Chinese TV drama making big inroads overseas
Exemplifying the growing trend of Chinese TV dramas going abroad, Legend of the Phoenix has reached a string of overseas markets in Southeast Asia, Europe and America, even before its home run is complete.
The 43-episode drama opened on the streaming giant Tencent Video since May 28. And every Tuesday to Thursday, the series makers will release two new episodes for each night.
Penned by veteran Hong Kong scriptwriter Cheung Wah-biu, best known for the 1983 martial arts classic The Legend of Condor Heroes, the series stars actress He Hongshan, who shot to fame with Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, and actor Xu Zhengxi.
Set at the turbulent era of a fictional dynasty, the story depicts the love story of an opera troupe performer-turned royal palace lady and a military leader.
Before its run on the Chinese mainland began, the drama's overseas distribution rights were sold to a dozen countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia.