Summary of Key Points
This article highlights several significant events that have recently occurred in the domestic film and television industry over the past 1-2 months: An AI company, Jimeng, has launched a production brand dedicated to supporting films and series longer than 90 minutes; Mango TV’s first AI-generated series, “Hou Xiyu Ji” (The Journey to the West), has premiered on Hunan Satellite TV’s prime time slot; and celebrities from different generations, including Wang Zuxian and Qi Wei, have officially authorized their AI avatars for use in film and television productions. These seemingly independent technological attempts collectively indicate that AI has moved beyond its role as a mere time-saving tool for filmmakers and has begun to reshape the production logic that has governed the industry for nearly a century. This transformation aims to dismantle the high barriers posed by capital, celebrity influence, and technology, forcing the entire industry to return to the fundamental competition of appealing to audiences through the story itself.
---
Detailed Analysis
1. AI in Film and Television Was Once Considered a Casual Trend, but Now All the Conditions Are in Place
A few years ago, when people discussed AI in the film and television industry, the common perception was that it would be used for short videos of less than a minute with poor quality, at most providing some minor assistance during post-production. However, recent developments have cleared all the obstacles:
- The issue of “actors” has been resolved: Both Wang Zuxian, who has been out of the industry for years, and the popular Qi Wei have officially authorized their AI avatars, eliminating concerns about copyright disputes and scheduling conflicts.
- Technical limitations have also been overcome: AI can now produce 30 episodes of 45 minutes each with quality and coherence that meet the standards for prime-time television broadcasting, rather than just brief segments.
- Channels for distribution have been opened up: AI-generated content can now be aired on television, in theaters, and on streaming platforms, competing with traditional films and series for viewers.
In just a few short years, all the prerequisites for the AI-driven transformation of film and television have been met, and this transformation is no longer something far in the future; it is already a reality in the TV shows we watch.
2. It’s Not Just About Saving Money or Speeding Up Production
Many people think the advantage of AI in film and television lies in its low cost and rapid production speed, but this is just the superficial change. The real revolution lies in the disruption of the traditional process of “writing the script first, then renting a location to shoot, and finally doing post-production.” For example, in traditional production, if the script needs to be changed to match the music, it would require bringing back all the actors, renting new locations, and shooting additional scenes, costing millions. With AI, this process can be streamlined: you can change the script for a background track, adjust the actors’ movements for better pacing, or even change the ending based on audience feedback during the broadcast, with almost no additional cost.
- The business model of relying on resource-intensive methods, such as spending heavily on location rentals and hiring top actors, is no longer effective. In the AI era, directors and writers can create a complete prototype with AI, and the quality can be assessed at a glance. Producers no longer need to rely on sheer resources; the most valuable skill is the ability to identify creative and compelling stories among the numerous AI-generated options. Celebrity IP and distribution channels are now secondary resources.
3. All Barriers Have Been Eliminated, and the Industry Is Left to Compete on Storytelling
As AI reduces the cost of producing long films to a level affordable for everyone, the industry is about to experience a surge in production capacity. A company could produce dozens of AI-generated series a year, and an AI avatar of a celebrity could appear as the main character in multiple projects. Despite this, audiences still have only 24 hours a day to spend on watching dramas and movies. The traditional tactics of relying on popular stars and spectacular effects are becoming less effective. Two inexperienced individuals can use AI to create a compelling story at home, earning substantial profits without the need for high salaries or expensive production costs. This means that new creators, even without industry experience, can compete with established directors and companies on the same footing, with the ultimate test being the quality of their stories.
4. The Old Business Practices of Leveraging Resources Are No Longer Effective
In the past, success in the film and television industry depended on access to resources: who could secure investment, hire top stars, and rent the best shooting locations? Small teams with great ideas had no chance of turning their concepts into reality. However, with AI, this logic no longer applies. Directors and writers can present a complete prototype to investors, and the quality is immediately apparent. Producers no longer need to gamble on resources; having a lot of money or connections with celebrities is less important than the ability to discern creative and engaging stories. The core competition will be about whose stories can truly connect with audiences.