Crosstalk performer Guo Degang started shooting a TV series about cross-talking in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

A TV series about the traditional Chinese folk art of cross-talking, starring and directed by crosstalk performer Guo Degang, started shooting on Saturday in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin.

As Xiangsheng Yanyi, or Romance of the Crosstalk, is the directorial debut of the popular artist, reporters from many media organizations were attracted to the first day of shooting, reported the Star Daily.

In the sweltering heat of Tianjin, reporters saw the director sitting behind the monitor in a floppy white vest and waving a fan.

Apparently, the high temperatures didn't affect the star's quick wit.

When asked what he felt about his first day as a director, Guo Degang answered modestly, "I'm only a small actor."

"Then why are you sitting on the director's chair?" a reporter continued.

"Because I bought it!" Guo Degang answered, bringing forth rounds of boisterous laughter.
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(CRI.cn August 13, 2007)