Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 133, Section 132: Popular Science Animation

The year was June 1997.

Summer is intensifying in Beijing, with cicadas beginning to chirp and the sun scorching the red brick walls of the Beijing Film Studio.

at this time.

Factory director's office.

"Animation?"

After listening to Wang Sheng's opening remarks, Han Sanping frowned slightly: "Shengzi, I know you have a long-term vision. But right now, TV and movies are on the rise, the Lunar New Year film project is about to be launched, and the VCD situation has just been stabilized."

Animation is a long-term investment with slow returns. You know the domestic market; aside from the old films from Shanghai Animation Film Studio, there hasn't been much activity in recent years. We've already expanded our operations quite a bit; opening up a new front...is that a bit much?"

Wang Sheng was prepared and calmly refilled Han Sanping's teacup: "Uncle Han, I've considered all of what you've said. I brought up animation not to make money from it immediately, at least not as my main purpose."

"Oh? What's the point then?" Han Sanping picked up his teacup and blew on it to cool it down.

“Talent.” Wang Sheng uttered two words, his gaze firm: “Future films, especially big-budget productions, cannot do without computer-generated special effects. What is the foundation of special effects? It’s modeling, rendering, motion capture, compositing… These technologies share the same underlying logic as traditional animation production, especially the increasingly digital animation production. They all require a strong grasp of visual rhythm, spatial relationships, color, and lighting, and all require proficiency in relevant software and hardware.”

He further explained, "It's unrealistic for us to directly poach top film special effects talent with high salaries right now. There's almost no talent pool in this area domestically, and the costs abroad are too high. But what if we train them ourselves?"
By creating animation projects, especially those with a certain degree of scientific content that need to demonstrate various natural phenomena and physical principles, a team can systematically develop its capabilities in digital graphics and image processing.

This team can produce a smooth educational animation today and handle a special effects shot in a movie tomorrow. This is reserving the 'technological seeds' for the Beijing Film Studio and for Chinese cinema's future.

Han Sanping pondered, moved by Wang Sheng's words.

As the director of the film studio, he was well aware of the importance of technology, but in the past, he was constrained by funding and outdated ideas, making it difficult to invest in it.

Now that funds are plentiful, Wang Sheng has pointed out the direction...

"What you said about the connection makes sense." Han Sanping nodded slowly. "Animation hones basic skills, while special effects are a more advanced application. It's a bit like how our factory used to have photographers start in the film processing workshop; you had to understand the principles to operate advanced equipment. So, what are your specific thoughts?"

Seeing Han Sanping's interest, Wang Sheng pressed on, saying, "I'd like to start with a pilot project. I've already thought of a name: 'Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit's 3000 Questions.' It's positioned as a science animation aimed at teenagers, with each episode focusing on a single scientific concept and vividly presented through the adventures of the anthropomorphic cartoon characters Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit. The project will be initiated by Shengying Media, endorsed by Beijing Film Studio, and the copyright will be jointly owned by both of us."

"Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit's 3000 Questions...an educational animation..."

Han Sanping pondered the name and positioning: "It sounds novel and aligns with the national strategy of revitalizing the country through science and education, making it easier to gain support. But where do you plan to find the production team? Our factory doesn't have an existing animation department."

"Talent is right in front of us."

Wang Sheng smiled and said, "The Beijing Film Academy's Department of Fine Arts has an animation major. It has top-notch faculty and the most creative students in the country."

We can collaborate with the Beijing Film Academy (BFA) on a project-based approach, inviting animation faculty and students to participate in the production. We provide the creative ideas, funding, project management, and distribution channels, while they provide the technical expertise and manpower. It's a win-win situation.

Han Sanping nodded slightly: "Using a borrowed hen to lay eggs? That's a good idea! It can start the project at low cost, select and cultivate talent, and strengthen ties with Beijing Film Academy. Wang Sheng, oh Wang Sheng, your brain is really..."

He smiled and pointed at Wang Sheng, "Okay! I think this is a good idea. Go ahead and do it, the factory supports you. If you need me to coordinate with Beijing Film Academy, just let me know."

"Thank you, Uncle Han!" Wang Sheng said with certainty, "Then I'll contact the Beijing Film Academy as soon as possible."

……

June 17th, 2 PM.

In the Nortel conference room.

The fact that Dean Liu Guodian personally presided over the meeting demonstrates the importance the college attaches to it.

The attendees were mainly the core members of the Fine Arts Department:

The animation professor, a senior figure in the field, was an elderly gentleman with gray hair and thick glasses. He had a serious expression and a natural caution towards commercial collaborations.

The head of the Fine Arts Department, a refined-looking middle-aged man, was responsible for specific coordination and communication.

