Core Insights - The resurgence of "New Chinese Horror" in popular culture is driven by quality works in gaming and comics, alongside local low-budget horror films exploring folklore, urban legends, and social issues [1][2] - The success of films like "Yuan Yang Lou: Horror" demonstrates the potential for local horror films to resonate with audiences through updated narratives and social themes [2][5] - The marketing strategies for local horror films have evolved to emphasize social experiences and engagement, leveraging social media and event-based promotions [4][5] Group 1: Market Trends - From 2024 to 2025, local horror films are expected to achieve several commercial breakthroughs in box office performance [2] - "Yuan Yang Lou: Horror" has become a benchmark for small-budget films, achieving significant box office success and positive reception [2] - The audience demographic for "Yuan Yang Lou: Horror" shows a notable shift, with nearly 70% female viewers and almost 60% under 25 years old [2] Group 2: Narrative and Content Development - The narrative evolution in local horror films combines traditional horror elements with contemporary social issues, such as female empowerment and workplace anxiety [5][14] - The use of confined settings in horror films enhances the immersive experience, allowing for a more focused and intense atmosphere [5][14] - Despite some advancements, local horror films still face challenges with narrative fatigue and structural limitations, often relying on familiar tropes [14][18] Group 3: Industry Comparisons - Blumhouse Productions and A24 serve as models for local filmmakers, showcasing different approaches to horror film production—Blumhouse focuses on low-budget efficiency while A24 emphasizes artistic expression [6][10] - Blumhouse's success is attributed to its ability to create impactful narratives within budget constraints, while A24's films often explore deeper psychological themes [8][10] - Both companies highlight the importance of brand identity, cost management, and audience trust in the horror genre [10][12] Group 4: Future Opportunities - The integration of folklore and social themes presents a clear direction for local horror films, potentially leading to a new wave of creative opportunities [1][14] - Streaming platforms like Netflix are expanding their horror content, indicating a growing market for diverse horror narratives and sub-genres [12][13] - The local horror film industry must address structural issues and seek to establish stable IP chains to build a loyal audience base [18][19]

Core Insights - The article discusses the cross-border viral marketing phenomenon of the movie "F1: Fast & Furious," highlighting how a light-hearted TikTok marketing strategy by Warner Bros. Japan unexpectedly gained traction in China, surpassing domestic marketing efforts in terms of engagement [1][3]. Group 1: Marketing Strategies - The marketing strategy for "F1: Fast & Furious" in Japan involved Brad Pitt participating in local cultural activities, which resonated well with the audience and contributed to the film's social media buzz [12]. - The article emphasizes the difference in short video marketing approaches between China and Western countries, noting that while Douyin (Chinese TikTok) relies heavily on PGC and KOL-driven content, TikTok focuses more on UGC, allowing users to be co-creators [5][15]. - UGC-driven marketing has proven effective in the U.S. and Japan, with examples like the viral challenges associated with movies such as "Barbie" and "Megan," showcasing the importance of user participation in content creation [9][12]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The article points out that the film marketing landscape is evolving, with a shift towards more interactive and emotionally engaging content, as seen in successful campaigns for films like "Nezha 2" and "The Breakup List" [16][17]. - The rise of platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) indicates a growing reliance on UGC content in film marketing, suggesting that the industry must adapt to create content that encourages user participation [17][18]. - The article concludes that the domestic film industry should learn from the successful strategies employed in Western markets to enhance their short video marketing efforts [19].