A 2018 Retrospective of the Zhu Brothers

As 2018 draws to a close, looking back on the year, the Zhu Brothers have had the privilege of contributing to the post-production of numerous film and television projects. Most importantly, these works have garnered widespread attention and achieved impressive results. Of course, every milestone the Zhu Brothers has reached would not have been possible without the keen interest, trust, support, and active participation of our valued clients, partners, and all our colleagues. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.

In fact, 2018 was far from a season of bright prospects for the film and television industry. Yet the Zhu brothers are deeply grateful that, thanks to the trust and support of our clients and friends, we were fortunate to collaborate on the post‑production of many high‑quality series. Throughout this period, every one of your invaluable suggestions has enriched us immeasurably, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for your patience and encouragement, which have enabled the Zhu brothers to steadily grow and establish a solid foothold in the field of post‑production.

From their forte in period dramas to today’s serious series and urban romance shows, and now to producing theatrical films, the Zhu brothers have achieved leap‑frog growth in just a few short years—each step taken with steady, confident resolve. All we can do is express our gratitude, over and over again!

In the new year, the Zhu brothers will, as always, deliver top‑notch craftsmanship and attentive, thoughtful service, and we hope to continue counting on your support and goodwill!

Now, let’s share the joyful achievements of the Zhu brothers in 2018 together.
※Some works have not yet been released; the ranking is in no particular order.
 
Zhu’s ▶ Post-Production

Popularity Series

▌Story of Yanxi Palace

That’s right—post-production for the 2018 hit drama “Story of Yanxi Palace” was handled by the Zhu brothers. Upon taking on the project, their team swiftly produced four versions: a TVB edition, an iQIYI edition, and two Hangzhou‑specific editions.

During production, to stay true to the era’s aesthetic, the Zhu brothers’ subtitle team consulted a wealth of relevant books and cross-referenced them to leave no room for error. Meanwhile, the post‑production work—covering sound mixing, ambient sounds, and dialogue—was equally grand and immersive, gripping audiences and earning widespread praise. According to statistics, “Story of Yanxi Palace” has now surpassed 18 billion total views!

▌"Fuyao"

Starring Yang Mi, Ruan Jingtian, and others, “Legend of Fuyao” has maintained steady buzz from its inception to its broadcast. According to Tencent Video’s annual index report, the series has amassed a total of 14.42 billion views. Moreover, every stage of its post-production—ranging from digital intermediate (DIT) processing and color grading to packaging, subtitling, and even post‑production voice‑over and sound mixing—was meticulously handled by the Zhu brothers.

To ensure an optimal viewing experience, the Zhu brothers’ color grading department initially developed multiple color‑grading options. After intensive discussions with executive producer Yang Xiaopei and VFX supervisor Han Lei, they selected the most suitable approach, bringing the film’s visual storytelling to a richer, more compelling level.
In addition, the series’ grand scenes—such as imperial ceremonies, sacrificial rites, and martial battles—required post‑production mixing to heighten their dramatic impact. The Zhu brothers both provided outstanding sound‑recording expertise to support the production of “Fuyao.”

▌"Martial Universe"

In “Martial Universe,” a large number of the show’s bold, eye‑catching special‑effects sequences were crafted by the Zhu brothers. Particularly for director Zhang Li, who comes from a cinematography background, visual imagery and VFX are of paramount importance. Consequently, the Zhu brothers’ post‑production team engaged in frequent consultations with the director throughout the process, pioneering innovative approaches to visual effects. Meanwhile, the series’ costume design was also entrusted to the Zhu brothers.

A power-packed drama series

▌“Rivers and Waters”

The post-production of the grand tribute series “Rivers and Waters,” created to mark the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up, was also expertly overseen by the Zhu brothers. They meticulously handled every stage—editing, color grading, visual packaging, special effects, and subtitles—implementing rigorous quality control at each step to ensure the final product captured the sweeping, monumental vision of this transformative era.
It is worth noting that “Rivers and Waters” was filmed from July 1 to its broadcast on December 14, a period of just over five months. Consequently, the Zhu brothers faced an extremely tight schedule and a heavy workload in post-production, enduring considerable hardship and effort to ultimately deliver a high‑quality, highly efficient result.

▌“Treasures of the Nation”

“Treasures of the Nation” is a wartime mystery series starring Liu Ye, Yuan Shanshan, and others. The Zhu brothers undertook the film’s editing, packaging, color grading, subtitling, DIT work, visual effects, and sound production. The series offers a panoramic depiction of the long‑forgotten yet profoundly moving chapter of the National Palace Museum’s cultural relics being relocated south during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. To ensure viewers experience an authentically recreated narrative, the Zhu brothers’ post‑production team poured immense effort into upholding the show’s rigor and authenticity.

