Core Insights - The film "Catching the Wind" represents a clash between "new" and "old" values, showcasing traditional action against modern high-tech crime [1] - The summer box office of 2025 is noted as one of the best in the last decade, with a total box office of 120 billion, similar to last year but significantly lower than the same period in 2023 [2] - The success of "Catching the Wind" highlights a shift in audience preferences towards quality over star power, with the film achieving over 1 billion in box office and a Douban score of 8.2, marking a record for Jackie Chan's action films in the last decade [3][4] Industry Trends - The traditional formula of "topic hype + star cast" is no longer sufficient to guarantee high box office returns, as audiences become more discerning [3] - The film industry is witnessing a resurgence of high-quality action films, filling a gap in the market and attracting younger audiences despite the older cast [8] - The success of "Catching the Wind" indicates a potential trend towards the premiumization of genre films, driven by strong storytelling and innovative elements [15][30] Company Strategy - iQIYI's "Big Movie Plan" aims to prove its capability in producing commercially successful films, with "Catching the Wind" being the first project under this initiative [4][28] - The company has a history of exploring various film genres, having released 13 films across different categories, and is now focusing on high-quality commercial films [9][19] - iQIYI's approach combines long-term investment in film production with a focus on unique storytelling and genre differentiation, similar to strategies employed by platforms like Netflix [19][20] Financial Performance - "Catching the Wind" is projected to generate significant revenue, with potential earnings exceeding 4 billion from box office shares if it surpasses 1.2 billion in total domestic box office [22] - The film's high profile is expected to drive membership growth for iQIYI, as viewers may subscribe to access exclusive content related to the film [23][26] - The company's established online and offline synergy is anticipated to enhance revenue streams, allowing for multiple monetization avenues post-theatrical release [26][30]

Core Insights - iQIYI has launched a "three-stage rocket" strategy for self-produced films, focusing on creating blockbuster theatrical films, innovative works, and high-quality online films [3][4] - The company aims to support young filmmakers through its "Liaoyuan Plan" and "Baopre Plan," encouraging diverse and innovative storytelling [4][8] Film Development Strategy - The "three-stage rocket" plan consists of the "Blockbuster Plan," "Liaoyuan Plan," and "Baopre Plan," designed to systematically enhance film production and collaboration with talented filmmakers [3][4] - iQIYI's focus on content innovation and production upgrades is seen as essential for navigating the competitive landscape of the film industry [3][4] Support for Young Filmmakers - The "Liaoyuan Plan" offers financial incentives for scriptwriters and production teams, including up to 100,000 yuan for script fees and a 47.5% profit share for production teams [6][8] - The "Baopre Plan" aims to discover and collaborate with young directors, providing up to 30 million yuan for individual projects [10][8] Audience Engagement and Market Trends - iQIYI reported a 24% year-on-year increase in viewing time for theatrical new releases and a 51% increase in the number of online films released in 2024 [6] - The platform's data indicates a diverse audience preference, with older male viewers favoring genre films and younger audiences leaning towards realistic and family-oriented themes [10][19] Upcoming Film Projects - iQIYI unveiled a list of 39 upcoming films, showcasing a strong creative team and a variety of genres, including action, comedy, and social issues [11][19] - Notable projects include "War 1840," "The Genius Li Aifen," and "The South Foodie," which reflect a commitment to high-quality storytelling and production [13][15][17] Industry Collaboration and Future Outlook - The forum featured discussions among industry experts on the challenges and opportunities in the current film market, emphasizing the need for innovative storytelling and collaboration [20][22] - iQIYI aims to foster a creative ecosystem that supports young filmmakers and enhances the overall quality of Chinese cinema [23]