26 Nov 029: Writing for China & Hollywood
China screenwriter/development exec Chen Xu 徐晨 talks about the differences between Hollywood and China’s script development process. He shares what you should be writing for the China market.
This is Caryn McCann, the host of the China Hollywood Greenlight podcast – a podcast about creating & distributing content for both Hollywood and China.
If you like the show, please go to iTunes, subscribe, and leave a rating so other people can find this podcast. The more we work together – the more opportunities will be out there for everyone.
GIVING THANKS
Before I give you a quick update on what I’m working on I’d like to say this: Today is Thanksgiving – so happy Thanksgiving to everyone. This is an annual holiday celebrated in American and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. With COVID-19 we all have to practice safe distancing so need to say our Thanks via Zoom or some video app.
Not as good as being with family but we can still reflect on what we’re grateful for. I’m grateful the American elections are finally behind us and a Covid vaccine is just around the corner. I’m also thankful the film and television industry can get back into production next year. And I’m especially grateful for all my guests who are dedicated to building a bridge between Hollywood and China. And on that note, I’d like to finally announce the launch date of my new website:
INTRODUCING “THE CHINA LIST” MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE
It’s called The China List. Our launch date is Monday, November 30th, 2020 at 11 AM Pacific Standard Time. This is a new membership website to connect writers, producers, and talent reps in Hollywood and China. Producers and Talent reps can enjoy free membership.
Writers – you can take advantage of a free trial offer and get your material seen by industry professionals in Hollywood and China.
On Monday, November 30th, 2020 at 11 AM Pacific Standard Time, sign up at www.chnlist.com
It’s been a long road but I’m very excited about the possibility of providing a service that will foster collaboration between Hollywood and China.
Other good news – I finished my look book for a new TV series which is an action-drama that can be shot in Taiwan. Luckily, it’s possible to shoot in Taiwan these days so the timing is perfect.
And I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, please stay safe and well.
THREE KEY POINTS
1. HOW TO FIND A CHINESE PARTNER
Chen said Beijing is the center of the film production market. There are over 2,000 production companies. The China market is on fire. And your script can be told a million ways. So how do you find the right partner? Chen says find people who share your vision. How do you find them?
- Put yourself in the market. Meet as many people as possible.
- Look for people who share your vision/taste.
- Do more than your job title requires.
- Watch lots of Chinese content. Look at the credits and target those directors/producers.
2. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WRITING FOR CHINA AND HOLLYWOOD
Chen says although many in China say the script is the foundation of the film/tv episode – only about ten percent follow this.
- Writers’ names are usually not even on a film poster.
- Chinese producers may offer vague notes such as “the script lacks that one last push” or “We have to extract the spirit a little bit more”. Notes come from many voices and are not coordinated. In my opinion – this is an opportunity smart writing consultants should capitalize on.
3. CHINA’S WRITERS GUILD – IF YOU’RE WRITING FOR CHINA – REGISTER YOUR SCRIPT IN THE RIGHT PLACE
China’s Writers Guild doesn’t offer copyright protection. You need to register with the Chinese government office instead. See my podcast #24 Writers, How to Protect your IP in China for more information.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
1. AGENTS & MANAGERS LACKING IN CHINA
Chinese writers don’t have the same talent agent/manager system that the US has. Some Chinese writers will use Weibo (Chinese Twitter) to contact a famous director but success is rare.
2. WHAT YOU SHOULD BE WRITING FOR CHINA
Chen says youth-focused content, stories with universal themes (love, family, friendship). He added that comedy is a popular genre. Especially now – due to the pandemic, people really need a laugh.
3. AMERICAN SITCOMS CAN TRAVEL ABROAD (really!)
Despite what you heard that comedy doesn’t travel – Chen brought up an amazing example of an American sitcom that broke records as the longest-running adapted sitcom ever.
Exporting Raymond is a 2010 Russian American comedy/documentary film directed, written, produced, and acted by showrunner Philip Rosenthal. The Russian title is The Voronins. You can check out the Wikipedia page about the documentary with the link in my show notes (see below). The producer sold the adaptation rights to Russian television – 240 American episodes. The Russian series has now had nine seasons and over 500 episodes! So yes, American comedy can travel.
On Monday, November 30th at 11 AM Pacific Standard Time I’ll see you on The China List at www.chnlist.com
China Hollywood Greenlight Podcast – Episode 29
Show Notes
China & Hollywood Screenwriter Chen Xu 徐晨
Host: Caryn McCann
Website: The China List – where Hollywood and China meet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChinaList
Twitter: @chnlist https://twitter.com/chnlist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/
GUEST: Chen Xu 徐晨
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenxufilmtv/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7497660/
Exporting Raymond – Wikipedia, YouTube
There is a documentary on the producer’s journey
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