Summary of Key Points
This article focuses on the phenomenon where non-player characters (NPCs) in tourist attractions have become a new source of income for individuals working on the fringes of the film and television industry, such as appearing in short dramas or becoming minor idols. During times of downturn in the film industry, many actors and idols with no roles to play switch to working as NPCs in attractions, with some seeing their daily salaries increase from several hundred to tens of thousands of yuan. However, this job comes with physical demands, as well as challenges related to blurred boundaries in interactions and high psychological stress. The industry has formed a three-tier income structure: "supporting roles," "key characters," and "popular characters," where appearance is valued more than acting skills. Most people see NPCs as a stepping stone to becoming internet celebrities or performers, but the industry lacks a supportive system, posing numerous underlying concerns.
1. Why Do Actors and Idols Rush to Work as NPCs? – A Lifeline in the Tough Film Industry
The film industry is currently facing challenges: there are fewer short drama productions, and freelance actors like Su Xiao may earn only 800 yuan per day on good days, but they might work for only 5-6 days a month, resulting in unstable income. In contrast, the demand for NPCs in tourist attractions has surged; ancient scenic spots and theme parks need many interactive characters to attract visitors, offering much higher pay. Su Xiao now earns 7,000-8,000 yuan per event, with a full monthly schedule, which is much more stable than before.
For young actors or less well-known idols, working as NPCs is not only a way to earn money but also a means to build a following. Su Xiao has gained 100,000 followers through this job, leading to opportunities for live streaming and event gigs. Some, such as Ka Zi and Shi Kai, have even transitioned from being NPCs to becoming idols, signing with boy bands, using the experience as a training ground while making money and gaining exposure.
2. Is Working as an NPC Really All Glitz and Glamour? – Physical and Mental Strains, and Blurred Boundaries
While it may seem fun to dress up in historical costumes and interact with visitors, the reality is a demanding job:
- Physical Exhaustion: Standing for 7 hours a day, shaking hands hundreds of times, and laughing until your face feels stiff, leaving you too tired to speak afterward.
- Blurred Interaction Boundaries: Although attractions have rules against excessive contact, visitors often overstep these limits. Su Xiao has had instances where visitors kissed her on the face, and while the attraction requires the visitor to apologize, she has no recourse due to fear of disciplinary action.
- High Psychological Pressure: Attractions use dramatic videos like kissing hands to attract visitors, and NPCs are criticized both for following the trend and for not doing enough. They are caught in a difficult position with mixed reviews on social media.
- Lack of Voice: When popular, NPCs are treated like treasures by the attractions; when something goes wrong, the blame is often shifted onto them.
3. How Large Is the Income Gap? – A Three-Tier Structure Where Appearance Matters More Than Talent
The NPC industry has a hierarchical structure:
1. Supporting Roles (Bottom Layer): Local college students or part-time workers with no fixed roles, earning 200-300 yuan per day and being easily replaceable.
2. Key Characters (Middle Layer): Full-time employees with defined roles (e.g., casino owners), requiring training, earning 7,000-12,000 yuan per month (higher in top-tier attractions like those in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou). Su Xiao falls into this category and has a more stable income than before.
3. Popular Characters (Top Layer): Those with their own followings (over 100,000) or distinctive features (e.g., muscular builds or historical-themed looks), earning starting from 4,000 yuan per day, with monthly incomes in the tens of thousands. Some attractions even pay based on height, adding an extra 10 yuan for every additional centimeter above 185 cm, or offer a salary of 30,000 yuan for the "most handsome" NPCs.
The key point is that acting skills are not highly valued in this industry; professional actors may struggle to fit in, while internet celebrities are better at creating an atmosphere and producing appealing videos. After all, visitors seek emotional engagement and visibility, not professional performances.
4. Is Being an NPC a Stepping Stone or a Destination? – Most See It as a Temporary Stop
No one wants to be an NPC for life:
- Turning into Internet Celebrities: Successful NPCs manage their own accounts, working in events across the country and charging per appearance (Su Xiao does this).
- Moving on to Acting: Some, like Ka Zi and Shi Kai, progress from NPCs to trainees, aiming to become actors or performers (though only a few succeed).
- Temporary Retreat: When the film industry improves, they may return to acting or use their earnings to pursue other careers.
However, the career prospects for NPCs are limited: fans are interested in the "character" they represent in the attraction, and their popularity fades once they leave. Moreover, this is a job that relies on youth; as they age, their attractiveness diminishes, making it harder to continue in the industry.
5. Industry Concerns: Lack of Protections and Unregulated Practices
This emerging field is still unregulated:
- Lack of Protections: Most NPCs do not have formal contracts or social security, and it's common for agents to deduct their wages or even disappear without paying (many NPCs have sought compensation online this year).
- Regulatory Gaps: There are no uniform standards for interactions, and attractions often blame actors when issues arise.
- Focus on Popularity: Few NPCs gain fame through meaningful content; most rely on appearance to make quick money.
The trend of using tourism to create stars is growing, but only a few will be able to sustain their success in the long term—those who successfully transform their popularity into long-term value, such as successful performers or well-established internet celebrities.
In summary, working as an NPC in a tourist attraction provides a temporary solution during tough times for the film industry, but it's not a sustainable career. Some people make quick money, while others find new opportunities; however, many are sacrificing their youth. For the industry to thrive, it needs more standardized protections and a healthier development model.