In 2005, the flash cartoon series Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf took the Chinese animation market by storm. Created and produced by Lo Wing-keung and his team, it is so far the longest running cartoon series in China with over 900 episodes. To further build on their success, the team also produced themed toys, comic books, and mobile games. In 2009, the series’ first animated film was shown across Mainland China, which grossed over 128 Million RMB, topping two American blockbusters released at the same period of time: Madagascar 2 and Bolt. The secret to Lo’s colorful creation and success lies in his entrepreneurial spirit, which revolves around his adventurous spirit, logical thinking, humility and originality. In 2011, Lo decided to study the EMBA program at HKUST, where as a student, he reflects and ponders over the past.
When describing his decision of entering the animation industry, Lo said it was risky. The success was achieved one step at a time. “We created the series using a minimum budget and simple technology. The story had 40 episodes when it premiered, and it now airs close to 100 episodes annually. Besides comic books, our branded products didn’t capture much interest in the market. But as the ratings began to increase, more parents became aware of the series, which gave the production more opportunities and eventually hit the big screen. We are truly proud of what we have accomplished.”
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Lo Wing-keung stepped down from his management position after the business reached a steady course. He took his friend’s advice and attended the HKUST EMBA program, where Lo came to realize it takes more than being artistic and creative to run a company. “Thinking about it now, many of my business decisions back then was too spontaneous, lack of proper business thinking. The study at HKUST made me realize these hidden risks and problems, and prepares me to become a wiser entrepreneur.” Lo added, “The company needs investments to grow, but many investors have asked me “do you know how to manage business finances?” That’s why I decided to go back to school. Only with solid business knowledge can I assure investors good returns in the future.”
Logical thinking is the key of good management, and continuous innovation is at the core of a successful business. Started as an animation amateur, Lo was determined at the onset to become an original creator.
Lo says "As an original creator, the biggest achievement is satisfaction; the satisfaction comes from your participation in the creative process and bringing the art piece to life". Looking back, he smiles and says, "Many years ago, many young interviewees at our company were very worried, they loved manga, comics, animation, but doubted our ability to be truly original. One interviewee even said not to fool him if we are not doing original creations". Fueled by energetic newcomers who were determined to create something original, we were then able to create Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf.
When reminiscing his many years of work in the mainland, Lo believes we need to adjust our mentality and to be positive and open minded, so we can bridge the cultural gaps between the mainland and Hong Kong and open up new opportunities. He borrowed a saying from a HKUST professor, "You have to be humble and be prepared to absorb new information as much as you can before embarking on a journey. The more accepting and humble you are, the more information you will be able to get."
Lo says the story of Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf will definitely continue, but he himself might go back to film and TV production business. Regardless what he does in the future, entrepreneurial spirit will always be at the core. The combination of an adventurous spirit, logical thinking, humility and originality makes business miracles possible.