Summary of Key Points
Recently, many well-known actors such as Dong Zijian and Liu Haoran have publicly expressed their need for work. Jia Nailiang and Han Dong have admitted that they have no roles to film, and even Zhang Ziyi has actively sought scripts. This is not a matter of individual stars facing opportunities; rather, it reflects the real dilemma of the entire film and television industry being at a standstill. The underlying reasons include a decline in consumer spending, which has led to a lack of confidence among investors, increased competition within the industry, and the impact of AI technology on the short-form drama market. The struggles of these stars serve as a mirror, reflecting the even greater pressure faced by ordinary people in their daily lives. However, this industry reshuffle could also bring new opportunities.
Detailed Analysis
1. This "search for work" is not a minor issue; it's a signal that the entire industry has come to a halt
In the past, when stars complained about having no roles, it was usually a localized problem—for example, Hai Qing spoke out on behalf of middle-aged actresses due to a scarcity of suitable roles, or Wen Qi mentioned having stories to tell, indicating individual opportunities. But now the situation is different: whether you are a well-connected talent from the Beijing entertainment circle (Dong Zijian), a top-tier actor with hundreds of millions in box office earnings (Liu Haoran), or an internationally recognized actress like Zhang Ziyi, everyone is looking for work. This indicates that it's not that the actors are incapable; rather, investors are hesitant to invest in new projects due to a lack of confidence in the market. Even Zhang Ziyi has mentioned that she would help find solutions if there is a funding shortage, highlighting how the scarcity of scripts and projects is more severe than a lack of funds. The overall production activity in the industry has hit rock bottom.
2. The actors' options for survival are not easy
Actors with no roles to film have to explore other avenues, but each comes with its challenges:
- Switching to short-form dramas: Actors like Liu Xiaoqing and Li Ruotong have moved into making short-form dramas, and Li Xirui became popular through the drama "Sunshine Bright." However, short-form dramas are low-cost, poorly produced, and offer lower incomes. Moreover, once established in this format, it's difficult to return to the long-form drama market. Even more troubling is the emergence of AI-generated dramas, which are cheaper to produce than real actors, further squeezing the space for traditional dramas. The filming locations in Hengdian have shifted from vertical screens (for short-form dramas) to virtually empty spaces.
- Appearing in variety shows: Variety shows can be a bonus, with more offers when an actor is popular, but they receive little attention once their popularity fades. There are only a few variety shows available, and the competition is fierce, making it hard for even talented actors to get a spot.
- Live streaming for product sales: Jia Nailiang has generated millions through live streaming, and Dong Jie became popular on REDnote with her casual style, but only a few actors succeed in this field. Many stars receive fees from brands but struggle to sell products, with some even crying during live streams about not selling anything at all. Live streaming for sales has become highly competitive and not accessible to everyone.
The majority of actors are left with no choice but to wait for opportunities at home.
3. The film and television industry is a barometer of consumer spending
Why is the industry in such trouble? The fundamental reason is that people are less willing to spend on entertainment. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that the total retail sales of consumer goods in May decreased by 0.6% year-on-year, marking the first negative growth in four years. Film and television are considered non-essential expenses; when ordinary people have to cut back on their daily expenses, who would want to spend money on movies or TV shows? Investors see no demand for new productions, so they dare not invest.
4. The combination of AI and increased competition is exacerbating the situation
The film and television industry is already highly competitive: long-form dramas are competing with short-form dramas, which in turn are being threatened by AI-generated content. AI-driven dramas do not require paying actors and can be produced faster at lower costs, significantly reducing opportunities for many young actors. The long-form drama market has been weakened by the rise of short-form dramas, and with declining consumer spending, investors are even more reluctant to invest in large-scale productions. As a result, the industry's potential for growth is shrinking, leading to fewer job opportunities.
5. The struggles of stars reflect the difficulties faced by ordinary people
There's no need to feel sympathy for stars; they may be better off than most ordinary people. However, their plight serves as a clear warning: if even talented and well-connected actors are struggling to find work, life for ordinary people is likely to be even harder. For instance, you might notice local restaurants closing, companies laying off employees, or salaries stagnating—these issues are all related to the same underlying factors: shrinking consumer spending and economic adjustments. Nevertheless, every downturn forces the industry to restructure, potentially eliminating poorly made content and allowing more capable actors and creators to thrive. As long as we get through this tough time, spring will eventually arrive.
Conclusion
The current trend of stars seeking work is not a personal issue for them; it's a reflection of an economic adjustment period. When people have less money to spend, the industry struggles for business. However, after the reshuffle, new opportunities will emerge. If ordinary people understand this, they can respond more rationally to their own circumstances.