Chen Yilong, an actor with over two decades of experience, signed a contract in August to lend his facial images to a Chinese production studio as work opportunities became less frequent. His task involves creating facial expressions like neutral, angry, or surprised while being recorded. The studio then uses these images to create a digital avatar for an AI-generated movie.
AI-driven storytelling is rapidly changing the Chinese film and video industry. The rise is evident in micro dramas, often a minute or two long, streamed on smartphones during daily routines. These short formats do not require high-quality acting or resolution, making them suited for AI-generated content. AI programs from companies like Kuaishou Technology and ByteDance have drastically cut production costs. In the first quarter of this year, 128,000 micro dramas were made in China, with over 95% involving AI according to the China Netcasting Services Assn.
These technological changes in China might also influence Hollywood. ByteDance and other Chinese companies are showcasing AI video-generation tools in the U.S. AI allows content creation from anywhere, challenging traditional entertainment conventions, explained Michael Berry, a UCLA professor of contemporary Chinese culture.
AI’s Impact on Actors and Studios
Hengdian World Studios, known as China’s Hollywood, experiences increased tourist visits while actor jobs decline. Reports indicate a significant reduction in short-drama productions over the past year. Chen estimates actors might face over 60% job loss due to the popularity of shorter video consumption.
While some lose work, others like Fan Baile, a Beijing entertainment lawyer, deal with legal cases of unauthorized face usage in digital avatars. The technology outpaces current regulations, complicating traditional infringement cases.
Producing AI Content
Sun Wei, who founded Feixiang Universe, licenses real faces for AI productions to avoid infringement issues. Ai-generated performers tend to look similar. Her team, skilled in AI tools, prompts, and postproduction processes, can produce a 90-minute film for $500,000, unlike the previously required high budgets.
Despite the cost benefits, AI movie generation faces challenges. Sun’s team frequently adjusts scenes and character animations that unintentionally mimic well-known actors or iconic show visuals. Accuracy and consistency remain high hurdles for AI tools.
Challenges and Future Insights
Lu Beike, a director with experience in high-budget productions, notes that AI struggles with complex lighting and depth in visuals, impeding its capability for top-tier production. Real human actors occasionally appear oddly out of place amid predominantly AI-generated scenes.
Despite AI advancements, a trend toward human-produced entertainment is growing. Chen Qiufan, a renowned sci-fi writer, emphasizes a renewed demand for live performances. He points out that while AI content is limitless, audiences find value in attending live events with real performers.
In summary, AI is significantly reshaping China’s entertainment landscape. Although it creates new opportunities, its full integration faces limitations and potential legal issues. The evolving audience preferences may foster a unique balance between AI-assisted and traditional media production.
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