TV

Posted: Sun., Aug. 20, 2006, 5:00am PT

Chinese soap on the job

Skein appeals to nation's 120 million migrant workers

BEIJING -- Intl. Labor Organization is teaming up with China's Sichuan TV to produce a sudser with a difference -- one that pushes all the usual soap opera buttons but also encourages migrant workers to start their own businesses.

There are 120 million migrant workers in China and many live in Sichuan, western China's most heavily populated province with more than 85 million people.

The U.N. org found that many of the laborers like to relax by watching TV soap operas.

In "My Future Is Not a Dream," migrants from the countryside seek better lives in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan.

Skein contains the usual romance, action and drama fans demand, but also gives tips about starting a business.

First of 12 45-minute episodes aired Aug. 16 and was produced by Ouyang Fenqiang, who starred in CCTV's "A Dream of Red Mansions" in the 1990s. Skeins were helmed by Liu Xuesong.

Thesps include Hai Dun and Wang Qunying as well as cameos by local comedians including Liu Deyi, well-known locally for his role in the Sichuan-dialect laffer "Witty Army Officer," and opera star Shen Fa.

Project will also include a Web-based lottery to encourage watchers to participate by sending text messages from their cell phones.


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