Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of the Chinese film industry, highlighting a significant decline in audience attendance and box office performance, despite an increase in the number of cinemas and screens. It emphasizes that the industry is facing structural challenges, with a reliance on blockbuster films leading to a lack of diverse content and audience engagement [6][12][20]. Group 1: Box Office Performance - The total box office for the summer season as of July 23, 2025, was only 4.297 billion yuan, significantly lower than the 17.778 billion yuan in 2019 and below half of previous years' averages [8][12]. - The summer box office in June 2025 reached a historical low of 1.91 billion yuan, marking the lowest total in a decade [15]. - Despite a 22.9% year-on-year increase in total box office revenue for the first half of 2025, over half of this revenue (16.09 billion yuan) came from the Spring Festival, primarily driven by the film "Nezha" [12][20]. Group 2: Audience Engagement - Data from the Lighthouse Research Institute indicates that by 2024, 57% of audiences watched only one film throughout the year, with the proportion of viewers under 25 dropping to 21% [21]. - The article suggests that the audience is not abandoning cinema altogether but is instead rejecting films that do not meet their expectations for quality [23][33]. - The film industry is experiencing a loss of creative talent, with many filmmakers feeling pressured to prioritize commercial success over artistic expression [23][26]. Group 3: Industry Structure and Challenges - The current box office revenue-sharing model is deemed unreasonable, with production companies receiving only about 33% of the box office after costs, leading to significant financial losses across the industry [16][20]. - The number of films registered for production decreased by over 20% in the first five months of 2025, indicating a contraction in the industry [26]. - The rising production costs and extended filming timelines are creating a mismatch between supply and demand, further exacerbating audience disappointment [28]. Group 4: Adaptation and Future Directions - Some companies are shifting their focus from traditional film production to broader content creation strategies, such as developing IPs and diversifying revenue streams [29]. - The article notes that smaller films can still succeed if they resonate with audiences, as evidenced by the film "Zhou Chu's Three Harms," which grossed over 600 million yuan despite minimal marketing [31][33]. - The film industry is urged to adapt to changing consumer habits and preferences, integrating with other entertainment forms to reclaim audience attention [31].
电影圈,快撑不住了
首席商业评论·2025-08-01 03:57