China's Film and Television Industry Faces Total Collapse: 200,000 Extras in Crisis

China's Film and Television Industry Faces Total Collapse: 200,000 Extras in Crisis (Video)

[People News] Hello, viewers, and welcome to Hotspot Frontline. I am Xiao Kun.

If the mainland film and television industry was once regarded as the 'dream factory' of the Chinese economy, this summer has seen that factory come to a complete halt.

Just a few days ago, an absurd scene unfolded in the film and television industry. A new high-profile film directed by Feng Xiaogang and starring Lei Jiayin and Hu Ge was released, which should have been a guaranteed box office hit. However, what transpired? Even Han Hong, known for her charitable persona, was seen publicly pleading with the audience in Beijing during a promotional event: 'You are troubled, please help us kickstart this first pot of box office.'

This kind of 'moral coercion' sparked outrage across the internet. When even the works of top directors and acclaimed actors have sunk to the level of needing to 'beg' for survival, it highlights that the Chinese film and television industry is experiencing an unprecedented 'collective return to poverty.' From the anxiety of numerous stars facing career stagnation, to the professional exile of mid-tier actors, and the lunchbox defense battle of 200,000 extras, this is not merely a winter for the industry; it marks the beginning of a complete 'lying flat' phenomenon in the Chinese consumer market.

While top stars may still manage to maintain their popularity by sharing their struggles, mid-tier actors have been completely marginalized. They possess acting skills and experience, yet the industry's project cutbacks have turned even the prospect of 'steady roles' into a luxury. After several months of filming, and after taxes and agent commissions are deducted, their take-home pay often amounts to less than that of an average white-collar worker, with only 5,000 yuan per month. When their ability to withstand professional risks plummets to zero, they are left with no choice but to quietly exit the industry, resorting to food delivery or becoming streamers. This is not a 'transformation'; it is a forced exile.

Now, let’s turn our attention to Hengdian. The 200,000 extras here represent the most poignant sacrifices in this harsh winter.

As the short drama market contracts, the daily wage for extras has plummeted to as low as 80 yuan, leading to fierce competition. In the Hengdian extras union, signing up is always a long shot, as everyone vies for that daily box meal. With the rise of AI production technology, which can create a short drama for just a few thousand yuan, capital has unhesitatingly abandoned real actors, leaving these low-level workers with no means of survival.

In this winter of the industry, where anxiety is rampant, what truly sustains a person's spirit, aside from willpower, is their physical well-being.

Why is China's film and television industry in freefall? Is it simply due to the prevalence of poor-quality films? The most significant reason lies in the 'collapse of confidence' within the entire Chinese consumer market.

Take a look at this data: in May, the total retail sales of consumer goods saw a year-on-year decline, with sectors related to marriage and childbirth, such as automobiles, home appliances, and renovations, experiencing a collective drop of over 10%. What does this signify? It signifies that the average person's finances are genuinely strained. Film and television products are fundamentally 'emotional consumption', relying on discretionary income. When even basic necessities like buying a home and getting married are being curtailed, who has the inclination to spend money on a movie ticket or to support so-called top stars?

The disappearance of film crews in Hengdian is just a reflection of the harsh winter facing the film and television industry. We should not hold out hope that 'things will improve next month', as the market's downturn cannot be reversed by mere slogans. Recognizing the reality is essential to avoid being among those sacrificed when the next significant change occurs.

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(‘Hotspot Frontline’)
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