New Classics Media

New Classics Media (NCM), founded in 2007 by Cao Huayi, operates as a prominent Chinese entertainment and media company specializing in the investment, production, and distribution of television series, web series, and films. Huayi, a graduate of Fudan University's literature department, leveraged his early career in book editing and publishing to transition into film and television production, establishing himself as a notable producer and consequently founding NCM.

The company's core business revolves around producing a diverse range of content, with a particular strength in Chinese historical costume dramas. NCM handles various aspects of production, from script discovery and development to costume design and publicity. Its business model focuses on creating high-quality, popular content for major distribution channels, including national and provincial television stations, online video platforms, and cinema circuits across China. Revenue is generated through the production and distribution rights of its extensive portfolio of film and television works.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in August 2018, when it was acquired by China Literature, the online literature arm of Tencent, in a deal valued at approximately RMB 15.5 billion ($2.25 billion). This acquisition integrated NCM into Tencent's broader entertainment ecosystem, creating a strategic pipeline from literary IP to film and television production. The deal provided NCM with access to China Literature's vast library of content for adaptation, although it retains the autonomy to select content from other sources as well. The original management team, led by Cao Huayi, remained in place post-acquisition to continue overseeing production activities.

NCM has been the driving force behind numerous commercially successful and critically acclaimed productions. Its portfolio includes popular TV and web series such as "The First Half of My Life," "Joy of Life," "My Heroic Husband," "The Imperial Doctress," and "A Lifelong Journey." In the film sector, the company has produced or co-produced blockbuster hits like "Hello Mr. Billionaire," "Never Say Die," and "Hi, Mom." This track record has solidified its position within the Chinese film and television industry, consistently delivering content that resonates with both domestic and, increasingly, international audiences.

Keywords: New Classics Media, Chinese film production, TV series production, Cao Huayi, Tencent, China Literature, entertainment media, film distribution, web series, historical drama, content adaptation, Joy of Life, A Lifelong Journey, Hello Mr. Billionaire, Chinese entertainment, Beijing, film investment, script development, television distribution, IP adaptation