How a Small Chinese Drama Became a $300 Million Phenomenon

Director Lan Hongchun’s plan was to make a small drama about the Chinese diaspora, then hope the audiences would connect with its tale of family, of love and loss. Little did he know what he was in for. Lan’s Dear You has this year been an unprecedented success in China and beyond. Made for around $2 million, the film has grossed around $300 million across its run on the Chinese mainland and then found impressive numbers as it rolled out across Asia — including Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Audiences everywhere warmed to its tale of romance and sacrifice and…