Summary of the Key Points
The National Radio and Television Administration has introduced new regulations: Actors' names must be their real names from their ID cards, and not just their stage names, when credited at the beginning and end of TV dramas. This is a correction to the previous rule of ranking actors based on the number of strokes in their surnames—some actors would change their surnames to have fewer strokes overnight in order to appear higher on the list. The new regulations have sparked discussions among netizens: some find the credit titles at the end of dramas reminiscent of a neighborhood committee roster, while fans worry that it may undermine the image of their idols. Others support the fairness of the change. The deeper reasons for this move include addressing the chaos in ranking, facilitating tax enforcement (to prevent tax evasion), stopping notorious actors from reappearing under different identities, and helping to demystify celebrities and return them to their professional roles.
1. How Did the New Regulations Come About?
The new regulations were implemented to address the issue of actors competing for higher rankings. Previously, the administration ordered cast members to be listed according to the number of strokes in their surnames. Some people took advantage of this by changing their names; for example, someone named “Li Tingting” (with many strokes) would change it to “Ding Yi” (with fewer strokes) to appear earlier in the credits. This tactic left the regulatory authorities frustrated. So now, they simply require actors to use their real names from their ID cards. If you want to change your name, you’ll have to go to the police station to update your registration. This effectively prevents the practice of using stage names to gain a better ranking and ensures that the rankings are based on the actual number of strokes in the surnames.
2. Beyond Ranking: The New Regulations Have Other Important Purposes
While the main goal seems to be to resolve concerns about ranking, there are three other underlying reasons for the change:
- Easier Tax Enforcement: Actors sign contracts and pay taxes using their real names. If stage names are used in the credits, it’s more complicated to detect tax evasion. With real names displayed on screen, tax authorities can verify this information quickly.
- No Secretive Bad Actors: Some notorious actors could change their names and appear on different platforms after committing offenses like drug use or tax fraud. Now, with real names required, viewers can easily recognize them, making it much harder for them to re-enter the industry.
- Demystifying Celebrities: Stage names often create a sense of distance between the public and the celebrities. For example, the stage name “Bai Bing” might make an actor seem more modern than their real name “Li Cuihua,” which makes viewers realize that they are just ordinary people. This helps to bring a more realistic perspective to fan culture.
3. Netizens Have Mixed Reactions
The new regulations have divided netizens into three groups:
- Those Who Find It Funny: They joke that the credit titles will look like a neighborhood committee roster, with names like “Wang Fang,” “Zhang Wei,” and “Li Xiuying.”
- Fans Worried About Image Loss: They fear that the carefully crafted images of their idols will be ruined. For example, if an idol’s stage name suggests a modern image, the reveal of their real name might disappoint fans.
- Supporters of the Change: They welcome the fairness and believe it will help to combat tax evasion and reduce the presence of problematic actors.
Some netizens have raised practical concerns: What if two actors have the same name? For example, how can viewers distinguish between the lead actress’s best friend and a supporting character named “Zhang Wei”? The production teams will need to find ways to clarify this (e.g., by including a note indicating the role).
4. Stage Names Have a Century-Long History
The use of stage names has a history that dates back over a hundred years:
- Avoiding Social Stigma: In the past, acting was considered a low-status occupation, and actors used stage names to avoid dishonor to their families.
- Hierarchical Tradition in Traditional Arts: In opera troupes like the De Yun Society, actors changed their names according to their seniority within the troupe.
- Contemporary Uses: Stage names are used for various purposes, such as creating a specific image (like changing from “Chen Dong” to “Bai Bing”), protecting privacy, or for feng shui reasons. Some Hong Kong artists even consult masters to choose names that are considered auspicious.
5. What Will Happen in the Future?
The new regulations are not meant to completely eliminate stage names. Instead, a dual system is likely to emerge:
- Real Names in Credits: These will meet regulatory requirements and help with accountability.
- Stage Names for Other Uses: Stage names will continue to be used on posters, in endorsements, and within fan communities to maintain the value of the brand.
In summary, the new regulations are not designed to eliminate stage names but to use real names as a means of making the entertainment industry more regulated. They aim to address issues such as chaotic rankings, tax evasion, and the presence of problematic actors, while also helping to bring celebrities back down to earth. For fans, watching dramas and seeing the real names of the actors might add a new layer of interest to the experience.