Core Viewpoint - The "Guan Dian 21" policy from the National Radio and Television Administration is expected to significantly benefit the Chinese film and television industry by relaxing restrictions on historical dramas, potentially leading to an increase in high-quality productions like "Zhen Huan Zhuan" [1][2]. Group 1: Impact on Market and Content Creation - The relaxation of restrictions on historical dramas is a clear signal of support for the Chinese film and television industry, which heavily relies on such genres for viewership and revenue [2]. - The new policy allows for an increase in the number of episodes for dramas, lifting the previous 40-episode cap, which opens up opportunities for more detailed storytelling and longer series [2]. - The introduction of policies such as "border review and broadcast" for seasonal dramas is expected to shorten content production cycles and align broadcasts with current social sentiments, enhancing financial efficiency for companies [2][4]. Group 2: Financial Implications and Industry Challenges - The film and television industry is currently facing financial difficulties, with companies like iQIYI reporting a year-on-year revenue decline of 11% to 6.628 billion yuan and a net loss of 133.7 million yuan, contrasting with previous profitability [4]. - The "Guan Dian 21" policy is anticipated to attract more investment into the industry, which is crucial given the current cash flow challenges faced by major players [4]. - The success of high-quality productions is seen as vital for the recovery of long-video platforms and the overall film and television sector, with historical dramas like "Zhen Huan Zhuan" continuing to generate significant interest even years after their release [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The "Broadcasting 21 Measures" introduced by the National Radio and Television Administration aims to revitalize the long drama market by lifting restrictions and fostering competition, addressing the significant decline in television drama production from 429 in 2014 to 115 in 2024 [2][8]. Policy Changes and Market Impact - The cancellation of the 40-episode limit is a significant change, allowing creators to maintain narrative integrity and explore complex storylines, as evidenced by the higher user retention rates of seasonal dramas compared to traditional series [3][4]. - The new policy allows for flexible adjustments in the airing of historical dramas based on audience demographics, reducing investment risks for producers and promoting high-quality historical content [3][4]. - The introduction of a "simultaneous review" mechanism is expected to shorten the average review cycle by over 40%, enabling quicker adaptations to audience feedback and reducing costs associated with post-production modifications [4]. Commercialization and Advertising - The reintroduction of mid-episode advertisements is reshaping the profitability of dramas, allowing for creative integration of ads and helping broadcasters offset rising acquisition costs [5]. - The "one drama, multiple stars" policy facilitates collaborative purchasing among broadcasters, reducing costs and increasing the reach of quality dramas to wider audiences [5]. Competitive Landscape and Challenges - The allowance for micro-short dramas to air on television introduces new competition, compelling long drama creators to enhance content quality and engagement to retain viewer interest [6]. - The relaxation of restrictions on importing foreign programs pushes domestic productions to elevate their standards, with leading companies adjusting their production quality to compete globally [7]. Content Creation Philosophy - The "Broadcasting 21 Measures" signifies a shift in the relationship between government and market forces in content production, emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity and audience engagement in the face of technological advancements [8].

Core Viewpoint - The long drama market is experiencing a significant downturn, but recent regulatory changes may provide opportunities for recovery and growth in the industry [1][2][29]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The newly released "21 Regulations" from the broadcasting authority signal a systematic loosening of restrictions, emphasizing quality over quantity [3][11]. - Key changes include the removal of the 40-episode limit, allowing for more complex narratives and epic dramas [6][12]. - Subject matter restrictions have been eased, with increased quotas for historical dramas and no limits on adaptations from Japanese and Korean IPs [7][12]. - The seasonal broadcast mechanism has been relaxed, eliminating the one-year gap requirement between seasons, facilitating the development of series like "Longing for Love" [8][12]. - Review processes have been expedited, with proposals for "simultaneous review and broadcast" and a 30-day feedback timeline, significantly shortening the time from completion to airing [9][12]. - New commercial models are being explored, including pilot advertising and encouraging "one drama, multiple stars" collaborations [10][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The changes aim to reduce institutional constraints and enhance creative freedom, allowing the market to play a larger role in resource allocation [11][29]. - The cancellation of the 40-episode cap may lead to a resurgence of classic long dramas, while the removal of the seasonal gap alleviates concerns about character appeal fading during long waits [12][15]. - The introduction of new IPs, particularly from overseas, is expected to invigorate the market, which has been struggling with a lack of original content [12][15]. - The long drama sector is seen as entering a critical moment for transformation, with the potential for seasonal and IP-driven dramas to gain traction [2][15]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Following the announcement of the new regulations, stocks of several drama production companies have surged, indicating renewed investor confidence [13][14]. - Industry professionals are expressing optimism about the potential revival of previously shelved projects, particularly historical dramas and longer series [14][15]. - However, there are concerns about the challenges of adapting to the new regulatory environment, particularly regarding the shift to a more dynamic content creation model [19][20]. Group 4: Short Drama Sector - Concurrently, the short drama platform Hongguo has implemented stricter regulations, focusing on controlling entry and promoting a more industrialized approach [25][26]. - The contrasting strategies of the long and short drama sectors reflect a broader industry trend towards necessary change, with long dramas embracing market freedom and short dramas tightening platform control [26][28]. - The dual approach aims to elevate the overall quality of productions while managing risks associated with lower-quality content [27][28].