For $32, tourists can star in their own short drama at Hengdian World Studios
(ECNS) -- Tourists visiting Hengdian World Studios in east China’s Zhejiang Province can now step in front of the camera and play the lead in a vertical-format short drama for 218 yuan ($32), as a newly launched filming experience proves popular with young visitors.
The 218-yuan package includes a standard script and filming, but does not cover makeup, styling or admission to the attraction.
A 388-yuan ($58) option includes makeup and styling. More than 20 scripts are available for individual visitors, with wish-fulfillment storylines similar to those commonly seen in popular online short dramas among the most sought-after choices.
For visitors, the experience involves more than simply dressing up for the camera. Participants act out scripted scenes and may have to perform the same shot several times to get it right.
One woman who traveled from Jiangsu Province said playing a short-drama heroine for the first time was a fresh and enjoyable experience, while another visitor noted that even a single shot could sometimes take several attempts.
The experience had been running for less than a week when the operator said it was already receiving five to six groups a day, totaling around 30 to 40 visitors. More than 100 people had taken part by that point.
Related topics on Douyin had attracted more than 1 million views, while some tourists had traveled by plane from other cities specifically to try the experience.
AI is currently used mainly to generate establishing shots and atmospheric visuals, while its wider application in the filming process is still being explored. Wire-assisted stunt filming featured in some online videos is not yet included in the official experience.
(By Helen Mo, intern Yang Hongran)