Yang Xiaopei, the founder and CEO of Xixi Pictures, came to Cannes this year with a mission to challenge the common perception of Chinese content creators. While China is often associated with epic stories set in ancient worlds, Yang represents a growing generation of studio heads who want to share contemporary Chinese stories with the world.
According to Yang, the diversification and caliber of Chinese series are flourishing. In addition to historical dramas, contemporary urban series have gained popularity in China for their relevance and thematic richness.
China’s role as the “Country of Honor” at the 39th edition of MIPCOM Cannes has shed light on the evolving Chinese content industry, both domestically and internationally. With over 300 delegates from about 40 companies in attendance, the Chinese presence has returned to pre-pandemic levels, signaling that the country is “open for business” once again.
At this year’s MIPCOM, China emphasized its growing ambitions as a global content provider, with a focus on co-production, content acquisition, and distribution opportunities. Companies like Xixi Pictures are hoping to attract international partners and expand their reach beyond China.
Yang was a speaker at a series of seminars held as part of the China promotion at MIPCOM Cannes. She shared the story of Xixi’s growth and its plans for future expansion across global markets. Yang founded Xixi Pictures in 2020 after working for the Shanghai Media Group conglomerate and gaining experience in the television drama market. She has been behind successful costume dramas like “Chronicle of Life” and “Fighter of the Destiny,” as well as series that focus on contemporary realism, such as “The King’s Avatar” set in the world of eSports and online gaming.
Since its founding, Xixi Pictures has produced a range of content, including costume dramas like “Ancient Love Poetry” and “Who Rules the World,” as well as contemporary dramas like “The Youth Memories” set in the 1970s and “Alliance” exploring the lives of women in modern-day Shanghai. “Who Rules the World” was picked up by Netflix after a successful run on Chinese streamer Tencent’s global platform WeTV. “Alliance” is set to stream on Jetsen Huashi Wangju’s Youtube platform, as well as through deals signed with international distributors like Viki, ITalkBB, KT, Astro, and PPCT.
During her time in Cannes, Yang presented two new productions from Xixi Pictures: “The Last Immortal,” a costume drama set in a world of gods battling demons, and “Her Islands,” a contemporary drama focusing on the evolving relationships within a Chinese family. “The Last Immortal” aims to offer viewers an innovative viewing experience by combining historical fantasy elements with the structure of road movies. “Her Islands” explores the shifting dynamics and enduring values of Chinese families through the metaphor of “oceans and islands.”
For Yang and Xixi Pictures, the goal is to showcase Chinese stories on a global platform. The company is renowned for its diverse TV series, from romantic historical dramas to contemporary urban tales that have been widely acclaimed in China. While Xixi Pictures has a strong foothold in the Chinese market, its vision extends beyond borders. Yang’s ambition is to pioneer a path where Chinese content, with its ethnic characteristics and core culture, can resonate globally and be appreciated on a worldwide platform.
In conclusion, Yang Xiaopei and Xixi Pictures are part of a new wave of Chinese content creators seeking to break stereotypes and share contemporary Chinese stories with the world. With an emphasis on diversification and a focus on global expansion, they aim to showcase the richness and relevance of Chinese series beyond the traditional epic narratives. The Chinese presence at MIPCOM Cannes highlights the country’s growing ambitions as a global content provider and its openness to co-production and collaboration with international partners. Through their productions, Xixi Pictures hopes to bridge cultures and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese stories on a global scale.