Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Lu Ming: "But aren’t films more likely to be seen by audiences all over the world than TV series? Several of your films have had high box office revenues abroad."

Zhou Yun: "Actually, based on the feedback I’ve received abroad, the popularity of the ’Deep Sea’ series overseas is not inferior to those films you mentioned. Many people talk to me about it when I attend events abroad; they’ve watched ’Deep Sea’ and they really like it. In the past, when the internet wasn’t so developed, TV series were indeed limited by the platforms they were aired on, and their distribution channels weren’t as strong as films. But now, streaming platforms have developed very well, and they provide series with a channel to reach the world. I think that’s a very good thing."

Lu Ming asked: "But the truth is, not many of our country’s films and TV works have had an impact internationally. Even if we’re now the second-largest box office in the world and produce so many series each year, those that truly have global recognition and influence are very few."

Zhou Yun: "Because our current situation is a bit stuck between two ends. Either lean towards the market and what the audience wants, or aim for artistic films and strive to win influential awards. But we neither have widespread global distribution channels nor a mature publicity system. Artistic films lack a healthy development environment. That’s the reality we’re facing. If we want to improve our international influence further, it’s more important to study how to make more overseas audiences interested in watching our works."

"What kind of films do you think they would like?"

"In essence, it’s still about having good works," Zhou Yun said. "Whether it’s engaging, exciting genre films or mature, excellent art films, it’s all the same. As an actress, I don’t differentiate between commercial and art films, but for the film market, such distinctions do exist, and we need to aim accordingly."

...

Everyone has their own views and thoughts about the industry they are in.

Zhou Yun is aware that some things may not necessarily be her place to say, but she feels they still should be voiced.

Many things are said in hopes of provoking thought in some people. Zhou Yun doesn’t believe her insights are necessarily correct, but the troubling thing now is that the environment stifles these critical voices. No matter who stands up to speak, they face harsh criticism.

Zhou Yun doesn’t want to condone this trend—or rather, she wants to change it.

...

The conversation between her and Lu Ming became more engaging.

Zhou Yun found that even though Lu Ming didn’t understand many things, he had a natural intuition. He could sense which part of her speeches she really cared about and then keenly latch onto them to explore further.

Although he was nervous around her, he also had the boldness of a newcomer unafraid of challenges.

Zhou Yun liked this bold vitality within him.

He wasn’t sharp or evasive with her.

As the conversation progressed, Zhou Yun unexpectedly found herself saying things she hadn’t intended to share.

Lu Ming didn’t try to steer the conversation; instead, he unconsciously elicited her to say more with his sincere curiosity.

So, the conversation got lively.

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Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, may all be well, may you have health and prosperity, and fortune accompanies the spring!