Elements of traditional Chinese culture are incorporated into scenes from Ne Zha 2. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has claimed the top spot on China's all-time box office charts and become the highest-grossing movie in a single market anywhere in the world.
The making of Ne Zha 2 is a testament to the collective strength of China's animation industry. Hong Li Animation Studios, a Jiading district-based company in Shanghai, played a significant role in the film's production.
Speaking in a phone interview, Yu Zhixin, the project manager, detailed the company's extensive involvement. "We were responsible for about a quarter of the film's production," Yu said. "This included everything from character and scene assets to animation, simulation, special effects, and lighting and rendering composition."
Hong Li Animation also contributed to the original Ne Zha 1 film. Compared to the first film, the sequel is much more realistic with significantly enhanced texture quality, while also incorporating more elements of traditional Chinese culture. Yu said that some scenes involving mountain landscapes and flocks of birds were extremely time-consuming but provided viewers with an exceptional visual experience, adding that the nebula effects are another highlight.
Hong Li Animation works on a scene in Ne Zha 2 that features nebula effects. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Yu expressed hope that Ne Zha 2 would boost confidence in Chinese animated films, promoting them on a global stage and increasing box office revenues. Founded in January 2017 at the Jiading Nanxiang Zhidi Industrial Park, Hong Li Animation specializes in animated films, TV series, and the development of original comics. The success of Ne Zha 1 in 2019 brought the company significant attention.
Zhou Songhua, deputy head of Nanxiang town, emphasized the strategic importance of the gaming and animation industry in Nanxiang's development plans. In collaboration with the Shanghai Animation Industry Association, Nanxiang town has established the Global ACG Industry Base, a cultural and creative hub focused on animation. The base aims to provide policy support, talent acquisition, and supply chain integration, transforming Nanxiang into a leading center for animation talent, technology, and enterprises.
The Global ACG Industry Base in Nanxiang town, Jiading district. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]