@AnnaAnthro

Just as Netflix cDramas are taking off with *Pursuit of Jade* becoming the first one to reach the Netflix non-English global top ten several weeks in a row as well as climbing to 14th overall for shows, it is reported that there are significant policy changes being put forward, that seem particularly targeted at S-tier Idol Dramas - like *Veil of Shadows* or *PoJ*.

While I personally can find most of these on Viki, I am concerned that a strong policy shift could setback the momentum in Netflix bringing cDramas to the broader global audience — no matter that the intent of the proposed changes is to strengthen the quality of productions.

Let’s face it, many of us are looking for a broader range of film and television offerings than the US provides and is likely to provide. China is the second largest producer of film and television but is underrepresented on the global streamers. I suspect that many international viewers would like to see high quality cDramas but it’s also necessary to have greater distribution for international audiences to even invest in trying them out the way they have with jDramas and kDramas.

It would be unfortunate if those responsible for revising cDrama policies were to discount that the growth in international audiences for cDrama is a process. It means developing a relationship between new audiences and Chinese film and television, bringing new understanding of culture and traditions of narratives. It won’t all be smooth sailing.

One has the sense that some of the proposed policy responses are intended to address some negative characterizations made in international social media. There will surely be those who will seize on and escalate misunderstandings by new audiences to create unpleasantness.

Anyway, I’ve been feeling such mixed feelings about the situation this week, just as I was at the point of starting to post some of my own thoughts on cDramas.

#cDrama #cDramas #Streaming