▌“The Peregrine Falcon”

“Falcon” is a police‑themed espionage drama starring Zhang Han, Zhang Li, Zhang Meng, and others, with the Zhu brothers overseeing all post‑production work. Reportedly, the series features numerous thrilling action sequences, making it well worth looking forward to.

Theatrical film

▌Dying to Survive

The release of “Dying to Survive” also sparked widespread public debate, earning both critical acclaim and box-office success, and even becoming a national film.
The Zhu brothers were fortunate to participate in the film’s Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos production, which not only dramatically enhances contrast but also enriches the color palette, lending the movie greater emotional impact.

▌“You Have Made My Life Beautiful”

“Your Beauty Has Made My Life Beautiful” is a youthful, inspirational musical film that features an all‑Xinjiang cast. It also boasts Jin Xing as the dance director and in a cameo role as a dancer. Meanwhile, the film’s special effects, visual effects, and sound design are all handled by the Zhu Brothers!

Highly anticipated, upcoming series

▌The Legend of Hao Lan

The video and audio production for the highly anticipated series “The Legend of Hao Lan” was also handled by the Zhu brothers. As seasoned veterans of period dramas, they approached the project with the utmost care and rigor, leaving no detail overlooked in their quest to deliver a flawless, professional‑grade series to viewers.
Although the series has been delayed, the released trailer reveals that its post-production continues to uphold the meticulous and exquisite style of “Story of Yanxi Palace.” So a great show isn’t afraid of a late release—let’s just sit tight and wait for it to premiere!

▌“Chaoge”

As the executive producer, “Chaoge,” starring Wu Jinyan and Zhang Zhehan, has also been hailed by netizens as one of the most highly anticipated period dramas of 2019. The Zhu brothers likewise oversaw the series’ video and audio production.

▌“You Who Swim Against the Current”

“Going Against the Tide” is a lighthearted urban comedy starring Ma Li, Pan Yueming, Sun Jian, and Li Naiwen. The on-screen chemistry between Ma Li and Pan Yueming is particularly striking, while the cameo appearances of seasoned veterans such as Zhang Kaili, Ni Dahong, and Zhang Yanyan add significant depth to the series.

The Zhu brothers took on multiple post-production tasks for the series, including editing, subtitling, packaging, visual effects, DIT, and sound. Its meticulous craftsmanship has fans eagerly anticipating it; reportedly, the series will air on Hunan TV, so we can probably expect to see it very soon.

▌“Ten Years, March 30th”

“March 30th, Ten Years Later” stars Dou Xiao and Guli Nazha, and since the announcement of the lead cast, it has drawn countless fans eager to catch a glimpse. Meanwhile, the series’ editing, visual packaging, subtitles, sound design, special effects, and other production aspects are all handled by the Zhu brothers. With its high quality and striking visuals, isn’t it something to look forward to?

▌The Imperial Coroner’s Tale

The post-production of “Under the Power,” starring Tan Songyun and Ren Jialun, was also handled by the Zhu brothers. Although the series has yet to announce its release date, it has already become a highly anticipated new romantic‑sweet adaptation among fans since filming began. In every stage—stunts, visual design, editing, color grading, sound, subtitles—the Zhu brothers have poured meticulous care into their work, striving to deliver a one‑of‑a‑kind viewing experience for audiences. Here’s hoping it can be scheduled soon!

Premium Series

▌The Fire King

“The Flame King” is a series that comprises the historical‑era installment “The Flame King: Battle of the Dawn” and the contemporary‑setting chapter “The Flame King: A Thousand Miles in the Same Breeze,” both starring Jing Tian, Chen Bolin, Zhang Yijie, Lai Yumeng, and others. Notably, these two parts aired back-to-back on Hunan TV without interruption; recently, the modern‑day installment, “The Flame King: A Thousand Miles in the Same Breeze,” has been enjoying strong ratings.
Meanwhile, the Zhu brothers handled all post-production tasks for both series, including color grading, editing, packaging, sound design, and subtitling. According to insiders from the post‑production team, although the two projects belong to the same franchise, their storylines are entirely distinct. As a result, during production they had to closely collaborate with the directors, making continuous refinements and adjustments to ensure the final deliverables met the highest standards.

