Editor’s note: On February 1, the Classics Revisiting Channel was officially launched for cable TV and direct broadcast satellite TV users nationwide. "Black Cat Sheriff" (1984~1987), produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio, became the channel's first cartoon. Although there are only 5 episodes, this national IP that carries the youthful memories of a generation, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, is still attracting the attention of audiences of different ages through the continuous youth development of derivative peripherals, showing classic works A powerful vitality deeply rooted in people's hearts.
"Black Cat Sheriff" is inseparable from the pioneering and hard work of director Dai Tielang. Director Dai Tielang, who is full of childlike innocence and loves science, injects his wild imagination and creative enthusiasm into animation creation, creating an animated image of Black Cat Sheriff, a righteous, brave, witty and vigorous character. His creative spirit of bold innovation and respect for science is worth learning from and reference.
The China Television Arts Committee invited Su Da, the artistic director of Shanghai Art Film Studio Co., Ltd., to write an article recalling the optimistic and open-minded life of director Dai Tielang and the behind-the-scenes story of the creation of "Black Cat Sheriff", reliving classics and inheriting innovative TV art. Development provides new perspectives.
I really love ruby milk cakes. I eat baguettes from Jing’an Bakery dipped in sugar. My favorite drink is Coke. I have to smoke cigarettes one after another to feel happy. I can joke and play pranks with anyone. You are probably pretty sure that such an unscrupulous lifestyle must be something only a young person can have. However, if I tell you that this is the daily life of an eighty-year-old man, you will definitely be surprised. Yes, he is Mr. Dai Tielang, the screenwriter and director of "Black Cat Sheriff".
"Black Cat Sheriff" screenwriter and director Dai Tielang
Dai was born in Singapore. He returned to China with his father at the age of ten and graduated from the Beijing Film Academy. The first film he participated in when he joined the art department of Shanghai Film Studio (the predecessor of Shanghai Film Studio) was "The Proud General". In addition to the original painting work on the crew, his ventriloquism skills were appreciated, and he won the voice performance of the general's proud horse that no one could match. Later, the parrot who could talk about world peace, the defeated barking dog in "Havoc in Heaven", and cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, and chickens in various movies became his voice characters. Because he was so gifted with languages, he once pretended to be the factory director Te Wei and answered the phone using his dedicated line without anyone noticing. When he asked the other party to wait a moment, he had something to do and left for a while. When he called Director Tewei over and continued on the phone, the other party said: Do you want me to say it again? Didn't you hear that just now?
In 1984, Qian Jiajun took a photo with his students. From left: Yan Dingxian, Dai Tielang, Lin Wenxiao, Qian Jiajun, Xu Jingda (Ada), Hu Jinqing
In addition to liking pranks, Director Dai Tielang has always been fond of science. In the 1970s and 1980s, he spent money on remote control toys, found parts to assemble semiconductors by himself, and also subscribed to Many foreign science and technology publications borrow money from others and then buy it again after their salary is spent. His enthusiasm for new technologies and the unlimited imagination they bring also extend to animation creation. In the early 1980s, Director Dai accidentally discovered Zhu Zhixiang's scientific fairy tale "The Black Cat Sheriff" and liked it very much. As a result, years of scientific accumulation and imagination burst out together. Bullets that can track corners, ultra-small mobile phones, and motorboats flying in the air. These advanced design elements are integrated with natural science knowledge, making this only five-episode "Black Cat Sheriff" popular with audiences across the country. The theme song sung by the popular singer Shen Xiaocen became popular all over the country, setting off a whirlwind of Black Cat Sheriff, and was at the forefront of the times.
In 2024, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the birth of Black Cat Sheriff, we not only did not shelve this classic IP, but also continued to develop new and younger games. Black Cat's clothing, stationery, coffee in partnership with Nestlé, yogurt jointly produced with Guangming Moslian, super toy figurines, and special stamps from China Post... all make fans fall in love.
Meiying & China Philately: "Animated Black Cat Sheriff" special stamps and series products
At the same time, we also teamed up with the National Security Bureau to make Black Cat Sheriff a publicity ambassador. In January this year, Black Cat Sheriff once again appeared in the national security short video , calling on everyone to protect data security and protect a better future.
Black Cat Sheriff has been updated again!
Although the fashionable, optimistic and cheerful Dai Lao had a bumpy life, he always kept his mother's teachings in mind whenever he faced difficulties and injustices, not to fight or grab, it was just before the time came. This kind of open-mindedness allowed him to still be immersed in the joy of creation when he was nearly ninety years old, constantly communicating with young people, and constantly learning the most advanced technology. His thoughts were even more advanced and open than those of young people. Dai often said that he hopes he can be younger. I am very busy and create every day without stopping. The outside world is limited, but my world is infinite. Yes, Sheriff Black Cat will extend Dai Lao’s artistic life infinitely, and will also carry his naughtiness and happiness to the end. (Author: Suda, art director of Shanghai Art Film Studio Co., Ltd.)
Suda visits the old artist Dai Tielang
