Winter of discontent

A graduate who majored in acting at Communication University of China, Liang started his career in the film and TV industry as an actor, but some stereotypical cameo roles and rigid performance requirements had dampened his enthusiasm in front of the camera.

"Many directors like to strictly 'control' their actors. I was once told how to walk and make gestures, and even told the degree of the angle I should raise my chin during a scene in which my character was required to look upward," recalls Liang, describing his early acting experiences as resembling that of a "puppet".