In recent years, the Chinese animation industry has seen unprecedented growth, gaining significant traction both domestically and internationally. The release of "Ne Zha 2" marks a pivotal moment in this burgeoning sector, as it became the top-grossing animated film worldwide. Released in late January, the movie amassed over 13 billion yuan ($1.79 billion) at the box office, capturing half of the period's total earnings in China. The success of "Ne Zha 2" underscores China's strategic efforts to position itself as a major cinematic player by 2035, with plans to produce 50 films a year, each generating box-office sales of at least 100 million yuan.
The Chinese animation industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, shedding its "childish" image and expanding into new territories such as movie merchandise and games. This evolution is partly due to the industry's embrace of advanced technologies, including generative AI, which companies like Kuaishou are leveraging to create video content. "Animation consumers are themselves a resource that needs to be carefully managed," notes Jonathan Clements, highlighting the importance of audience engagement in this transforming landscape.
The triumph of "Ne Zha 2" is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend in Chinese animation. The film was produced by Beijing Enlight Media in collaboration with various studios, a testament to the industry's collaborative spirit and innovative storytelling. "Ne Zha 2" captivated audiences across all age groups, contributing to its widespread appeal and commercial success.
This meteoric rise can be traced back to landmark films such as "Big Fish and Begonia," which Variety described as a "bold and breathtaking fantasy adventure" that stands alone in the history of Chinese animation. The film set a precedent for the industry by showcasing more complex and mature storytelling, paving the way for subsequent productions like "Deep Sea." Released by Beijing studio OctMedia, "Deep Sea" received acclaim for its stunning pastel-colored visuals and touching narrative about a young girl's journey of healing.
The Chinese government has played a crucial role in supporting this industry through subsidies and incentives that encourage domestic animation production. Nearly 140 businesses contributed to the making of "Chang An," exemplifying the collective effort driving China's animation renaissance. This governmental support is part of a broader initiative to establish China as a formidable force in global cinema.
Light Chaser Animation, an influential player in the industry, is planning significant expansions to keep pace with its ambitious production goals. "We need to hire at least 100 more people in the next year to keep up with our new production plan: two movie releases annually starting from 2026, up from one a year currently," said Yu Zhou, president of Light Chaser Animation. To support these endeavors, the studio intends to relocate to a new office in the latter half of this year.
Yu Zhou further emphasized the role of international collaborations and distribution strategies in boosting Chinese animated films' global reach. "We're in talks with 'Hollywood mainstream players' for releasing the movie in theaters overseas, including in North America, at the same time as the planned China launch," he stated. This approach reflects a growing confidence in Chinese content's ability to resonate with global audiences.
The use of AI in filmmaking is another factor propelling China's animation industry forward. While AI currently serves as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, its potential to streamline production processes cannot be understated. As Yu Zhou remarked, "AI… can only be a tool for now," indicating an awareness of both its capabilities and limitations.