Chapter1: Mythology as Creative Resource
The main focus of this chapter is on the significance of myths as a source material in the creation of films, animations, and games. Starting from the definition of culture and narrative structure, it discusses how culture can transcend specific cultural and historical contexts, and why creators choose mythological stories for adaptation and creation.
Chapter2: Reinterpreting Chinese Mythology in Contemporary Media: Nezha and Black Myth: Wukong
This chapter mainly consists of case studies, with the analysis focus on the Animation Nezha (2019) and game works Black Myth: Wukong (2024). These two works are among the most successful Chinese animation and game productions in recent years, and both draw inspiration from Chinese mythological stories. This chapter will take these two works as the core cases, concentrating on the portrayal of character images and the adjustment of narrative structure in these works, as well as the specific mythological elements they have utilized and the modern elements they have incorporated. It also examines the efforts made to adapt to internationalization. The chapter will summarize the specific choices and coordination made by the creators when creating these two works.
Chapter3: Constraints and Opportunities in Cultural Production
This chapter discusses the practical pressures that Chinese creators encounter in the adaptation of myths. Firstly, it concerns the expectations of contemporary audiences. What kind of themes can resonate with the audience? The creators need to integrate contemporary issues into the stories of traditional myths to create fantasy works suitable for contemporary audiences. This part mainly discusses the creators’ balance between contemporary society and traditional culture. Secondly, it addresses the conventions of the global market, including visual effects, narrative structures, worldviews, etc., that conform to global market aesthetics. It discusses the cultural anxiety that creators face when facing globalization and how to make their culture be seen and accepted by the entire world.
Chapter4: Creative Negotiation Between Tradition and Global Influence
This chapter works a conclusion. It answers how the creator should continuously make choices, adjustments, and negotiations under various influences. Firstly, it addresses how to maintain Chinese characteristics while creating, and what kind of elements should be retained during creation; secondly, it explains how Chinese works adapt to globalization and the international market; at last, the chapter highlights the role of the creator as a cultural intermediary.