Office work is funny business

Ying recalls that she was not quite hooked when she first heard the idea for the film, as she couldn't relate to the original outline, which reflects upon office issues by telling a tale about a group of underdog staffers who successfully organize an annual company gala.

But as time went on, Dong delved deeper into his idea, interviewing almost 100 employees — ranging from ordinary staffers to middle management — in several giant internet companies over more than four years, leading Ying to develop a greater interest in the project.

A bottleneck occurred in late 2021. Although the creative duo had already written several versions of the script, their instincts about the market and audiences meant they were not satisfied with the story.

"Dong wanted to give up. But I, on the contrary, became the person who couldn't let it go," Ying says.

"Then, I said: 'Fine. Let's put aside all other work. We will dedicate a certain number of days, for instance, about 10, to solving the problem.'