Producing Chinese Reality Television: Power, Precarity and Working Cultures

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This study examines the production of popular Chinese reality television, complemented by interviews with a broad range of practitioners including newcomers, contractors, and migrant workers, all of whom form the industry's backbone.

Tianyu Zhang draws on first hand experiences across four television productions, providing exclusive insights into institutional dynamics and interpersonal relationships. She examines popular television series like Job Hunting (2010-), Win the Bill (2013-) and Waiting For Me (2014-), uncovering concealed narratives of precarious production that shape Chinese television.

She goes on to examine regulations impacting the broader labour market, including unsupportive national policies, social welfare systems, unhealthy work values, and the absence of trade unions, considering how these impact the television industry. Spanning a spectrum of media landscapes, from state-owned giants like China Central Television (CCTV) to provincial outlets and independent production houses, this comprehensive study captures the essence of Chinese reality TV production.

Author Bio

Tianyu Zhang is Assistant Head of Creative Media at Liverpool Media Academy, UK. She has worked as a Film lecturer at London South Bank University and was awarded her PhD in Media Arts from the University of Royal Holloway in January 2022. She has work experience in Chinas state-owned television and private TV production companies. Her research interests include film and TV industries, with a special interest in ethnography and mental health.