The camera rolls as actors dressed as historical Chinese soldiers act as though they have been hit by artillery fire during filming of The Last Prince television series at Hengdian World Studios in Hengdian, China, on July 24, 2015. #

An actor dressed as a World-War-II-era Japanese army officer shoots a fake pistol on the set of The Last Prince television series at Hengdian World Studios on July 23, 2015. #

Actors playing historical Japanese soldiers act as if they were hit by an artillery shell on location near Hengdian World Studios on July 24, 2015. Actors are usually paid more if they “die in the battle.” Hundreds of well-trained actors and other professionals are available at Hengdian World Studios. The well-organized team coordinates complicated battle scenes to satisfy the huge appetite for productions about the war against Japan. #

Actors dressed as WWII-era Chinese soldiers act as though they have been hit by artillery fire on July 24, 2015. Mass battle scenes that involve special effects and more than a hundred actors and crew are often shot in one take. #

An actor with fake blood on his hands holds a military epaulet as he prepares for a scene on July 23, 2015. Extras and actors with smaller roles often take care of their own costumes and play more than one character in this production. #

Actors get dressed in Japanese Army World-War-II-era costumes minutes after playing small roles as Chinese soldiers on the set of The Last Prince television series on July 24, 2015. #

Prop weapons are offered for rent at a warehouse at Hengdian World Studios on July 24, 2015. This family-owned warehouse offers costumes and props for everything filmed at Hengdian World Studios, from historical World War II dramas to contemporary productions. The facility itself, located in China’s Zheijang province, is the biggest movie lot ever built. #

Actors dressed as World War II-era Chinese soldiers wait for instructions from the director’s assistant during filming of The Last Prince television series at Hengdian World Studios on July 23, 2015. #