Society. Spaces. Screens

Abstract

Shanghai stands as a highly coveted locale for urban-centric film and television productions, bolstered by a range of municipal policies that advocate for works focused on the city. This research undertakes a comprehensive empirical analysis of Shanghai-themed television dramas supported by the Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation. It delves into the spatial narratives associated with Shanghai within these productions, examining physical, cultural, and societal spaces, alongside the dynamics of urban space and image creation. The study posits that future sponsorship of Shanghai-themed television dramas ought to confront the necessity of countering audiences’ stereotypical perceptions of Shanghai as merely a symbol of consumerism, address the notable absence of Jiangnan cultural heritage, and explore strategies to alleviate collective anxieties arising during the course of China’s modernization and urbanization. [Note: A version of this research has been published in a Chinese academic journal in Chinese language, while the content will be further contextualized for this conference and potential future publication.]