In the fast-evolving world of digital entertainment, a new trend is taking over your feed: Chinese vertical short dramas. These bite-sized stories, shot entirely in vertical format for mobile viewing, are reshaping how we binge content. 🤳
In Ep 136 of CGTN’s BizFocus, reporter Ankit Prasad heads to Hengdian in the Chinese mainland’s Zhejiang province—home to the world’s largest film and TV production complex. Here, entire series are storyboarded, filmed, and edited in under a week, feeding the multi-billion dollar market hungry for fresh, snackable drama. 🎥💨
Why the rush? Platforms like TikTok, SnackVideo and local apps demand a constant flow of engaging clips. To keep viewers hooked, studios assemble teams of writers, directors, actors, and editors who collaborate round-the-clock. A typical production cycle:
- Day 1–2: Scriptwriting & casting. Writers draft tight storylines, and casting directors scout new faces.
- Day 3–4: Shoot. Multiple camera crews work in shifts, capturing high-intensity scenes back-to-back.
- Day 5: Editing & sound design. Editors polish cuts, while sound teams add music and effects.
- Day 6–7: Final tweaks & release. After a quick quality check, the series drops across apps.
This rapid-fire approach is a dream for young viewers in South and Southeast Asia, who juggle studies, side hustles and a nonstop scroll for entertainment. The short format makes it easy to catch the latest episode during a commute or study break. 🚆📱
While the pace can seem dizzying, it also sparks creativity. Directors experiment with storytelling techniques—think flashbacks in a 10-second clip or breakout scenes that go viral. Plus, the lean teams and tight deadlines launch careers for fresh talent, creating a dynamic ecosystem that fuels the Chinese mainland’s digital boom.
As this industry evolves, keep an eye on how these mini dramas influence regional content creators. With production models this agile, the next wave of storytelling could come from anywhere—maybe even your neighborhood studio. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
