On October 11, the joyful game adventure reality show "Happy Fun Blowing the Wind" produced by Youku held an online sharing session for the main creators. Focusing on topics such as program guests, game design, behind-the-scenes production and social value, the program's chief director Li Hang and Youku Variety T+ Studio Director Wang Junpeng had an in-depth exchange with the media. According to reports, the program takes "subtracting from life" as its core concept. Through an all-male guest lineup, high-energy game challenges and immersive life experience, combined with regional culture, it creates an outdoor reality show with both entertainment depth and social significance. In addition to the "jokes" in front of the camera, is it possible to have a deeper emotional connection behind the outdoor game challenges? Chief Director Li Hang told the reporter from The Paper, "In the segment where Xu Zhisheng and Yan Renzhong went fishing in a boat late at night, the two had an in-depth exchange of growth experiences and life insights in the process, and forged a friendship of "uncompromising brothers", which became a deep emotional connection in the program."
"Family-style" role building of the crazy boy group , eating and living together to forge a true team spirit
The "high-energy crew" of "Happy Fun Blowing" consists of six regular guests: Qin Hao, Da Zhangwei, Gao Hanyu, Yan Renzhong, Xu Zhisheng, and Tian Jiarui. Director Li Hang explained that the program took over six months to plan, ultimately settling on an all-male cast primarily for the convenience of cohabitation and to better align with the show's "abstract madness" and foster a family-like, interactive atmosphere.
On the show, Qin Hao and Da Zhangwei form a "family head" duo, each with their own distinct styles: Qin Hao's decisiveness and assertiveness, while Da Zhangwei's easygoing and Buddhist demeanor, creating a striking contrast. Tian Jiarui, the brains behind the show, often strays from the main idea; Xu Zhisheng often uses the humor of a stand-up comedian to summarize life's philosophies; Gao Hanyu's "variety show brat" complements his physical limitations; and newcomer Yan Renzhong, with his innocent, lovable nature and unique thinking, becomes the team's glue, bringing unexpected surprises.
Qin Hao's participation in the show was a major highlight. Director Li Hang revealed that although Qin Hao has focused on film and television in recent years, the team successfully invited him to join thanks to their previous collaboration and the fact that he had expressed his interest in participating in a variety show during a live broadcast by Annie Yi. On the show, Qin Hao displayed a distinctly tsundere personality: he frequently made promises but then repeatedly contradicted them. Faced with challenges like skydiving and skits, his relentless cycle of "rejection-advocacy-acceptance" provided countless laughs.
The six regular guests on the show started out as "half-acquainted" members, but their shared challenges and companionship quickly fostered a brotherly bond. Whether it was Yan Renzhong losing a game and sleeping on the couch, the members conspired to win him back his bed; or Xu Zhisheng and Yan Renzhong becoming "uncompromising brothers" on a bumpy fishing boat late at night; or Gao Hanyu and Tian Jiarui embracing each other after overcoming their fear of heights and successfully skydiving—"Team spirit isn't a given, but something that develops naturally through shared experiences. These shared challenges and adventures have allowed their bond to transcend the show and become true friendships," said Director Li Hang.
A complex approach breaks the "gaming drought", with extreme weather becoming the biggest challenge
Facing the widespread "game drought" in outdoor variety shows, "Happy Fun Blowing Wind" has broken through by adopting a "complex design" and "adapting to local conditions" strategy. For example, the "blower challenge," designed in keeping with the show's name ("Happy Fun Blowing Wind"), not only recreates a classic but also incorporates Hainan's regional characteristics and the artists' individual reactions, giving the segment a fresh twist.
The program also encourages "artist co-creation." During a pool snooker segment, an artist, disinterested in the original rules, made their own adjustments, even challenging the directors and winning. This flexibility not only enhances the show's authenticity and fun, but also demonstrates that the importance of artist relationships sometimes transcends the game itself.
During the filming process, Hainan's extreme weather in July and August posed the greatest challenge. A typhoon hit on the first day, disrupting all outdoor plans. A subsequent super typhoon, a once-in-a-decade event, damaged facilities at several filming locations. The production team had to frequently adjust the shooting route and manage physical exertion while ensuring the safety and well-being of the artists. It was a truly devastating start. However, these very challenges tempered the team and witnessed the artists' dedication and growth.
More than just happiness, using the "subtraction challenge" to guide deep spiritual resonance
As Youku's new venture into outdoor reality shows, "Happy Fun Blowing the Wind" builds on the platform's legacy of gaming and travel content while further strengthening its value proposition. The program's core focus is on the "subtraction challenge," guiding viewers through games and experiences to "subtract" a negative emotion or worry, promoting a relaxed lifestyle. Wang Junpeng emphasized that while the program offers "simple joys," it also emphasizes the subtle transmission of values through a non-preachy approach, achieving a deep fusion of entertainment and spiritual content.
In terms of cultural integration, the program also eschews simple "visiting scenic spots" promotional tactics, instead delving deeply into the core of regional culture. For example, during the Hainan filming, the program went beyond simply showcasing the scenery and delved deeply into its status as a "longevity town," using practical touches like "napping anywhere" (the custom of napping) to convey healthy living philosophies. Wang Junpeng explained that this represents an upgrade from "physical check-in" to "mental check-in," hoping that viewers will absorb not only a location but also a desirable lifestyle.
It is reported that "Happy Fun Blowing Wind" will continue filming in Chengdu to further explore the deep integration of regional culture and the concept of "subtractive life". Currently, the program is exclusively broadcast on Youku, and is updated every Friday at 12 noon.
