09 Jun THE SECRET FORMULA TO A SUCCESSFUL CO-PRO
THE 6 INGREDIENTS TO A SUCCESSFUL CO-PRO
Considering how much Chinese money poured into Hollywood lately – successful Chinese co-productions are paradoxically a rare thing. How do you crack the code of what will sell in China? And can those films also be a hit in the West? Is there a secret formula?
Even with “A” list stars and mega budgets – we’ve seen films fail as Chinese co-productions. What did they miss? I’ve come up with 6 strategies that are key to a Chinese co-pro.
1 Co-Pro: PICK A MARKETABLE GENRE
Action and horror films cross borders. American comedies and indie dramas are not as popular in China.
In the article, “What Chinese Movie Audiences Want to See” Professor Michal Berry, Director of UC Santa Barbara’s East Asia Center and author of several books on Chinese film culture said, “There’s bans on certain themes like time-travel, certain fantasy genres are frowned upon, anything dealing with politics that’s in any way critical is suppressed.”
2 KNOW YOUR CENSORSHIP OBSTACLES
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (AKA SARFT) usually frowns on cults, superstitions, and showing Chinese officials in a bad way.
The China Film Insider website (China Film Insider.com) reported in the article “China Censors Slash Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” that “China has no rating system, meaning that films generally have to be classed as suitable for all before gaining a release.”
So, no ghosts, no zombies? The censorship board is opaque so films that on paper seem to break certain taboos (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (after cutting 7 minutes) did record box office in China.
Has China relaxed its censorship? No. With the lackluster box-office growth, this year – China has allowed these films in to boost its ticket sales.
No bad Chinese cops? The South China Morning Post ran the article “China’s ‘House of Cards’ hits the TV screen as Xi Jinping whips his cadres” on the hit Chinese TV series “In the Name of People” which focuses on taking down corrupt Chinese officials. It’s a gritty prime-time television drama that pulls no punches about greed and power – with the Communist Party’s blessing.
You can hope your zombie-killing movies and bad Chinese cop TV series get Chinese distribution – but these examples are the exception to the rule.
3 Co-Pro: CHOOSE A FAMILIAR THEME THAT RESONATES
Personally, I think female empowerment is bulletproof. Plus, more than half the audience in China is made up of women. Why wouldn’t you target that audience…but then I’m a woman and love a butt-kicking heroine.
4 APPEAL TO CULTURAL VALUES
Films like “Dangal” and “Fate of the Furious” did record numbers in China. Their emphasis on family ties which is integral to Chinese culture – was a huge hit with Chinese audiences.
5 CO-Pro: ADOPT A UNIVERSAL PERSPECTIVE
Having an American-only or Chinese-only perspective could limit your film’s potential. As reported on the East West Bank website “Lu Chuan: Expanding the Universal Language of Film” Director Lu commented on having a single-minded perspective. He said “If we want our cultural products, like film, to enjoy wider distribution, we can’t stay bound within the Chinese perspective. We have to consider the perspective of all humanity. The key is to do this without abandoning our Chinese background. That’s how we can create Chinese films with real value.”
A film with a myopic isolated point of view won’t cross any borders.
6 Co-Pro: HIGHLIGHT CHINESE STARS AND CULTURE
Thus, you need to give the Chinese stars and culture a boost. Don’t shortchange the Chinese star: This can be any nationality but if you add a Chinese star – don’t use them as window dressing – give them a key role.
In brief, “The Great Wall” critics lambasted in the Chinese and international press. In the article “China’s epic ‘Great Wall’ Blockbuster Draws Epic Criticism” one critic complained: “The Chinese cast were shortchanged on screen time, while the nods to Chinese culture were superficial at best.”
There’s your secret formula for a successful film. However – the script is your foundation. It will make or break even the most “A” list star-studded, big-budget film. It all starts with the script.
In my next blog, I will talk about Hollywood and China’s strong points and how to combine forces.
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