Core Insights - The director-centered system is the main principle of Chinese animation companies, with directors becoming the core asset of the industry [1] - The industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a significant increase in production capacity and talent reserves over the past three years [1][2] - A total of 83 representative directors have been selected from over 320 directors, categorized into six types: "Meritorious," "Senior," "Core," "Rookie," "Dark Horse," and "Expected" [2][3] Group 1: Director-Centered System - The director is increasingly viewed as the key to the quality of animated works, with fans judging projects based on the director's reputation [1] - The emergence of a star effect for directors is noted, as they become the focal point of industry attention [1] - The director-centered system has led to increased pressure on directors, with many transitioning to supervisory roles while nurturing younger talent [1][2] Group 2: Industry Growth and Talent Development - The analysis covers over 340 animated series launched between January 2022 and April 2025, indicating a substantial growth in the industry [1][2] - Many established directors are now mentoring younger creators, contributing to a diverse talent pool [2] - The average development cycle for directors is long, with many needing years of experience to refine their skills [3] Group 3: Director Categories - The selected directors are categorized into six types based on their experience and contributions, reflecting the diversity in skills and styles within the industry [2][3] - "Meritorious" directors have over 10 years of experience and have created multiple benchmark works, while "Senior" directors have over 8 years and at least three works [3] - "Rookie" directors are those with less than three years of experience but show promise, while "Dark Horse" directors have gained fame quickly [2][3]