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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Zhejiang Satellite TV's ‘The Class of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3' soars to No.1 with a resonance of truth and emotion
Co-produced by Zhejiang Satellite TV and Youku, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3 is a youth acting reality show that continues the successful format of its previous two seasons. The program assembles a powerhouse team of industry veterans including Chief Director Dongsheng Er and producers Lei Hao, Chengru Li, Tao Liu, Zhenyu Wu, and Zhiwei Zeng, with guest producers Jing Wang, Huaqiang Xiang, and Tianzhen Yang. Together, they mentor a diverse cast of performers such as Zhipeng Chen, Zhen Ding, Shouer Fu, Hanikezi, Jiuhua He, Yao Hong, Chun Ke, Muchen Li, Yichang Liu, Yixiao Li, Yuxin Liu, Shaoyang Xu, An Yan, Xiaotong Yu, Yuhan Yu, Haoxin Wang, Xing Wang, Danfeng Zhang, and Lili Zhong. Through a professional training ecosystem that includes real-world job assessments, master classes, and on-set auditions, the show challenges young actors to face criticism head-on and rebuild their skills from the ground up. As one of China's most compelling entertainment IPs in recent years, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence has earned widespread acclaim for its sharp insights into the acting industry and its vibrant online engagement. Often described by netizens as a 'clear-headed acting show,' the program has twice been nominated for Best Variety Program at the Shanghai TV Festival's Magnolia Awards. Since the launch of its third season, the show has ranked No.1 in its timeslot across 71 CSM cities on Saturdays, topping internal charts on both Z Shijie and Youku, and dominating popularity metrics across major platforms. It has amassed over 44.57 billion total topic views and more than 17,523 trending topics across Chinese social media. The theme of this season, 'Growth Without Regret,' reflects not only the development journey of its cast but also the evolution of the show itself. In response to growing audience fatigue with long-running formats, The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3 pushes the boundaries of storytelling, competition structure, and multimedia engagement—cultivating a heartfelt resonance through authenticity, emotional depth, and a commitment to truth. Mirror of Reality: Audiences See Themselves in the Show Authenticity is the most compelling feature of 'The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence 3.' Widely recognized as a gold standard for performance-based variety shows, the program has developed a narrative structure that balances critique and support. Season 3 simulates a real working environment in the entertainment industry. Producers with genuine casting needs participate directly, transforming the competition into a highly realistic workplace experience. From auditions to callbacks, fierce role battles to final eliminations, the goal is for each performer to secure an 'offer' at the final 'Unlimited Showcase.' This realistic setup appeals to both professionals and the general public, turning industry dilemmas into relatable social issues. When the market evaluation phase began in Episode 8, the raw exposure of the entertainment world's survival rules resonated with viewers, who saw their own workplace anxieties mirrored in the actors' experiences. A powerful scene occurred in Episode 8 when outstanding actor An Yan was dismissed by market mentors as 'not preferred for cooperation.' Producer Tao Liu questioned, 'Do the audience choose actors by popularity alone, not skill?' and Director Lei Hao bluntly stated, 'Being unknown is a sin; fame makes anything right.' This ignited heated debate online and pushed the hashtag #HaoLei_OnFameBias to Weibo's Top 8. Viewers noted how the entertainment world's 'traffic-first' casting mimicked corporate favoritism. The show revealed cross-industry problems: resource concentration, narrow evaluations, and utilitarianism. As such, the show doesn't just expose acting industry struggles—it mirrors the collective anxiety of modern employees. These uncomfortable truths are a needed wake-up call. The show courageously raised questions like 'Should actors benefit from labels?', 'Do experienced actors outperform new ones?', and 'Can acting be ranked by seniority?', using sharp professional critique to tackle deep-rooted issues and drive healthy industry reform. As seen in the show, An Yan ultimately earned a contract based on his ability. One viewer, Sarah, wrote, 'This reminds the production team that beyond rigid metrics, diverse possibilities still exist. The production team can't change the rules, but the production team can honor professionalism and stay true to authenticity.' Emotional Support: Helping Performers Break Through 'Acting is one way to experience life—I can't be innocent forever,' said Zhen Ding in Episode 10 amid debates over his growth. Some viewers wanted him to 'return to the prairie,' but he expressed growing passion for acting, crediting the show for giving him the space to explore his identity beyond labels. Among all cast members, Zhen Ding became a symbol of transformation. Though a total novice, he moved audiences through evolving roles—from a naive Xu Xian in 'Green Snake,' to a funny chef in 'The God of Cookery,' to a nuanced villain in 'Escape from the Trilateral Slopes,' and a heartfelt young soldier in the war drama 'Final Battle.' He even won