A TV drama that seeks to cultivate a greater appreciation of the work of firefighters and medical professionals recently premiered on Hunan Satellite TV.

Fireworks of My Heart revolves around the protagonist, Song Yan, who leads a group of courageous firefighters on their mission to safeguard the lives and property of residents in the fictional Yancheng city.

Alongside the intense firefighting narrative, the series also has a love story that tugs on the heartstrings, as Song reconnects with Xu Qin, his long-lost first love, who is now a doctor. Overcoming familial obstacles, they find their way back to each other, offering mutual support and personal growth as they work to save lives in their different ways.

At a meet-and-greet event for the TV drama on July 7, director Li Muge shared his insights into the creative process.

Li, known for directing critically acclaimed dramas such as Rattan (2021) and Goodbye, My Princess (2019), says that he initially found it very stressful following his decision to direct the drama.

"My foremost worry was to avoid a sense of artificiality or detachment, particularly in capturing the authenticity of the firefighting and medical aspects," he says.

During the process of scriptwriting, Li and the writers actively engaged in on-site research by visiting fire stations. Several firefighters were also involved throughout the filming, providing valuable guidance and insights into the details of rescue operations.

Lead actor Yang Yang, who portrays Song, says that this acting opportunity has provided him with a deeper understanding of the risks that firefighters face and the dedication to their job.

"Because Song has experienced life-and-death challenges in his work, he always remains diligent and selfless in his efforts to protect his team, even while he demands the best from them," says Yang.

Yang Tong, who plays a firefighter in the drama, says that he, too, came to appreciate the hardships endured by firefighters, as he was required to wear protective gear and carry heavy equipment in sweltering 40 C temperatures.

"To prepare for our roles, we lived alongside firefighters, and discovered that their work involves more than just fighting fires," Yang Tong recalls.

"They tirelessly attend to more mundane tasks, such as dealing with wasp nests, unlocking doors and capturing snakes. However, their dedication remains unwavering. Every time the alarm sounds, they will rush to respond, racing to get to where they are needed."

Wu Jiawei, a retired firefighter, shared his reflections on the drama, emphasizing the exceptional depth and authenticity of the character portrayals.

"The storyline effectively conveys the hardships experienced by firefighters, enabling the audience to gain a genuine appreciation for their work."