A 'Bear Hug of Love' for Chinese animation

Cartoon Network’s acclaimed animation series “We Bare Bears” has made a splash on several major video-sharing websites in China, with more than 400 million view counts since it first aired in China in 2016.

Daniel Chong, creator of the original series, recently visited Shanghai to participate in the series’ “Bear Hug of Love” event, and tell unknown stories about the program’s creation with local college students. An online painting contest was also hosted among Chinese animation enthusiasts.

The series is based on Chong’s webcomic “The Three Bare Bears.” It tells a hilarious story of three cute bear siblings — Panda (a giant panda), Grizzly (a grizzly bear) and Ice Bear (a polar bear), who do everything they can to be a part of human society in spite of their animal instincts. 

The bears’ awkward attempts to fit into a civilized, modern human world, such as going shopping at a supermarket, playing basketball and texting on social media, are amusing, heartwarming and inspiring. 

With a simple visual style, the three bears are also depicted by their different personalities, interests and talents. 

Grizzly is a bubbly and talkative fun-lover. The indoorsy Panda is addicted to a cellphone and social networks. Ice Bear is a quiet, sturdy and a mysterious tech lover. Just like human beings, they would have fun and get into trouble. But gentle fun is explored and cherished throughout their daily lives. 

Netizen Dida, on China’s film and TV review website, Douban, said that he was impressed by the series’ humorous and creative portrayal of the bears’ simple daily lives, as well as the many healing and touching moments about brotherhood and friendship.

The series has also sparked a number of popular consumer products, merchandise and clothing developed by fashion brands like SPAO, Gukoo and Tonlion.

Chong, on his second visit to Shanghai, said he enjoyed meeting so many fans and sharing how he created the series’ animation. 

A native of Southern California, he has a BFA in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach, and also attended The California Institute of the Arts.

Talking about the series’ popularity, the 40-year-old said the characters’ stories take place in the present, so the audience can relate to the protagonists. The character of Ice Bear was inspired by his mother, who is smart, reliable and adept at cooking. 

“There were a lot of bears around where I was living,” Chong said. 

“The bears are like all of us, we’re all trying to see where we belong, and find a place to fit in and relate to other people. That is something very universal.”

Chong, born to Singaporean Chinese immigrants, read a lot of comic strip books when he was a child. One of his biggest inspirations, growing up, is the work of British animator Nick Park.

He has also gathered a lot of critical acclaim after taking up an animation career. In 2014, he received an Annie Award for his storyboarding work on Pixar’s first television special, “Toy Story of Terror!” His additional credits include “Inside Out,” “Cars 2” and “Bolt.” 

When asked about the secret to a successful career in animation, Chong said characters people can relate to is very important. 

“It’s always difficult to create characters that feel real,” he said, “especially in a cartoon. Everything about it has to be created.” 

He and the crew are now working on the “We Bare Bears” movie, which is expected to be released next year. They’re also producing the “Baby Bears” spin-off. 

In America, Chong has also heard a lot about the flourish of Chinese animation films like “Ne Zha.” He thinks it’s incredible that China’s animation industry is blossoming.

“I can only imagine that it will grow bigger and bigger here,” he said. “Animation is a medium that is so universal and it can reach so many different people from kids to adults.” 

Chong encourages young animators to create things all the time and always make their own things. 

“You can learn so much by experimenting, making mistakes and putting things out to show your friends and family,” he said. “Those are the ways they will eventually learn to be professional.”