"My first reaction on hearing my appointment as the director of Beijing 2008 Olympics was a sense of responsibility. I'll do my best to satisfy the audience's needs by relying on my working group with people from home and abroad," Chinese noted film director Zhang Yimou said on Monday.

 

After completing his current film project The City of Golden Armor Zhang said, he will not director any another film until after the Olympics.

 

Zhang was appointed by the Beijing Olympics organizers Sunday as director of the opening and closing ceremonies for the forthcoming Olympics, with Hollywood director Steven Spielberg an artistic consultant along with two other foreigners who have previously managed Olympics and other sporting extravaganzas.

 

"I've promised not to direct any films in the next two years so as to make full preparations for the Olympics after finishing The City of Golden Armor, he added.

 

Zhang said repeatedly during the press conference that the ceremonies will be a fruit of collective wisdom.

 

"It will not be my independent creation as it's so important that it cannot be left to my own taste," he acknowledged, "I'll incorporate the entire group of experts and advice."

 

Zhang did not unveil the specific time when he will complete the shooting of The City of Golden Armor or when he will begin his Olympic direction. But earlier reports indicated that the movie would be released at the end of this year.

 

Since Spielberg's Sunday arrival in Beijing, he has been accompanied by Zhang, who said Spielberg hopes to do his work pragmatically and contribute a his share to the Beijing Olympics.

 

"We in urgent need of sound advice from foreigners," Zhang said.

 

Meanwhile, Spielberg said here Sunday that he was honored to be involved in the Beijing Olympics.

 

"Our goal is to give the world a taste of peace, friendship, cooperation and understanding," he said, "All of us are dedicated to making this Olympic opening and closing ceremonies the most emotional ever seen."

 

Spielberg came to China for the first time in 1988 when he filmed Empire of the Sun. And he is known to Chinese audience for his Schindler's List, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan,

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2006)