Headlines from China: Media Giant Toutiao to Tap into Variety Shows and TV Dramas

Media Giant Toutiao to Tap into Variety Shows and TV Dramas

Many industry observers speculate that Chinese media giant Jinri Toutiao have been planning to produce its own entertainment content. The company’s recent job postings confirm such speculation. Reporters from WeChat media account Duojiao Yutou (ID: ylwanjia) noticed that Toutiao currently is seeking talents with experiences in developing and producing variety shows and TV dramas. Over the past two years, Toutiao has successfully launched multiple short video platforms. According to an entertainment industry investor, the majority of Toutiao’s current users are male. Developing variety shows and TV dramas is the company’s strategy to attract female audiences. Read more on Duojiao Yutou

Chinese New Year Holiday is Over with $890 Million at the Box Office 

The week-long Chinese New Year holiday came to an end with total box office earnings of 5.65 billion yuan ($890 million), a 70 percent increase compared to the same period last year.  Detective Chinatown 2, Monster Hunt 2, and Operation Red Sea topped the charts with 1.9 billion yuan, 1.7 billion yuan, and 1.2 billion yuan, respectively. As word of month continues to influence screen share and attendance, it remains to be seen which film will be the ultimate box office winner. Read more on yiqipaidianying

Chinese Film Wins VFF Talent Highlight Award at Berlinale

Crime drama Redai Wangshi (热带往事), which is developed by Dirty Monkey Films and executive produced by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Ning Hao, won the VFF Talent Highlight Award on February 19 at this year’s Berlinale. The Talent Project Market is co-organized by the Berlinale Co-Production Market and Berlinale Talents to support emerging filmmakers from all around the world. Redai Wangshi marks first Chinese winner in this category in 15 years. Read more on Mtime

IMAX Sees Record-breaking Box Office This Chinese New Year

IMAX Corporation announced on Feb. 20th that IMAX China sees record-breaking box office earnings during this Chinese New Year. Driven by local box office smash hits Detective Chinatown 2Monster Hunt 2, and Red Sea Operation, IMAX China grossed $ 18 million (¥112 million) within four days, which marked the company’s best Chinese New Year four-day record, a 60 percent jump compared to the same period in 2017. Read more on Mtime