Summary of Key Points
As one of the three major short-form drama production bases in China (accounting for nearly 40% of the national capacity with an expected output value of nearly 10 billion yuan by 2025), Zhengzhou faced a dual challenge after the Spring Festival of 2026: firstly, AI video generation models such as Seedance2.0 disrupted traditional production methods; secondly, platforms like Hongguo adjusted their minimum support policies. This led to almost zero production capacity for live-action short dramas in Zhengzhou, causing the entire industry to shift towards AI-driven content. During this transition, practitioners encountered difficulties such as staff loss, organizational restructuring, and increased reliance on platforms. However, there were also opportunities for improved efficiency and greater equality in technological capabilities. Many companies began to explore new directions, including expanding overseas and focusing on higher-quality productions. Zhengzhou's collective strengths still remain, and the industry is working hard to adapt to this new ecosystem.
Detailed Analysis
Why Did Zhengzhou Become the "World Factory" of Short Dramas?
Zhengzhou, which initially had little to do with the film and television industry, became a national center for short-form drama production within just three years, thanks to three unique advantages:
- Strong foundation in information flow advertising: The precursor to short dramas was online novel advertisements (converting story climaxes into 1-minute videos for promotion), and Zhengzhou has long been a hub for such advertising (with numerous e-commerce and public account promotion companies). Local companies like "Zhengzhou Bang" were well-versed in the process of creating, distributing, and converting these materials. For example, the popular drama "Wai Zu Long Wang" originated from one of these local companies.
- Unutilized real estate assets: The idle showrooms and villas left over from the real estate boom provided perfect settings for dramas, with minimal costs.
- Low-cost labor and convenient transportation: The salaries of actors and technicians were lower compared to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and the surrounding areas offered a wide range of filming locations. When real estate advertising declined in 2023, many professionals in the film industry moved to short dramas, including Liu Tengyuan (formerly from Henan TV) and Chen Qisui (former owner of a film advertising company).
As a result, the team "Cheng Feng Po Lang" grew from 30 to 120 people by 2024, producing 50 dramas per month. The Dazhi Film and Television Base even saw up to 15 production teams competing for filming locations, with reservations required several days in advance.
What Caused the "Freeze in May"?
After the Spring Festival of 2026, Zhengzhou's short drama industry came to a standstill due to two major factors:
- AI competition: Models like Seedance2.0 significantly increased the efficiency of AI-driven dramas, with teams like "Cheng Feng Po Lang" capable of producing 60-80 episodes in just two weeks at lower costs. The higher salaries of live-action actors made them less competitive.
- Platform changes: Platforms like Hongguo reduced their minimum support policies, cutting the profit-sharing ratio in half. This meant that producers could not make a profit on new projects, and even the production fees were at risk. For example, the popular drama "Cheng Feng Po Lang" barely broke even during the Spring Festival season, leading to a sharp decline in reservations at the Dazhi Base, and expansion plans were put on hold. Actor Li Le went from having a full schedule to only working seven or eight days a month.
This situation was akin to a chain reaction: when the lead vehicle suddenly braked, the following vehicles crashed into it one after another, causing the industry to plummet from prosperity to stagnation.
The Transition to AI: Pain and Opportunities
The shift to AI is not just about changing tools; it represents a fundamental transformation of the entire industry:
- Pains:
- Changes in work patterns: Live-action dramas relied on flexible working hours, while AI-driven dramas require regular attendance and clock-in, which many people found difficult to adapt to.
- Reduced profits: The cost of producing AI dramas dropped from 500,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan, leading to overall declines in salaries.
- Talent loss: Traditional roles (such as actors and producers) were more affected, while those skilled in post-production and directing remained in higher demand.
- Opportunities:
- Increased efficiency: AI-driven dramas have shorter production cycles and lower costs. The "Cheng Feng Po Lang" AI team streamlined their processes within three months.
- Technological equality: The barrier to entry has lowered, making aesthetic and creative skills more important (especially for those with a background in humanities).
- Simplified financials: Past complexities related to multiple parties have been reduced, with profits now directly linked to labor and computational costs.
In summary, AI allows smaller teams to undertake tasks previously reserved for larger ones, but it also eliminates those who are not adaptable to these new methods.
Are Platforms a Lifeline or a Restriction?
Platforms play a crucial role in the success of Zhengzhou's short drama industry:
- Unclear profit-sharing: Producers cannot see accurate data on viewership and revenue and can only accept the figures provided by the platforms.
- Politically volatile policies: Platform policies change frequently, leaving producers uncertain about their earnings. For example, Hongguo's reduction in minimum support, along with Douyin's limited funding for live-action dramas, creates instability.
- Risk of broken supply chains: The complex contracting process can lead to issues, such as actors not receiving their payments.
Many professionals worry that their efforts may be benefiting AI models at the expense of their own careers. Could the dominance of AI ultimately lead to the replacement of human-made content?
What's the Future?
Despite the uncertainties, no one is giving up. Companies are exploring new paths:
- Expanding overseas: Some teams, like "Cheng Feng Po Lang," are seeking opportunities in Hong Kong, while others are focusing on international markets to avoid domestic competition.
- Focusing on quality: With the surge in AI-driven drama production, only high-quality content can stand out.
- Maintaining cluster advantages: Zhengzhou's network of over 1,000 short drama companies and a large number of skilled professionals gives it a competitive edge. AI still relies on traditional drama-making expertise, and teams with experience in live-action dramas produce better results.
Zhou Yuqing from Tianqiao Short Drama said, "The industry is moving beyond its initial rapid growth phase; now, creativity is the key." Zhengzhou's advantage no longer lies in low costs but in its understanding of the short-form drama business. As long as this cluster remains intact, there are opportunities for continued success.
Conclusion
Zhengzhou's short drama industry has evolved from rapid growth to a transition driven by AI. Although the transition is painful, practitioners are determined to adapt: either by shifting to AI, expanding overseas, or focusing on quality content. This city of short dramas is finding its new place in the industry landscape.
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