hao wu

Hao Wu is an award-winning documentary filmmaker born and raised in China. His most recent film,  76 Days, documents Wuhan’s COVID-19 outbreak. The film is shot completely vérité with no interviews, and gives viewers a first-hand account of Covid's impact through the stories of healthcare workers, patients, and their families.

Hao directed the film remotely in the U.S. while his co-directors Weixi Chen (Esquire China) and a second reporter who wished to remain anonymous filmed inside four of the city's hospitals.

In this episode Hao talks about his experience directing a film remotely, why he chose to make the film completely vérité, and the challenges he faced in completing the project.

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Every technology has a human impact. Live streaming is certainly no exception. In China, live streaming platforms have connected millions of viewers with a small number of idols who receive massive amounts of donations—but at what personal cost?

Hao Wu, knows more about the societal impact of live streaming than anyone else on the planet. In his award-winning documentary, People’s Republic of Desire, he explores why live streaming has been so successful in China and examines the effect that these platforms have on both viewers and creators.

In this episode, Hao Wu and Chinaccelerator Managing Director Oscar Ramos cover all aspects of live streaming: from the business models and the future prospects of the industry, to the social consequences of this technology.

Show Notes:
[1:17] Hao Wu’s journey from tech executive to independent filmmaker
[3:50] Introducing Hao Wu’s documentary People’s Republic of Desire
[6:38] Overview of live streaming in China
[7:57] How to become a successful live streamer, and the livestream agency ecosystem
[10:40] Differences between live streaming in China and vlogging in the US
[11:22] The audience: Who’s paying live streamers and why?
[15:00] Live streaming outside of China (US, Middle East, emerging markets)
[18:04] The profitability of live streaming business models in China
[21:43] Misunderstandings that Europeans and Americans have about tech in China
[23:16] Is technology making people happier? Are live streamers happy?
[29:31] Live streaming platforms and regulation
[31:30] Outro and where to find Hao Wu’s documentaries

Many thanks to our host Oscar Ramos; our guest Hao Wu; producers Eva Shi and Matthew Wu; editors David and Geep; organizer Chinaccelerator; sponsors People Squared and Himalaya App. Be sure to check out our website www.chinaccelerator.com

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Music Credits: Adam Place founder of NUSIC (https://nusic.fm/)