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May 6, 2016

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Producer wins high praise for small-screen projects

HOU Hongliang, whose credits include “All Quiet in Beijing,” “The Pretender” and “Nirvana on Fire” is one of China’s hottest TV producers.

Hou and his team at Daylight Entertainment have won wide acclaim with their war and costume dramas, many of which focus on masculinity and brotherhood. His latest project though is “Ode to Joy,” a light-hearted drama about urban life aimed at female viewers.

The 42-episode series follows five single, independent women who live on the same floor of a high-end apartment building. With different backgrounds and personalities, these ladies find meaning and fulfillment as their paths cross.

Since its debut on Dragon TV in April, the series has become one of highest rated shows in China and was recently picked up for another two seasons.

Many viewers have praised the show’s attention to issues like rising real estate prices, office politics and society’s treatment of “left-over” women.

“Everyone has problems at work and in their relationships,” Hou says. “The series hopes to offer young people a chance to gain knowledge of social reality, and encourages them never to lose faith and confidence in life.”

Hou, 43, has been involved in television and film production for about two decades. One thread that’s run throughout his career has been the desire to inspire, touch and surprise his audience.

Last year, for instance, the epic series “Nirvana on Fire” took many off guard with its artistry and attention to detail. Many were also surprised to learn that the show was based on an online novel, a format which some in China had dismissed as puerile and low-brow.

Secrete to success

With its exquisite representations of traditional Chinese culture, this show about revenge, strategy and brotherhood has been described by some viewers as China’s answer to “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Its success has also been credited with rekindling interest in homegrown dramas, especially among young people who had turned toward trendier shows produced in the US and UK.

Hou says the secret to winning favor with younger viewers is to align production, marketing and distribution with their interests and habits.

In recent years, he and his team have also taken new approaches to shooting and broadcasting.

Last year, the suspense drama “Love Me, If You Dare” adopted a weekly broadcast model, which is common in the West but rare in domestic series.

“Innovation also generates some risks... but we will not give up,” Hou adds.

Hou and his team are now busy shooting Tencent’s highly-anticipated online series “The Ghouls.”

Based on the hit online novel “Ghost Blows Out the Light,” the adventure thriller depicts a group of veteran tomb raiders who venture into an ancient grave in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The series will air on Tencent video in December. It is also Hou’s first attempt on an adventure-themed series.




 

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