In Hengdian, despite the sweltering summer-like temperatures, there’s another heatwave evident: the bustling energy of the world’s largest film and TV production base. Nestled in East China’s Zhejiang Province, the town has recently gained significant attention with the hosting of the 24th China Film Promotion Conference and the inaugural Film Fair.
These events weren’t just a testament to the town’s importance in the entertainment industry but were also indicative of the robust growth and confidence permeating China’s film sector. The conference alone featured a staggering 160 films, from ones currently in theaters, such as “Volunteers: Xiongbing Attack,” upcoming releases like “The Movie Emperor” and “The Goldfinger,” to projects still in the works and international imports including Christian Volckman’s “The Room” and the Russian hit “The Snow Queen and the Princess.”
2023 has been particularly transformative for the Chinese film and TV scene, shaking off the setbacks from the pandemic. The box office earnings for the year have skyrocketed to an impressive 49.13 billion yuan (approximately $6.71 billion), overshadowing the entirety of 2021’s collections.
Adding to this momentum is the audience’s positive reception. Films launched during pivotal holiday seasons – from Spring Festival to the National Day holiday – have been met with praise for their diverse narratives, compelling action, and riveting storylines.
Hengdian World Studios stands as a beacon for aspiring talent. Young Miao, fresh with his actor certificate from the Hengdian Actors Guild, is among the 130,000 hopefuls vying for a chance at stardom within this mecca of entertainment. It’s no surprise to see fans, like those eagerly waiting for a glimpse of celebrity Wang Hedi, clustering around filming sites shielded by tall black cloth walls.
Hengdian World Studios is a production powerhouse, churning out a quarter of China’s films, a third of its TV series, and a whopping two-thirds of all costume dramas. Since its inception in 1996, over 80,000 films and TV episodes have been produced here, across its 32 film and TV sub-bases. The studios span eras, boasting sets replicating periods from 770BC all the way to the Qing dynasty in 1911.
Between January and September alone, the location hosted 470 film and TV crews. The saying goes in Hengdian, “Just bring your director and main cast; everything else you need can be found here.” From extras to technical staff, Hengdian has it all.
The town, reminiscent of Hollywood, is teeming with all things film, evident from the endless advertisements for post-production services, equipment rentals, and special effects. Meanwhile, digital content for platforms like TikTok and Douyin is constantly being produced, catering to their massive online audiences.
Hengdian is more than just a hub; it’s where dreams intertwine with reality. As the heart of China’s film and TV industry, it’s a testament to the power of persistence, art, and imagination. The future is bright, and Hengdian, with its passion for the craft, promises to dive even deeper into the vast ocean of cinematic artistry.
In Hengdian, despite the sweltering summer-like temperatures, there’s another heatwave evident: the bustling energy of the world’s largest film and TV production base. Nestled in East China’s Zhejiang Province, the town has recently gained significant attention with the hosting of the 24th China Film Promotion Conference and the inaugural Film Fair.
These events weren’t just a testament to the town’s importance in the entertainment industry but were also indicative of the robust growth and confidence permeating China’s film sector. The conference alone featured a staggering 160 films, from ones currently in theaters, such as “Volunteers: Xiongbing Attack,” upcoming releases like “The Movie Emperor” and “The Goldfinger,” to projects still in the works and international imports including Christian Volckman’s “The Room” and the Russian hit “The Snow Queen and the Princess.”
2023 has been particularly transformative for the Chinese film and TV scene, shaking off the setbacks from the pandemic. The box office earnings for the year have skyrocketed to an impressive 49.13 billion yuan (approximately $6.71 billion), overshadowing the entirety of 2021’s collections.
Adding to this momentum is the audience’s positive reception. Films launched during pivotal holiday seasons – from Spring Festival to the National Day holiday – have been met with praise for their diverse narratives, compelling action, and riveting storylines.
Hengdian World Studios stands as a beacon for aspiring talent. Young Miao, fresh with his actor certificate from the Hengdian Actors Guild, is among the 130,000 hopefuls vying for a chance at stardom within this mecca of entertainment. It’s no surprise to see fans, like those eagerly waiting for a glimpse of celebrity Wang Hedi, clustering around filming sites shielded by tall black cloth walls.
Hengdian World Studios is a production powerhouse, churning out a quarter of China’s films, a third of its TV series, and a whopping two-thirds of all costume dramas. Since its inception in 1996, over 80,000 films and TV episodes have been produced here, across its 32 film and TV sub-bases. The studios span eras, boasting sets replicating periods from 770BC all the way to the Qing dynasty in 1911.
Between January and September alone, the location hosted 470 film and TV crews. The saying goes in Hengdian, “Just bring your director and main cast; everything else you need can be found here.” From extras to technical staff, Hengdian has it all.
The town, reminiscent of Hollywood, is teeming with all things film, evident from the endless advertisements for post-production services, equipment rentals, and special effects. Meanwhile, digital content for platforms like TikTok and Douyin is constantly being produced, catering to their massive online audiences.
Hengdian is more than just a hub; it’s where dreams intertwine with reality. As the heart of China’s film and TV industry, it’s a testament to the power of persistence, art, and imagination. The future is bright, and Hengdian, with its passion for the craft, promises to dive even deeper into the vast ocean of cinematic artistry.
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