Hengdian World Studios in East China’s Zhejiang Province is attracting numerous entertainment professionals worldwide who are eager to investigate the growing phenomenon of micro dramas being created there.
During the initial four-month period of the year, more than 1,000 micro-drama production teams completed their shoots in Hengdian — which stands as one of China’s leading filmmaking hubs. This figure has already surpassed the total count from all of last year.
Vertical shooting formats, along with a social media-friendly approach and a production timeline of just one week, result in micro dramas being filmed very differently compared to conventional TV shows and movies.
Currently, numerous filmmakers and actors from more than a dozen nations have traveled to Hengdian to learn about the production of these widely popular micro-dramas.
Several people attributed the increased viewer attraction to the accessibility of these shorter series, and they also praised the extensive amenities provided at Hengdian.
“I enjoyed how it immediately captured people’s attention right from the start. This makes it easier for them to engage with the entire performance,” noted Richard Venter, an actor hailing from South Africa.
“Everything can be found here. They offer the kits, cameras, personnel, and all else,” stated Alejandra Munoz, a choreographer from Mexico.
“I have a great appreciation for Chinese cinema, which is why I’ve come to attend this workshop,” stated Leonida Matajis, a filmmaker hailing from Serbia.
The growing popularity of these drama series is attracting more enthusiasts globally, all eager to capitalize on their success.
Guo Shu, who leads international business at Hengdian World Studios, mentioned that since October last year, numerous figures from the entertainment sectors in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, South Korea, and Japan have approached them. These individuals expressed interest in understanding how micro-dramas are filmed.
China’s well-established industrial ecosystem for short-form content is exerting an increasingly substantial impact on the international entertainment sector. Currently, there are more than 400 micro-drama applications globally, with Chinese firms controlling approximately 80% of this market segment.