praise for his role in 'The Double.' Mentors preserved his innocence while helping him overcome communication and experience gaps, gradually mastering camera language and emotional delivery. His progress through different genres showcased untapped potential. This season's casting was strategic: short drama actors, idols, controversial figures, crossovers, and those seeking a comeback—each representing a unique slice of the entertainment ecosystem. The goal was to portray them breaking free from limitations and provide inspirational growth models. The show built a full-scale testing framework—from fundamentals to diverse genre performance—while aligning individual growth with market needs. The result? Tangible progress. Hot topics like #DingZhenTheClassOfLimitlessActingTranscendence and #YuYuhanJoinedTheRightShow demonstrate the show's grounded mentorship. Interactive Authenticity: Creating with the Audience A healthy entertainment industry depends on collaboration between creators, platforms, and audiences. While embracing professional assessments, the show also invited audiences to co-create the experience. Beyond robust storytelling, Zhejiang TV's promotion team launched creative campaigns like 'Public Covenant Wall' and 'Unlimited Masterclass' to boost professional discourse. The show also responded to audiences' interest with 'Cloud Supervision,' 'Cloud Interaction,' and 'Cloud Backstage.' In the long-running livestream series #SurpriseLive, Director Tong Wu, mentors, and actors join post-episode reviews to dissect highlights and respond to audiences' concerns. On Weibo, the IP mascot account 'ChaBao' playfully shares memes, behind-the-scenes clips, and exclusive livestreams to humanize the cast beyond the screen. Through 'participatory media,' the show forms a feedback loop between production, conversation, and emotion. Audiences don't just watch—they co-create. Ultimately, the breakout success of Season 3 reaffirms this truth: content that resonates is always rooted in honest insight and genuine engagement. In this sense, 'The Class Of Limitless Acting Transcendence' is more than a show—it is a meditation on professionalism, growth, and human value that lingers long after the credits roll. Media Contact Company Name: Zhejiang Satellite TV Contact Person: Xian Wu Email: Send Email City: Hangzhou Country: China Website:
Hype Malaysia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Malaysian Animated Series 'Mechamato' Tops Youku Streaming Charts 72 Hours After Chinese Debut
It's great news for the Malaysian animated series, 'Mechamato'! Just days after its debut on Chinese streaming site Youku, the series found itself in a comfortable first place in two different categories! Earlier today, MONSTA Studio announced through social media that 'Mechamato' peaked at first place on two Youku charts 72 hours after its debut on the streaming platform. The animation studio wrote, 'Within just 72 hours, the Malaysian animated series has claimed the number #1 spot in Boys' Favourite and #1 in Mecha Genre on Youku!'. The show debuted on the platform on 9th May 2025 (Friday). At the same time, 'Mechamato' charted in two other categories, placing in the top 3 positions. According to MONSTA chief executive officer Nizam Abd Razak, the animation series claimed the #2 spot in the Hot-Blood Adventure category and the #3 spot in the New Releases category. It's worth noting that Youku is one of China's top streaming platforms, with nearly 450 million monthly active viewers. The series' debut on Youku is a historic feat, as it also marks its entry into the Chinese market. Nizam said the studio's partnership with the platform extends beyond broadcasting, paving the way for ventures into licensing and merchandising for 'Mechamato'. Given the colossal entertainment market of the world's second most populous country, 'Mechamato' could see a significant lead in its global reach. Besides its home country, 'Mechamoto' also has a loyal following in Japan, especially after the debut of its Japanese dub. The series even became the first non-Japanese series to win the 'Anime Fan Award' at the 2023 Tokyo Anime Awards Festival. During its appearance at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, 'Mechamato' and MONSTA Studio were met with a crowd of fans, who lined up for hours for a photo with the Amato mascot. Congratulations to 'Mechamato' and MONSTA Studio on their achievements on Youku! We look forward to seeing more achievements and milestones! Sources: Instagram, Siakap Keli, The Sun
Arabian Post
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
Confessions Wraps Filming: Eastern Dark Aesthetics Meet the Abyss of Human Nature, Elevating Chinese Drama to New Heights
