TV show- soldiers of good fortune(2)

The show is co-produced by Yunnan Satellite TV and Changsha, Hunan province-based Tianze Media.

All contestants are younger than 22 and vary in background.

"One was a top-notch professional computer games player, while another is a child of the country's nouveau riche," Chen says.

"Such diversity builds a more complete picture of soldiers born after 1990."

Chen says the 100 soldiers were handpicked from 1,000 applicants, so they have outstanding military skills in the first place. But the Special Forces' weeklong training program was abridged to become a three-day session.

Drill instructors underwent the tests before filming to ensure contestants' safety.

Military surgeons and ambulances were also on standby during the shooting.

"The challenges confronting the contestants posed the same difficulties for the production team, especially for our cameramen," Chen says.

"They also needed to crawl through the mud and dodge snakes in Yunnan's jungles, while carrying their equipment. Many were covered with scratches and bruises after days of hiking. We spent months living with the soldiers. We, too, depleted our stamina."

The show's pilot has generated much online buzz.

Many netizens question the abusive language hurled at the top cops by drill instructors.

But Chen suggests audiences not think of it as personal.

"The main purpose is preparing soldiers for hardships," Chen says.

"They'll face life-or-death situations. It's necessary to toughen them up."

The show also features the province's signature landmarks, such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Nujiang River and Fuxian Lake.

"We used aerial and underwater footage to fully capture the breathtaking scenery," Chen says.

The second installment of Soldiers' Sortie is planned to focus on women.

The show, which will end in April, airs Fridays on Yunnan Satellite TV.