More online novels are being adapted into movies and TV dramas because of netizens' influence. (Photo : Reuters)
Online novels that become Internet sensations because of netizens' massive support are now landing more frequently on big screen, highlighting the increased influence of the populace in China's fast-expanding movie industry.
In the recently held Shanghai International Film Festival, Internet giants have proved that they are rapidly beefing up their presence in the industry, which pulled in around 15 billion yuan during the first half of this year.
The changing landscape in the said industry is even acknowledged and realized by film scriptwriters.
For "Mulan" writer Zhang Ting, more online novelists are becoming TV drama and movie writers, adding that an immense number of popular Internet novels are now being adapted into film productions.
Zhang, a Xian Yan Movie Literature Awardee, shared that "almost all the CEOs of major film studios are reading popular online novels every day."
However, the acclaimed writer noted that some of the stories of "the popular Web novels, which are followed by fans and changed according to their requests, have attractive storylines, but the writing may be poor."
Zhang also said that becoming an online novelist is not difficult.
Online novels are works uploaded to literature sites and fora. Once they get the netizens' attention and become Web hits, publishing houses and even major entertainment entities could buy them.
In a recent data, film studios have purchased all 50 must-read online novels listed by the Chinese search engine giant Baidu. Local reports also stated that the most expensive adaptation price tallied up to 10 million yuan.
Meanwhile, entertainment powerhouse Enlight Media has reportedly arranged a special team to look for good online novels. Another giant, LeTV, has also shared the same strategy.
Nonetheless, veteran writer Su Juan pointed out that only one or two in 10 novels make it to the small and big screens.
In related news, a China Internet Network Information Center research showed that a huge 80 percent of online novel fans are interested in watching films or TV shows inspired by Internet sensations.
In 2014, 114 online novels are made into TV dramas and movies; of which, 90 were adpated into small screen productions, while 24 are scheduled to land on big screens.
