Huzhou film, TV complex becomes hub for micro-short dramas

A panoramic view of Huzhou Film and Television City. [Photo/Tide News]

Huzhou Film and Television City — a film and TV production base in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province — has transformed into a hotspot for micro-short dramas, hosting an average of six film crews daily.

Since late 2024, Huzhou Film and Television City has shifted from its traditional focus on television productions to embracing the micro-short drama trend, with nearly 100 dramas filmed so far there.

Zhang Weijian, deputy general manager of Film and Television City Company, noted that the shift had significantly boosted activity at the complex.

Previously, only a small percentage of productions utilized its sets, resulting in modest business. Now, the complex is expanding its offerings to include modern and ancient settings, such as schools and courthouses, to produce more micro-short dramas. The expansion is expected to accommodate 15-30 crews simultaneously, doubling last year's activity.

The compact layout of Huzhou Film and Television City facilitates efficient production, offering comprehensive services from props to post-production support, which helps cut costs.

The film and TV production base is also extending its global reach by using AI-assisted translations to distribute content internationally. The upcoming Lafeng Theater platform will streamline the production-to-distribution process, with over 800 micro-short dramas ready for release.

This transformation not only boosts local tourism but also positions Huzhou Film and Television City as a key player in the micro-short drama industry.