Q5: What are the differences between the sub-topic of Journey to the West in Chinese culture and the special subject of Journey to the West in the annual themes?
A5: The sub-topic of Journey to the West in Chinese culture allows participants to design creatively a project using any elements related to Journey to the West, while the special subject of Journey to the West in the annual themes requires competitors to use new images of the master and his three disciples depicted in Journey to the West (see the annex of materials to download “source material of Journey to the West, special topic of the year”) as elements to develop creative ideas and artistic representations for the tourism brands of “China creative cultural products of characters in Journey to the West” and “Journey to the West Theme Park.”
Q6: Is it mandatory that the stories told should be in rigorous alignment with each other?
A6: No, it’s not necessary. We altogether provide five general themes, with each one involving three or four sub-themes, which together add up to seventeen. They are allowed to interconnect with each other. For instance, participants can conceive an idea and invent a story, in which one or two themes are showcased, or they can also work on a single theme and present creative designs.
Q7: What experience can participants expect to obtain from this contest?
A7: We offer the following “benefits” to award-winning participants: First, we pay generous bounties for award winners. There are one to three winners of the grand prize (for annual feature stories only), ten winners of the first prize, 20 of the second prize, 30 of the third prize, each of whom will be awarded RMB20,000, RMB10,000, RMB5,000 and RMB2,000, correspondingly. Additionally, a number of participants will be awarded the excellence award. Second, grand prize and first prize will be awarded with a certificate by the head of relevant government departments. Third, the mainstream media and network media will conduct special report on award-winning organizations (or individuals) and their works. Fourth, winning entries will be published in a collection. Fifth, winning works will be selected and transformed for practical use by governments or enterprises. Finally, chances are that prize winners will appear on Hubei TV (HBTV)!
Q8：What are the standards set by the judges for assessment of a good story?
A8: First, a great tale must be based on a true story. For example, if participants choose the sub-topic “hardworking individuals” from the main theme “the story of Chinese people”, they are free to pick figures of international significance (for example, Jack Ma) as their prototypes, then make second or third creation, transforming it into a micro-film, TV cartoon series, or other creative forms. Second, good stories should be based on correct values, which are not allowed to be distorted or fabricated. For example, the movie Journey to the West: Monster Hunt presents before us the twisted recreation of the spirit and joint efforts of Sanzang and his three disciples during their journey of pilgrimage. This kind of misrepresentation is not encouraged.
Q9. Is it allowable for the script to make some changes to the famous literary work or sections of books that have been published?
A9: This competition does not encourage such practices as spoofing China Story that twists our values, and we advocate telling original and interesting stories to stimulate positive energy. The submitted work must be original, consistent with national laws and regulations, and the participant shall be responsible for any liability deriving from the work.
