Netflix Acquires Streaming Rights to ‘The Wandering Earth’
American streaming giant Netflix has acquired international streaming rights to China’s first science fiction blockbuster The Wandering Earth, according to sources familiar with the matter. Inside China, the film’s streaming rights belong to Youku. It’s reported that the film will be subtitled in 28 languages and made available to audiences in 190 countries. As of this writing, Netflix hasn’t announced the release date. In addition to The Wandering Earth, Netflix has purchased international rights to Chinese films Us and Them and Animal World. As of February 21, The Wandering Earth is the second highest grossing film of all time in China with a cumulative box office of 4 billion yuan. Read more on Mtime
TCL Impresses Audiences Through Product Integration in Films
Films that are scheduled to release during the lucrative Chinese new year season not only attract investors but also brands. Placement of a product in a Chinese new year film could mean exposure to millions of audiences. In the 2019 season, The New King of Comedy was criticized by many viewers for blatantly placing several products in the movie. Meanwhile, Crazy Alien was praised for creatively integrating brands in the film. The most impressive case was the placement of TCL in Crazy Alien, which didn’t annoy audiences but actually entertained them. For example, at the beginning of the film, the president of country C is working out while watching news on TV about humans developing diplomatic relations with aliens. In this scene, the TV he is watching is a TCL product. In addition to this scene, TCL also appeared in two other hilarious scenes in the film. This is not the first time TCL collaborates with a film to expose itself. In the past, TCL has appeared in several films and TV shows, such as Mojin-The Lost Legend, Iron Man 3, Line Walker, and All Out of Love. Read more on yuledujiaoshou
China Content Regulator Suspends Reviewing New Games
China’s content regulator has asked local authorities to stop submitting applications of new video games, according to sources from top game companies. The message was delivered orally to game companies without public notification. The suspension aims at processing the backlogged applications due to months of freeze on new game approvals last year. In China, video game applications must be submitted to local authorities and then be sent to the central regulator. Under the suspension, game companies still can file applications to local authorities, but they won’t be passed on to the top regulator. Read more on Caijing
