AI Microdramas Take China by Storm, Raising Job Concerns
China’s entertainment landscape is being transformed by AI-generated microdramas, with series like “Strange Mirror of Mountains and Seas” attracting over 50 million views despite using artificial intelligence for nearly all production elements.
Key Takeaways
- AI microdramas with 30-second episodes are gaining massive popularity in China
- Production costs have dropped significantly using AI tools
- Industry faces job displacement and copyright concerns
- New roles like “prompt engineers” are emerging
The AI Production Revolution
Chen Kun, creator of “Strange Mirror of Mountains and Seas,” explained that microdramas are perfect for AI integration because viewers watching on mobile devices often overlook visual imperfections. “Even if AI can’t achieve the production values of traditional filmmaking today, it can meet the needs of microdramas as a first step,” Chen told AFP.
Another viral hit, “Nine-tailed Fox Demon Falls in Love with Me,” demonstrates how audiences are embracing the format. One fan commented: “If you’re just watching without using your brain, you can ignore some illogical details in the visuals.”
How AI Replaces Human Roles
Chen’s production process showcases AI’s comprehensive role: ChatGPT for screenplays, Midjourney for images, China’s Kling for video generation, and Suno for soundtracks. Only editing and voice acting remain human tasks.
A “Strange Mirror” fan noted technological progress, saying: “Many special effects can be created using AI, though there are indeed issues like stiff character expressions,” but observed “significant progress” compared to a year ago.
Film Education Embraces AI
At Shanghai Vancouver Film School, teacher Odet Abadia demonstrates AI’s filmmaking potential. “AI is so accessible, it lowers the cost of production so much, it makes everything so much faster,” she said.
Abadia showed how her virtual production assistant using Alibaba’s Qwen software could generate complete plot outlines in seconds. However, the school maintains balance: “We want to support the industry,” she explained, encouraging students to still work with human actors and traditional equipment.
Industry Impact and Concerns
The trend echoes global creative industry anxieties. Hollywood’s 2023 strikes highlighted AI concerns, while the launch of AI “actress” Tilly Norwood sparked backlash.
Louis Liu, a 27-year-old microdrama crew member, confirmed AI’s impact: “AI software has replaced most artists producing ‘concept images’ that define the look of a film in its earliest stages.”
Copyright and Originality Debates
Chen remains optimistic about new job creation, particularly “prompt engineer” roles. On copyright issues, he believes large language model creators should compensate original content owners, though secondary users like his company have limited control.
Ironically, Chen is fighting plagiarism of his AI-generated content, battling a social media account he alleges stole elements from his trailer. He defends AI’s creative potential: “Everything we describe in prompts stems from our own imagination — whether it’s the appearance of a person or a monster, these are entirely original creations.”
