Zhejiang province, historically celebrated for sprawling film hubs like Hengdian and Xiangshan, is now spearheading a digital revolution in China’s entertainment sector. At the heart of this transformation lies a cutting-edge micro-drama production base that enables creators to film entire modern series in a single location—no set changes required. Dubbed the 'Film Set of the Future,' the facility integrates virtual production pipelines to streamline everything from scripting to post-production, accelerating the creation of short-form content tailored for viral success.
From Script to Screen in Record Time
The province’s one-stop model allows crews to 'check in' with minimal equipment and produce high-volume dramas rapidly. This industrial approach has turned Zhejiang into a magnet for creators capitalizing on the global appetite for bite-sized, mobile-first storytelling. Analysts note that these micro-dramas, often under 10 minutes per episode, are increasingly exported to streaming platforms worldwide, blending Chinese cultural narratives with universal themes.
Virtual Sets, Real Global Impact
Zhejiang’s virtual production technology eliminates traditional location-scouting hurdles, using AI-driven backdrops and real-time rendering. This innovation not only cuts costs but also enables stories to seamlessly incorporate global settings—from Tokyo skylines to Parisian cafés—without leaving the studio. Industry insiders say this flexibility positions China’s short dramas to compete with South Korean and Western digital content giants.
As reported by CGTN, the province’s model reflects broader trends in Asia’s creative economies, where speed, scalability, and cross-border appeal drive new media dominance.
Reference(s):
Fast, viral, global: Inside China's short drama industrial machine
cgtn.com