Zhang Yimou talks about the preparatory work for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.

The creation team for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will fully consider and take advantage of the main stadium's architectural characteristics, according to chief director Zhang Yimou.

The stadium, dubbed the "Bird's Nest," has been acclaimed widely for its modern and unique architectural style. "As the venue is an art product, we need to integrate its virtues with the performance of artists," he said in response to a question from the media on Wednesday.

In his view, the 200-minute opening ceremony should blend the splendid episodes of the 5,000-year old Chinese culture and the contemporary features. More importantly, it should highlight the Olympic spirit. "Like Beijing Olympics slogan One World One Dream, the ceremony should impress the world that the Chinese people are open-minded," he said.

Since its inception two years ago, his team has grown to 300 people who are talents of various fields. "We are doing our best to make spectators satisfied," he said.

Touching on the sensitive lighting technology of the sacred flame, he said his team has made every effort to ensure a successful lighting because it is crucial to the opening ceremony. "The design scheme should be endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as IOC pays much importance to it," he noted.

Directorial team of the ceremonies: chief director Zhang Yimou and his deputies Zhang Jigang (center) and Chen Weiya (left)

(BOCOG August 9, 2007)