Summary of Key Points
This summer's film market has been chaotic in terms of scheduling, but a new trend has emerged quietly: popular short-form drama IPs are being adapted into feature films (such as "Good Girl," "Upset the Table," and "Three Family Members in the Same Class"). Director Wang Yixia is confident about this adaptation approach (with the potential for sequels and the same team returning), but the industry also points out three major challenges (narrative logic, character development, and audience transition). This move has a two-way impact on both the film and short-form drama industries—films are in need of good stories, while short-form dramas are seeking new growth opportunities. However, whether this will be successful remains uncertain, as everyone is still exploring the possibilities.
I. Turning Short-Form Drama IPs into Films: Suddenly a Hot Trend?
Several popular short-form dramas have recently announced plans to be adapted into films:
- "Good Girl" (with over 1 billion views and tens of millions of favorites) will start filming in Sanya in September;
- "Upset the Table" (known for its passionate revenge storyline) and "Three Family Members in the Same Class" (both with over 1 billion views) have also completed their film production approvals.
Why has this become suddenly popular?
- Audience Demand: Each episode of a short-form drama is only 1-2 minutes long, and viewers often wish for more content, saying they want to see longer versions in theaters;
- Directors Seeking Innovation: Short-form dramas have limitations; the vertical screen format restricts cinematography, and the short duration makes it difficult to deeply develop characters or tell complex stories;
- Industry Opportunities: The success of adapting long-form dramas into films (such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," which earned 700 million in box office) shows that short-form drama IPs already have a established audience base, reducing the risk compared to creating original films.
II. Director's Confidence: Not a Remake, but an "Upgraded Sequel"
Why does Wang Yixia (director of "Upset the Table" and "Three Family Members in the Same Class") dare to try this? His confidence comes from two main points:
1. A Sequel, Not a Remake: The film will continue the story of the short-form drama, not simply stretching it out. For example, the movie version of "Upset the Table" will explore the further development of the characters, which will keep existing viewers engaged and attract new ones to watch both the film and the original series, creating a synergistic effect;
2. Maintaining the Same Team: The entire team, from directors to writers and actors, is familiar with the short-form drama. He believes that the audience loves this group of characters and the unique style, and changing them would destroy the IP's identity. For instance, the warm family atmosphere of "Three Family Members in the Same Class" can only be accurately conveyed by the original cast.
III. Adaptation is More Complex than Just Stretching Things Out; Three Major Hurdles to Overcome
Industry writer Er Dong notes that adapting short-form dramas into films is challenging and involves at least three key issues:
1. Reconstructing the Narrative Logic: Short-form dramas rely on quick, satisfying moments (e.g., the villain being immediately defeated) to keep viewers engaged, while films require a complete narrative with a buildup, development, and climax. Simply copying the dramatic twists from the short form may lead to audience fatigue;
2. Turning Characters from Stereotypes into Realistic Figures: Short-form drama characters are often one-dimensional (such as domineering CEOs or vengeful heroines), lacking inner conflict. In films, characters need to develop; for example, a vengeful heroine should not just declare her desire for revenge but also show hesitation and pain;
3. Converting Free, Fragmented Viewing into Paid, Complete Entertainment: Short-form drama audiences are often from lower-tier markets (third- and fourth-tier cities), where viewers consume content for free in fragmented times (during commuting or before bed). Film audiences, mainly from first- and second-tier cities, are willing to pay for tickets and go to theaters. The question is: Will people who watched the short form dramas for free be willing to spend money on the film version of the same IP?
IV. Can Short-Form Dramas and Films Benefit Each Other?
This collaboration could be beneficial for both industries:
- Films Need Short-Form Drama's Help: The current film market is dominated by big-budget blockbusters, leaving smaller-budget films in need of good stories. Short-form drama IPs, having been tested by the audience, fit the current taste for emotional and intense content;
- Short-Form Dramas Need Films to Expand Their Reach: Real-person short-form dramas are facing competition from AI-generated content, leading to a decrease in production. Adaptations can increase the value of these IPs and provide new directions for the industry (e.g., reimagining successful series).
V. The Unknown Outcome: A New Path or Just Trial and Error?
There are no successful examples of adapting short-form dramas into films yet; only next year, when these movies release, will we know the answer:
- If it succeeds, it could open up new opportunities for more short-form drama IPs to be adapted into films;
- If it fails, it will highlight the challenges associated with this transition.
Wang Yixia says, "Since there are no successful cases yet, let's just do our best on the current projects and see how things go. Who knows? Maybe it will work!"
In summary, adapting short-form drama IPs into feature films is a bold attempt that could solve the respective issues of both industries. However, whether this approach will be successful depends on whether these adapted films can truly connect with the audience.