Cheng Yi Officially Independent, Contract with H&R Century Ends and Private Studio Begins Operations

Kapanlagi.com - Cheng Yi officially opens a new chapter in his career in the Chinese entertainment industry. The actor, whose real name is Fu Shiqi, is now fully operating independently after his agency contract with H&R Century Pictures ended and was not renewed on January 18, 2026.

With the end of this collaboration, Yongkang Qiyuan Film and Television Culture Studio, Cheng Yi's independently managed studio, officially began using an independent legal stamp starting January 14, 2026, marking a complete separation from H&R Century as a legal entity.

1. Cheng Yi's Private Studio Operates Independently

Cheng Yi's studio, named Yongkang Qiyuan Film and Television Culture Studio, is now officially operating independently. This studio was actually established on January 3, 2018, with an initial capital of 500,000 yuan.

This capital is planned to increase to 5 million yuan by January 2026. Legally, this studio is structured as a sole proprietorship with Cheng Yi as the investor and full controller holding 100 percent ownership.

Starting January 14, 2026, the studio will officially use its own independent stamp. This change replaces the old company stamp and marks Cheng Yi's complete separation from H&R Century as a legal entity.

The scope of the studio's business includes film and television project development, actor management, script planning, and advertising design. This step demonstrates Cheng Yi's seriousness in building his own creative ecosystem.

2. Peaceful Separation from H&R Century

Cheng Yi - copyright: weibo.com

Cheng Yi's contract with H&R Century Pictures officially ends on January 18, 2026. The contract was not extended and naturally concludes as per the initial agreement.

Since there was no unilateral termination, this separation does not lead to any compensation disputes. Industry insiders describe it as a relatively healthy transition in the world of artist management in China.

There was some confusion when Cheng Yi's name still appeared on H&R's official website a few days after the contract ended. This was explained as an administrative buffer period for updating promotional materials.

There are no indications of an extension of cooperation. Legal entities, stamps, and all management of Cheng Yi's entertainment activities are now fully under the control of his private studio.

3. Focus on Creative Autonomy

Cheng Yi - copyright: weibo.com

By choosing an independent path, Cheng Yi now has a wider space to determine his own creative direction. Through Yongkang Qiyuan Studio, he is reported to have secured final review rights over the projects he will star in.

This right allows Cheng Yi to independently choose scripts, production teams, and story themes. This step breaks the old pattern that often limits the exploration space of top artists.

This new approach also disrupts the repetitive cycle model of costume dramas. Cheng Yi is said to be considering projects with more diverse themes, including political intrigue dramas and large-scale fantasy.

Rumors about a pay increase after going independent circulated online. However, this information is considered unfounded, while industry insiders state that Cheng Yi's collaboration value is now aligned with top actor standards.

4. Positive Reception from Fans and the Industry

Cheng Yi - copyright: weibo.com

Cheng Yi's decision received positive feedback from fans. Many view this step as a form of freedom and maturity in his career journey.

The narrative about being free from long-standing pressures has been widely discussed on social media. Fans also voiced their support with messages that wherever Cheng Yi is, they will remain loyal to follow his work.

From the industry's perspective, Cheng Yi's move is seen as part of a new trend among top Chinese artists transitioning to autonomous operations. This model is considered to provide a more balanced bargaining position between artists, studios, and platforms.

The amicable separation between Cheng Yi and H&R Century is described as an optimal solution. Besides minimizing losses for both parties, this step also opens a new, more independent phase for Cheng Yi.

(kpl/chn)