▌“Back to the Ming Dynasty: The Story of Yang Ling”

“Back to the Ming Dynasty: The Story of Yang Ling” brings together a young cast including Jiang Jinfu, Yuan Bingyan, Liu Ruilin, Liu Yan, and Chen Haoyu. Set against the backdrop of the Ming era, the series follows the scholar Yang Ling as he becomes embroiled in a series of thrilling adventures. The video post‑production—including color grading, subtitles, visual packaging, and DIT—was handled by the Zhu brothers, while the audio work—covering dialogue, sound effects, mixing, Foley, and special‑effects sound design—was also entrusted to them.

▌“The Night Emperor”

The video, subtitles, end‑credits montage, closing‑credit packaging, as well as the mixing, dialogue, ambient effects, and sound design for “Night Emperor” were all lovingly crafted by the Zhu brothers. Adapted from Bai Yueguan’s novel of the same name, the series stars Xu Haiqiao, Song Zuer, and others. Its witty lines and lighthearted tone have shattered viewers’ conventional stereotypes about historical dramas, offering a perfect blend of visual appeal, romantic chemistry, and humor. Audiences have widely praised it, noting that this meticulously produced, multi‑element series is a rare find in recent years.

Zhu’s ▶ Early-Period Clothing

▌Story of Yanxi Palace

In addition to meticulous post-production, a high-quality series also relies on the actors’ period costumes as a key measure of its excellence. Beyond their post-production services, the Zhu brothers operate their own costume design company. For instance, they provided nearly 200 outfits for Zhou Xun and Wallace Huo in “Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace,” with each piece crafted with exquisite attention to detail and faithful to historical accuracy.

▌"The Long Ballad of Tian Sheng"
The costumes in “Nirvana in Fire” were also meticulously crafted by the Zhu brothers’ team, painstakingly hand‑made stitch by stitch, with countless artisans pouring their heart and soul into creating exquisitely refined, masterfully designed outfits for the cast. Whether it was the initial costume design or the post‑production detailing, the Zhu brothers brought their spirit of craftsmanship to its fullest expression.

▌"Fights Break Sphere"

The Zhu brothers also meticulously designed a large array of costumes for “Fights Break Sphere.” Following the series’ broadcast, the outfits worn by lead actors Lin Yun and Wu Lei quickly captured viewers’ attention, with many praising their exceptional texture and remarkable detail—each piece standing up to close scrutiny.

▌“Chronicles of the Realm”

“Jiangshan Ji” is directed by Gao Xixi and stars Feng Shaofeng, Chen Baoguo, Ying’er, and He Shengming in the leading roles. A significant portion of the costumes in the series was also provided by the Zhu Brothers Costume Company; to ensure historical accuracy, the company’s team devoted considerable effort to everything from fabric selection to tailoring. In addition, post-production for the series is being handled by the Zhu Brothers and is currently underway.

Speaking of which, I can’t help but extend my heartfelt thanks once again to all the esteemed leaders and the Zhu‑style team. Thanks to your trust and support, the Zhu brothers reaped countless rewards in 2018.

The Zhu brothers have also contributed to the following projects, which we won’t go into detail about here. Some of these works are currently in production and will be unveiled throughout 2019—stay tuned!
“The King’s Avatar” starring Yang Yang, Jiang Shuying, and Lai Yumeng
“The Record of the Southern Smoke Chamber,” starring Jing Boran and Liu Yifei.
“Tennis Boys” stars Peng Yuchang, Zhang Yijie, and Dong Li.
“The Reason for Happiness,” starring Wallace Chung, Qiao Zhenyu, and Wang Xiaochen.
“Outside the Playground” Starring Yang Qing, Chen Yirong, and Zou Chengen
“Mi Lulu’s Love Story,” starring Yuan Shanshan and Jiang Jinfu.
“A Moment in Time” Starring Tong Mengshi and Wang Herun
“Things in the Palm of Your Hand,” starring Peng Guanying and Cai Wenjing.
“Sacrificing the Pawn” Starring Zhao Lixin and Wang Yimeng
“In the Name of the Father” Starring Ye Xuan, Yu Zhen, and Wang Qing
“Dance with Sakura,” starring Ko Chen-tung and Wu Jianfei.
“Plotting the Scheme” Starring Zhang Duo and Shi Yuanting
“The Artisan,” “The Bund: Prequel,” “Republican-era Junior Detective Agency,” “Heavenly Will,” “Undercover Rich Girl,” “When She Falls in Love,” “Men’s Fashion with a Conscience,” “Fierce Fire Military Academy,” “Blue Helmet Special Forces,” “Gold Heist,” “Sharing Good People,” “The Invisible Tenant,” “Your Future Has Been Delivered,” “Qing Dynasty Mysteries,” “Gale of Wind,” “Liu Yong Goes to Shandong”