Several young, middle-aged teachers, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation, showed a higher acceptance of new technologies and models. Several outstanding senior animation students, their faces showing excitement and a touch of nervousness, recognized the rare opportunity to participate in such a project.

Wang Sheng arrived on time, accompanied by Li Tingting.

He was wearing a simple shirt today, exuding a calm and composed demeanor, without any of the arrogance one might expect from someone who has achieved early success.

Dean Liu Guodian gave a warm opening speech, introduced the personnel from both sides, and emphasized the important significance of this cooperation in promoting the integration of industry, academia and research and exploring new developments in animation art.

Wang Sheng then spoke, first expressing his respect for the academic standing of the Beijing Film Academy, especially the animation program in the Fine Arts Department, and then getting straight to the point by introducing the "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit 3000 Questions" project.

"Dear teachers and students," Wang Sheng's voice was clear and infectious: "The core goal of our project is 'popular science,' using vivid and interesting animation to inspire young people's interest in science."

The initial plan is to produce 52 episodes, each about 10 minutes long.

The main characters are Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit, and the story will revolve around knowledge points from various fields such as astronomy, geography, physics, and biology.

He gestured for Li Tingting to distribute the prepared preliminary character design drawings and some concept sketches to the attendees.

Although it's just a sketch, Rainbow Cat's wit and bravery, and Blue Rabbit's intelligence and cuteness are already vividly portrayed on paper.

The white-haired professor adjusted his glasses, carefully examined the sketch, and asked first, "Mr. Wang, the idea is good. But the most difficult thing about science animation is how to balance knowledge and entertainment. Who is in charge of the script? Have you found a team of scientific advisors? If there are too many factual errors, it will mislead children and ruin the work."

“You’ve hit the nail on the head,” Wang Sheng replied respectfully. “The script outline and core concepts are handled by our Shengying Media team, but we will hire experts from normal universities and academies to form an advisory group to rigorously review the knowledge points of each episode to ensure scientific accuracy.”

At the same time, we sincerely hope that the teachers and students of Beijing Film Academy can provide professional advice on the animation language and pacing of the script. This is not a simple commissioned work, but a deep collaboration.

The department head nodded: "This model is good, with professionals doing professional work. As for production, what specific ideas does Mr. Wang have? What about the technical standards? Currently, the standards for broadcasting animation on domestic television stations are not uniform."

Wang Sheng: "Regarding technical standards, we are aiming for the future. Although at this stage we may still mainly rely on traditional hand-drawn or cel animation, we will actively introduce computer-aided coloring and simple post-production effects."

We hope this project can serve as a training ground for technology, allowing us to experiment with some digital processes. Regarding funding, Shengying Media will provide full support to ensure that the production staff receive reasonable compensation.

A young teacher excitedly interjected, "Does Mr. Wang mean we'll be using some digital technologies? Like nonlinear editing and basic CG?"

"Yes."

Wang Sheng affirmed, "We are already procuring the relevant hardware and software. The requirements for motion principles, color, and composition in animation production are the same as those for film special effects. Through this project, we can accumulate valuable digital production experience."

At this point, a student representative timidly asked, "Mr. Wang, what can we students mainly do by participating? Will we receive any guidance?"

Wang Sheng looked at the student and said encouragingly, "Of course you can. From original drawings, animation, and background painting to later coloring and compositing, every step needs fresh blood."

We will implement a 'mentorship system', with teachers and senior students from Beijing Film Academy leading the teams, and project managers from Shengying Media coordinating the progress.

This will be your best opportunity to put what you've learned in the classroom into practice. Those who perform exceptionally well will be given priority for employment by Shengying Media after graduation.

These words immediately excited the students, who began whispering among themselves, their eyes filled with longing.

The focus of the talks quickly shifted to technical details and cooperation models.

Both sides conducted in-depth discussions on character design style, script creation process, production cycle, cost control, and intellectual property ownership.

Wang Sheng reiterated: "All character copyrights, story copyrights, and finished film copyrights of 'Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit 3000 Questions' are jointly and exclusively owned by Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media. The teachers and students of Beijing Film Studio who participated in the production will enjoy the right of attribution and receive corresponding remuneration according to their contributions, but will not be involved in copyright revenue sharing. This is the basis of the project cooperation."

Dean Liu Guodian and the department head both expressed their understanding, stating that this is industry practice and that the school values ​​practical platforms and opportunities for talent cultivation more.

The talks lasted for more than three hours, and the atmosphere went from cautious probing at the beginning to a warm and constructive exchange later on.

Ultimately, both parties reached a preliminary cooperation agreement, agreeing to form a joint project team as soon as possible to start the initial scriptwriting and character development work.

(End of this chapter)