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This time I have two photos for you from ZZH from July 18, 2020 – from a fan meeting / 见面会剧组 (cast fan meeting) for the drama Tianya Ke (later known as Shan He Ling / Word of Honor), which took place in Hengdian (横店). It was a promotional event during filming at the Hengdian Film Studio (specifically, the Dream Valley / 梦幻谷 area is mentioned). ZZH had a solo photoshoot then and with GJ. ZZH wore his signature, youthful, casual-luxury, street-fashion look in total white with black accents. I believe ZZH's entire look was from the brand FENDI. ZZH wore a white bomber jacket with black stitching/outlines, embroidered details, and the word FENDI, among other things. Underneath, we see a white T-shirt with a large, graphic print—a circle with the letters F inscribed inside, representing the company logo, and text with the company name placed around the circle. He paired it with white pants with black stripes in the same style as the jacket, creating a cohesive, monochromatic ensemble. ZZH wore his medium-length, dark brown hair, slightly layered, with longer bangs and naturally falling strands—his typical "soft bad boy" look from that era. He wore no jewelry, which might have been a bit odd, as ZZH is fond of jewelry. In one photo, he's sitting on a wooden bench and next to him on the right is a huge bouquet of red roses (around 99 or more) wrapped in black foil and tied with a white ribbon—a classic, very fan-servicey, and romantic gesture for a fan meeting. Sitting next to this bouquet, he's also holding a small white sticky note with a handwritten message from fans (partially covering one eye). In the second photo, ZZH is already standing, leaning nonchalantly against the wall with his hands hidden in his jacket pockets. ZZH looks very fresh, boyish, and charismatic, combining streetwear elegance with a delicate, romantic touch thanks to the flowers. This is one of ZZH's most iconic and fan-favorite looks from the WOH filming period. Fan reactions to the photoshoot/fan meeting on July 18, 2020, in Hengdian were very enthusiastic and warm, even though the event took place before Tianya Ke / Shan He Ling aired (the series was just gaining popularity). This was one of the first major cast fan meetings (剧组见面会) during the filming in Hengdian (Dream Valley / 梦幻谷). Fans treated it as a pleasant, intimate moment with the actors before their rise to fame. Photos of ZZH holding a huge bouquet of red roses (likely 99 or more) quickly became iconic among fans. They symbolized romance, gratitude, and classic "fan service." Many commented that ZZH looked exceptionally charming, boyish, and "manly in a white outfit." The entire look (total white with black accents, FENDI bomber jacket) was perceived as fresh, stylish, and very much in keeping with his image at the time—"elegant streetwear with a delicate touch." We could read comments like "Too sweet!"/"My heart melted"—especially in the photos where he held a fan note and the bouquet. "That bouquet of roses + ZZH in white = a killer combination," fans wrote, saying he looked like a romantic hero from a book. "He looks so good in that outfit!"—they praised his figure, hair, and charisma. The phrase "soft bad boy" or "delicate, yet masculine" was often used. "Thanks for coming to the meeting in the middle of filming!"—the actors were appreciated for taking the time despite their busy shooting schedule. Many later recalled this event as one of the most beautiful moments from the pre-air era—"when everything was still innocent and joyful." The shoot was perceived as a resounding success, warm, and building hype for the drama. These photos still circulate as some of ZZH's favorite "pre-debut" (before their big break) photos and are often remembered with nostalgia by longtime Word of Honor fans.

the last time I reblogged this post right before I got a great job, in a permanent work-from-home position, with benefits, retirement, and a salary literally 3x what I was making before, doing something I really like. 

So you know. 

“Little Brother and Little Sister” from the 1925 edition of Hansel and Gretel and Other Stories by the Brothers Grimm.

This movie got made because Robin Williams said yes to it (and it's important that Gene Hackman did as well). Williams in the 90s was a mega-star of a type that's not present in the current media environment (maybe Tom Cruise, but I personally think that's echo from his salad days). Even his flops made money on the back end in the video rental market, which also doesn't exist anymore (streaming is different). Hackman was on the other side of his A-list career but still Hollywood nobility if not full royalty.

Playing gay was considered career suicide in the 90s. There had been a number of actors who put lie to that belief stretching back decades, but this was Williams and Hackman (yes, being on screen next to a gay character was enough to get you blacklisted) saying "screw that" and doing it anyway.

Being gay and out was career suicide in the 90s.

Nathan Lane had a really nice gig going for himself. The Lion King put him into the Disney rep company with people like Williams, Bette Midler, and Whoopie Goldberg (check their IMBD list from the 90s--they were making bank at Disney).

Lane didn't come out until several years later (nice summary: https://deadline.com/2024/06/nathan-lane-robin-williams-advice-coming-out-birdcage-1235975010/).

I don't want to imply that this was a Sorkinized moment where everything changed because of one thing, but this was a very important movie that caused real movement in the needle on queer acceptance.

saw an inspiring video that said you need to have 4 hobbies.

create, consume, cavort, commune

create: bring something to life consume: appreciate the art of another cavort: move your body daily commune: have a community to socialize with

I'm still Big Mad from the animation industry AI news, and I had some thoughts I needed to get out. There are lots of more important reasons why artists shouldn't use AI, but here is my philosophical take on it.