BEIJING - "I felt nervous and intense throughout the whole show," said Zhang Yimou, China's famous film director and chief director of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on early dawn Saturday, right after the ceremony lowered its curtain.
"Especially before the lighting of the cauldron, my heart was pounding so hard," Zhang told reporters. "There was only one chance, and not a single mistake was allowed."
Luckily the cauldron lighting went on smoothly, thanks to torch bearer Li Ning's hard and excellent work, said Zhang.
Shortly after the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics, the directing team of three and two other BOCOG (the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games) officials attended a press briefing, with obvious relief on their faces.
"We've worked hard for nearly three years on this opening ceremony," said Zhang. "We are very proud of today's success."
Deputy chief director Chen Weiya said: "During the preparation, we had hardships and pains, but we finally tasted joy, because we were producing a fantastic show to the whole world."
According to Zhang, the ceremony put more emphasis on China's traditional and ancient culture, with a combination of its development in modern era.
"The world wants to see Chinese elements, so we put our focus on those unique and typical, such as the four great inventions, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese painted scroll, Taiji martial arts and others," he said.