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2025 – Confessions, a psychological suspense series written and directed by Wong Ching-Po and starring Ethan Juan, Gingle Wang, Alyssa Chia, Yi-Wen Chen, and Vivian Sung, officially wrapped filming on May 3. Hosted by Bowie Tsang, the press conference gathered the full cast and creative team. The set, featuring tree root installations and a Mondrian-inspired carpet, was meticulously designed. With a stellar team including multiple Golden Horse and Golden Bell Award winners, Confessions has drawn strong interest from international markets. Creative Roundtable: Elite Team Continues the Legacy, Delving Into the Gray Areas of Human Nature The series, from the creative team behind The Pig, The Snake, and The Pigeon, underwent four months of preparation and 120 days of filming. Building on the 'violent aesthetics and philosophical musings' of its predecessor, Confessions adds socially conscious suspense elements that heighten the narrative's intensity and complexity. It delves deeper into psychological issues such as family trauma and moral conflict. Ethan Juan shared that his character, Lin San, has a complex inner journey that mirrors many aspects of his own life. He described the experience as if he were stepping into Lin San's shoes, not only portraying the character's life but also undergoing a personal choice of his own throughout the process. First Teaser: Stark Aesthetics Hit Home At the press conference, the teaser trailer 'Destined Suspense' was unveiled. With chilling lighting and intense sound design, it builds a bold aesthetic that amplifies suspense. The trailer reveals the characters' psychological unraveling as they navigate family feuds and moral entanglements across two generations, drawing viewers into hidden truths and the abyss of human nature. Eight character stills and a themed poster were unveiled, using black-and-white tones to evoke a sense of psychological warfare and mystery, deepening the audience's immersion in the characters' minds. The series will be introduced to mainland China by Youhug Media and Youku, and exclusively streamed on Youku. Following the event, Confessions entered post-production. The team will fuse Eastern and Western cultural elements, using sharp editing and visual effects to help Chinese drama cross linguistic and regional borders. With its striking dark aesthetic and universal moral themes, the show aims to leave a bold mark on the psychological suspense genre and redefine the peak of Chinese storytelling. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mechamato breaks into China
MALAYSIAN animation company Monsta's popular animated series Mechamoto is officially making its debut in China, with streaming set to begin on Youku soon. A significant leap forward for Monsta's global reach, the series' reach into the world's second-largest country and its colossal entertainment market is a major breakthrough not just for the company, but for the Malaysian animation industry as a whole. With Mechamato 's unique blend of high-energy action, inventive robotics and universally appealing characters, the series is primed to capture the hearts of audiences in China and become the next big hit sensation. 'We are thrilled Mechamato will soon be airing in China through a new partnership with Youku. 'This partnership extends far beyond broadcasting, paving the way for thrilling ventures into licensing and merchandising that will elevate our brand to new heights. We look forward to working more closely with partners in China and building strong, long-term relationships in the region,' said Monsta CEO Nizam Abd Razak Behind Mechamato's success lies the significant role of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Malaysia's leading digital agency under the purview of the Digital Ministry that has been actively driving the growth of Malaysia's animation industry onto the global stage. This marks a bold new milestone for the series following its remarkable success penetrating more than 75 countries and airing across 10 different broadcasters in Japan alone. Previously, the Mechamato movie earned the distinction of being the highest-grossing animated film ever produced in Southeast Asia. In a historic milestone for 2023, it also became the first non-Japanese anime to win the prestigious Tokyo Anime Award – solidifying its place as a trailblazer in global animation.
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mechamato debuts in China via Youku
MALAYSIAN animation company Monsta's popular animated series Mechamoto is officially making its debut in China, with streaming set to begin on Youku soon. A significant leap forward for Monsta's global reach, the series' reach into the world's second-largest country and its colossal entertainment market is a major breakthrough not just for the company, but for the Malaysian animation industry as a whole. With Mechamato's unique blend of high-energy action, inventive robotics and universally appealing characters, the series is primed to capture the hearts of audiences in China and become the next big hit sensation. 'We are thrilled Mechamato will soon be airing in China through a new partnership with Youku. 'This partnership extends far beyond broadcasting, paving the way for thrilling ventures into licensing and merchandising that will elevate our brand to new heights. We look forward to working more closely with partners in China and building strong, long-term relationships in the region,' said Monsta CEO Nizam Abd Razak Behind Mechamato's success lies the significant role of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Malaysia's leading digital agency under the purview of the Digital Ministry that has been actively driving the growth of Malaysia's animation industry onto the global stage. This marks a bold new milestone for the series following its remarkable success penetrating more than 75 countries and airing across 10 different broadcasters in Japan alone. Previously, the Mechamato movie earned the distinction of being the highest-grossing animated film ever produced in Southeast Asia. In a historic milestone for 2023, it also became the first non-Japanese anime to win the prestigious Tokyo Anime Award – solidifying its place as a trailblazer in global animation.
