2019-06-12

Meet the Magnolia Awards judges of the 25th Shanghai TV Festival – The Flourishing Creations Pave th

On the morning of June 12th, the 25th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards judges meeting event was held. All the judges of the three categories, TV drama, documentary and animation, appeared to meet the media. The jury chairman, GAO Xixi, pointed out that it is very delighting to see that there are so many new and outstanding works nominated for this year\'s Magnolia Awards. And he will find the best TV works following the consistent rule of objectivity and fairness of the Magnolia Awards, and recommend to the industry and the audience who cares the development of Chinese TV the worthy fine works of this era.

The era leads the TV workers to a new height of creation

This year\'s Magnolia Awards have seen the registration of nearly 1,000 outstanding works from 52 countries and regions across the world. There are altogether 62 works being shortlisted, including 17 Chinese TV dramas and 10 overseas TV dramas. For the shortlisted Chinese TV dramas, GAO Xixi believes that these works "all without exception have reflected accurately the audience\'s spiritual thirst for dreams, beauty and struggling, depicting the reaction and the pursuit of value when personal destiny meets the trend of the times, as well as the human nature of believing in the good. All show the unique aesthetic value of the era.” Among the works, LIKE A FLOWING RIVER portrays the growth of ordinary people in the wave of reform and opening up, while ALL IS WELL probes into the contemporary family life, showing the flouring of TV dramas at present. In his mind, the finalists have shown the trend of "inherence and enlightenment", and "the era is leading the TV workers to a new height of creation", heralding a brighter future for Chinese TV drama industry.

The 25th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards TV Drama judges meeting event on spot

As for the selection criteria, writer and screenwriter CHEN Tong said that the jury would definitely "adhere to the rule of fairness and justice". Actor HUANG Zhizhong said: "Magnolia Awards represent the benchmark of the industry. I have earned honors here. This year, as a judge, there is a great responsibility on my shoulder and I have the confidence to live up to it." He emphasized that justice and fairness is the principle of the jury. However, if there are works he likes, he would also offer some support, while discussing and voting with other judges for the final results. Zack Stentz, the overseas TV drama judge, senior screenwriter and producer, suggested that he values the emotional realm of works and the work should touch the chord of his heart. “I am willing to watch the drama and I am eager to know about the next episode." Leonel Vieira, Portuguese director and producer, noted that he would look for the most touching content in the finalists from the perspective of an audience.

The judges also discussed the topic of the cultivation of the new talents, which is definitely the foundation for Chinese TV drama industry to bring forth more excellent works. Director ZHANG Yongxin said that there are many opportunities in the film and television industry, and there are many film and television works produced as well. So the new talents have opportunities, but the key is to "cherish and seize the opportunity by fully showing one’s talents". Actress MA Yili said that the industry is indeed in its heyday, and that although she didn’t have the chance to new talents personally, she would be delighted to tell their excellence in the process of creation.

Judges of the 25th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards – TV Drama

Story and emotion is the key to touch the audience

At the event, Mark Edward, jury chairman of the Magnolia Awards- Documentary, shared his feelings on the finalists view recently: "These works are rich in type, and all are dedicated to reveal the realities of life, which is really what we have been expecting. The stories of some works are very simple, but have inspired us to think more, to consider the whole world from the perspective of documentary." He also appraised the 10 shortlisted documentary works which were amazing in his mind. The judge FU Hongxing pointed out that he would especially look for the aesthetic innovation and value in the finalists, as well as the concern for reality. He also suggested that young people should watch more documentaries. "Documentaries, first, enrich people\'s emotions and enable one to experience the life of different people. Secondly, documentaries is also a door to the whole world." The judge from Japan, Kotani, said that documentary creation has an important task, that is, to pass on stories that the audience might not know. Only in this way could the audience be impressed. For the development of the Chinese documentary, he commented: "The market is developing very fast and we are expecting more documentary talents to emerge."

The 25th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards Documentary and Animation judges meeting event on spot

Max Howard, Jury chairman of Magnolia Awards - Animation, is very pleased to see the growth of the Chinese animation market. For him, the most important aspect about animation is storytelling. “Telling stories is very important and is the foundation of good works. Animation is a special art form. In animation, any characters can be created. We should create a magical spiritual journey for people with such characters.” Judge Shuzo John Shiota agrees: “Animation is to create a world; this is quite special. Creators, starting from scratch, make the world in the film frame by frame.” Judge LIU Kuo said that animation is of great charm, and the emotions therein can break through the limitation of age groups. However, in China, many may view animation as being made for the young. He noted that the situation will gradually improve. "Now, for the 90s and 00s, animation is a necessary part of life. I believe that when they become mainstream audiences, animation will usher in more colorful development."

Documentary and animation judges of the 25th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards