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China's Hengdian World Studios, the largest television and film studio in the world, has pivoted from catering to passive fans to casting them as stars
For roughly 200 yuan (RM130) per person, visitors can now shoot their own short dramas.
According to the South China Morning Post, this initiative serves as a survival strategy amid the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the television production industry.
The booming short drama market has recently collapsed into an AI-driven bubble
In the first quarter of this year, 95% of the 128,000 newly released short dramas were generated entirely by AI.
Consequently, local crew members, known as heng piao (people who 'float' in Hengdian), now face severe job shortages.
To stay afloat, the studio has launched a bespoke experiential tourism service.
Tourists can pay a baseline of 218 yuan (RM141) for a one-hour acting stint. For 388 yuan (RM252), clients receive full make-up and styling services.
Group packages ranging from 3,800 yuan (RM2,470) to 12,000 yuan (RM7,800) are also available for teambuilding.
Unemployed directors and extras now coach tourists, offering acting demonstrations and sharing emotional cues to coax out authentic performances. One director reported shooting up to 20 short dramas in a single day thanks to the programme.
One sub-studio even received an order from a young mother for 17 bespoke dramas over six months, an experience she likened to a psychological consultation
According to director Wu Yizhuo, the most requested storyline involves an arrogant character discovering the protagonist's powerful identity.
Wu characterised this preference as a pursuit of emotional value.
Online, the reception to this new tourism model has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
