in blending traditional voice acting with advanced facial mapping. "In 1982, I relied on makeup and exaggerated gestures to capture the Monkey King's spirit. Today's artists use algorithms to refine every eyebrow arch and muscle flicker. But whether on stage or in pixels, the core challenge remains the same: connecting with the audience's imagination."
Liu's reflections underscore a broader shift in film and television, where studios experiment with AI-driven worlds while seeking to preserve authentic human performance. As emerging markets embrace these tools, creators face a key question: How do we strike the right balance between technical innovation and the art of storytelling?
For filmmakers, actors, and tech enthusiasts alike, the answer lies in collaboration. By honoring the actor's instincts and harnessing digital precision, new narratives can spark fresh conversations across cultures – and keep legends like the Monkey King swinging into the future.
Reference(s):
Technology vs. performance: Liu Xiao Ling Tong's perspective
cgtn.com
