Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding the drama "Blossoms" highlights the complex relationships between directors, screenwriters, and grassroots creators in the Chinese film and television industry, revealing issues of authorship, compensation, and the hidden rules of the industry [2][10][19]. Group 1: Compensation Issues - There is a significant disparity in compensation within the industry, with top screenwriters earning between 300,000 to 1,000,000 yuan per episode, while grassroots writers may only receive 3,000 yuan per episode, representing a staggering 97% reduction in pay [7][8]. - The phenomenon of "layered subcontracting" is prevalent, where tasks are outsourced multiple times, leading to drastic pay cuts for lower-tier writers [3][4][6]. Group 2: Authorship and Rights - The issue of authorship rights is a critical concern, as many writers lack formal agreements that confirm their contributions, making it difficult to claim rights later [10][11]. - The industry operates on a trust-based system, where personal connections often outweigh talent in hiring decisions, leading to a culture where established relationships dictate opportunities [18][19]. Group 3: Industry Structure and Dynamics - The industry is characterized by a pyramid structure, with top-tier writers and production companies at the apex, controlling resources and decision-making, while lower-tier writers struggle for recognition and fair compensation [6][8]. - The lack of collective bargaining power among writers contributes to their vulnerability, as many operate as "individual contractors" without the support of unions or associations [22][23]. Group 4: Emerging Trends and Future Outlook - The push for industrialization in the film and television sector is leading to more standardized processes, which may help clarify roles and compensation, potentially reducing disputes over authorship [23]. - The rise of AI technology is transforming the writing process, allowing lower-tier writers to focus on creative tasks rather than repetitive work, although it also poses challenges for those who cannot adapt [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding the screenwriter "Gu Er" highlights the ongoing issues of authorship and recognition within the Chinese entertainment industry, particularly for screenwriters who often face challenges in securing proper credit for their contributions [1][2][3] Group 1: Authorship and Recognition - The debate over whether a single screenwriter should be credited for a project is prevalent, as it is rare for one individual to independently complete a full script, especially for larger productions [3][4] - The industry is characterized by a lack of rights protection for screenwriters, with many projects requiring a prominent name to attract investment, leading to a dilution of credit among contributors [4][5] - The role of a screenwriter is often undermined, as their contributions may be overshadowed by the influence of more prominent figures in the production, such as directors and producers [4][10] Group 2: Challenges Faced by Young Screenwriters - Young screenwriters often struggle to gain recognition and face a culture of "workplace PUA," where they are told to endure hardships to earn their place in the industry [9][10] - The competition for credits is fierce, and the perception of authorship as a valuable resource complicates the dynamics of collaboration among creatives [5][6] - Many young professionals resort to creating their own projects to gain control over their work and ensure proper recognition, as working within established systems often leads to marginalization [9][10] Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Power Structures - The industry operates on a hierarchical structure where mentorship is common, but this often results in junior members, such as assistants, being denied appropriate credit for their contributions [10][12] - The perception that anyone can critique a screenplay leads to a lack of respect for the craft, making it difficult for screenwriters to assert their authority [12][13] - Despite the challenges, there are signs of change, with more formalized contracts and clearer guidelines emerging in larger production companies, indicating a shift towards better protection for screenwriters [14]