iQiyi Originals

iQiyi Originals
Name	iQiyi Originals
Industry	Streaming media
Founded	2010s
Founder	Baidu
Headquarters	Beijing
Key people	Gao Hongbing, Yu Gong
Products	Original programming
Parent	iQiyi

iQiyi Originals iQiyi Originals is the collective brand for original scripted and non-scripted programming produced for the Chinese streaming platform iQiyi. The slate encompasses drama series, reality shows, variety programs, films, and animation developed to compete with domestic rivals and to engage subscribers across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese-speaking markets. The initiative reflects strategies used by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Tencent Video to vertically integrate content production with distribution.

Overview

iQiyi Originals covers a range of genres including historical drama, romance, crime, science fiction, and reality formats, with titles created by production companies such as China Film Group Corporation, IDG Pictures, Huayi Brothers, and Youku Tudou collaborators. By leveraging partnerships with studios like Wanda Pictures and independent creators associated with figures such as Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaogang, the Originals label seeks to balance commercial appeal and prestige. The catalog is promoted alongside services offered by parent company Baidu and integrates technologies developed by DuerOS and iQIYI AI initiatives.

History and Development

The Originals program evolved from iQiyi’s early commissioning strategies in the 2010s after establishment by Baidu and leaders including Wang Xiaohui and Gao Hongbing. Initial investments targeted web dramas and variety shows featuring stars from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and South Korea to capture cross-border audiences familiar with performers like Angelababy, Luhan, and Li Yifeng. Expansion accelerated following strategic moves by competitors Tencent Holdings and Alibaba Group into streaming, prompting iQiyi to increase commissions, secure intellectual property rights from publishers like Jin Yong estates, and co-produce adaptations of works by authors such as Gu Long and Jin Yong.

Regulatory changes from bodies including the National Radio and Television Administration and policy shifts in Beijing influenced scheduling, episode counts, and content scope. iQiyi Originals adjusted production pipelines during major events like the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic which affected shoots alongside studios such as Shanghai Film Group and locations in Chongqing and Xi’an.

Production and Partnerships

iQiyi Originals employs in-house development teams and external partnerships with production houses like Perfect World Pictures, New Classics Media, and Huace Media Group. Talent collaborations include directors such as Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, and Dante Lam, and actors from agencies including Gramarie, Huayi Brothers Media. Cross-border co-productions have linked iQiyi to CJ E&M and Korea’s JTBC for formats adapted from shows created by executives from Warner Bros. and NBCUniversal.

Financing mechanisms involve pre-sales to distributors like YouTube channels for international clips, licensing to broadcasters such as Hunan Television and Dragon Television, and sponsorships from brands including Alibaba Group subsidiaries and Tencent Music Entertainment Group. Technical collaboration with cloud providers like Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud supports streaming, while post-production frequently occurs at facilities run by Beijing Film Academy alumni and effects houses tied to Industrial Light & Magic specialists working in China.

Notable Original Series and Films

Prominent titles under the Originals umbrella have featured adaptations and original scripts that involved screenwriters associated with Wang Anyi-era literary adaptations and genre auteurs like Xu Zheng. Standouts include high-profile productions with casts including Zhao Liying, Yang Mi, Wu Jing, and guest appearances by Jackie Chan in promotional specials. Film projects have partnered with distributors such as China Film Distribution and screened at festivals where juries include representatives from Cannes Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival observers interested in Chinese streaming releases.

Reality and variety successes pair hosts from Hunan TV programs and celebrities like Jay Chou and G.E.M. with formats reminiscent of Survivor-style competition and music shows akin to The Voice adaptations, often involving IP licensed from international producers.

Distribution and Platform Strategy

iQiyi Originals are primarily distributed on the iQiyi platform with tiered access for subscribers and ad-supported viewing for wider reach. International distribution leverages partnerships with platforms such as Viki, WeTV, and licensing deals negotiated with companies in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. The platform implements recommendation engines informed by research from Tsinghua University data science groups and product teams formerly from Google and Apple.

Monetization strategies include subscription tiers, in-stream advertising sold to firms like Procter & Gamble and L’Oréal, and ancillary revenue from merchandise sales through e-commerce partners such as Taobao and JD.com.

Reception and Impact

Critics, trade press, and audiences in outlets including South China Morning Post, The New York Times, and Variety have noted Originals’ contribution to elevating web-first narratives and launching talent into mainstream cinema. The label influenced other streaming services’ commissioning practices and contributed to discussions at industry events like the Shanghai International Film Festival and panels hosted by Asia TV Forum delegates. Awards recognition has included nominations at domestic ceremonies such as Golden Eagle Awards and acknowledgements by festival juries featuring representatives from Cannes and Berlin International Film Festival.

Controversies and Censorship Issues

iQiyi Originals have faced scrutiny over censorship decisions enforced by the National Radio and Television Administration and compliance with content directives from provincial regulators in Guangdong and Sichuan. Notable controversies involved edits to historical narratives referencing figures tied to Mao Zedong-era events, disputes over contract terms with talent agencies like WME-aligned representatives, and legal actions involving rights holders such as China Film Group and publishers managing IP from authors like Mo Yan. Debates have arisen in coverage by outlets including BBC News, Al Jazeera, and Reuters regarding transparency, content moderation, and the balance between commercial objectives and regulatory adherence.

Category:Chinese television production companies