Peter Sun, FFTV Online Media CEO and HFSDA president unveiled recently that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into micro-drama productions has gained significant momentum recently, with several notable developments:
iQIYI and Hongguo Collaboration
In early January 2025, iQIYI, a leading Chinese streaming platform, announced a strategic partnership with Hongguo Short Drama. This collaboration aims to co-develop intellectual properties, produce content, and authorize finished productions to deliver high-quality micro-dramas. iQIYI’s Senior Vice President, Yang Haitao, emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating both long and short content formats, highlighting plans to release diverse genres, including historical, urban romance, and suspense, through initiatives like the “Premium Micro-Drama Thousand Plan” and “Premium Short Drama Hundred Plan.”
CGTN’s AI-Powered Micro-Drama Series
On December 26, 2024, CGTN launched “Beyond the Fables,” an AI-driven micro-drama series that blends ancient Chinese myths with modern technological advancements. The series utilizes AI to reimagine mythological figures within contemporary contexts, exploring themes such as transportation infrastructure, space exploration, and green energy. This initiative showcases AI’s potential in creative storytelling and cultural preservation.
ByteDance’s Expansion into Micro-Drama
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, introduced “Melolo,” its first overseas micro-drama app, in mid-November 2024. Launched in markets like Indonesia and the Philippines, Melolo offers a variety of short films across genres such as drama, thriller, and historical pieces. This move signifies ByteDance’s efforts to capitalize on the growing global demand for short-form content.
AI’s Role in Chinese Cinema
The Chinese film industry is increasingly adopting AI technologies in filmmaking. In 2024, Lionsgate partnered with AI startup Runway to develop generative models trained on its extensive film and TV library. Similarly, director James Cameron joined the board of Stability AI, indicating a growing interest in AI’s creative potential. Experts suggest that AI could transform filmmaking from a resource-heavy industry to a more efficient, AI-enhanced model, enabling small teams or individuals to produce high-quality content.
These developments highlight a significant shift towards integrating AI in micro-drama productions, offering new avenues for creativity and efficiency in the entertainment industry.