Zhang Ziyi, Tang Wei, Chang Chen all criticised for TV roles, but movie stars on China’s small screens is a trend set to continue
- Movie stars in China are taking part in more TV productions to stay relevant while the global movie industry is in decline, one expert says
- But some may fail to grasp the different requirements, while the industry’s focus on formulaic period dramas means a lack of suitable opportunities
Many A-list Hollywood movie stars like Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman have turned to the small screen in recent years and now this trend has caught on in China.
Chinese superstar Zhang Ziyi recently made her TV debut in the period drama Monarch Industry, which is still streaming on Chinese video hosting service Youku, while fellow Chinese actress Tang Wei (Lust, Caution) and Taiwanese actor Chang Chen (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) have both dabbled in television.
These movie stars are taking part in TV productions to stay relevant while the global movie industry is in decline, says Professor Emilie Yeh Yueh-yu, dean of the faculty of arts and director of the Centre for Film and Creative Industries at Lingnan University in Hong Kong.
“[That’s] especially [so] for actresses, whose showbiz career span is only half that of actors,” she says. “Audiences will forget you if no works starring you are released. The small screen is a good platform for them to continue to practise their art and craft.”
However, the path from big to small screen in China can be treacherous and even the biggest names can falter. Zhang, Tang and Chang, for instance, have all been universally panned for their TV performances.