Music Up (Chinese: 我为歌狂), also known as Crazy for the Song, is the first Chinese animation (alternatively known as a Donghua) idol TV series in China. It was distributed by Shanghai Animation Film Studio and produced by Welkin-Animation. A sequel, Music Up: Reborn (我为歌狂 第二季) is released in early October 2020. Background This is the first animation production from China with an emphasis on the life of singers, bands and pop stars. It is the first high budget domestic Chinese animation. Production investment is estimated to be 18 million RMB (about US $2.3 million). In 2001 66% of its profits came from selling merchandise related to the series. Story Four young teenage boys share a common vision and passion for music. They come together overlapping their own personalities and ideas. In the process, they encounter a lot of difficulties as any youth might have. The story is unfolded as the band grows up. Academic, personal conflicts, family, friendship and emotional problems are all intertwined. With the help of teachers, students, and friends they try to achieve their dreams. Merchandise The TV series was not as successful as expected, but the associated merchandise of books, cards, CDs were extremely popular among teenagers in China. The book series sold 350,000 copies in Shanghai alone. A video game was released in 2002 by UbiSoft China titled "Music Up - Summer Rainbow". See also Slam Dunk References External links https://web.archive.org/web/20080314113003/http://welkin-animation.com/ "Music Up" Info at Newmovie CNBB 2001 Chinese television series debuts 2002 Chinese television series endings Chinese animated television series Mandarin-language television shows Animated musical television series Television shows set in Shanghai