Chen Yilong, a Chinese actor with two decades of experience, signed a contract in August to license his image to a production studio, as work becomes scarce. He will create facial expressions for an AI-generated avatar that will star in a movie. The Chinese film industry is increasingly utilizing AI-driven storytelling, particularly in the production of micro dramas, which are short videos popular among audiences. In the first quarter of this year, the number of Chinese-made micro dramas surged to 128,000, with over 95% created using AI, according to the China Netcasting Services Association.
Chinese companies are exploring AI video generation software, such as Seedance, which was showcased by ByteDance in Santa Monica. The technology allows for low-cost production of content, enabling anyone with a laptop to create entertainment. Michael Berry, a professor at UCLA, suggests that trends in China's entertainment industry may foreshadow changes in Hollywood.
Hengdian World Studios, known as "China's Hollywood," has seen a decline in short-drama productions, with reports indicating that only 800 out of 10,000 extras are hired daily. Chen estimates that many actors have lost over 60% of their work this year, partly due to a shift towards shorter video formats.
While some actors are losing work, others, like entertainment lawyer Fan Baile, are busy with legal cases regarding the unauthorized use of likenesses for digital avatars. The rapid advancement of AI technology has outpaced regulation, complicating legal assessments of likeness infringement. Notable actors like Jackson Yee and Dilraba Dilmura have taken legal action against unauthorized use of their images.
The Actors Committee of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations has called for stricter compliance with laws regarding AI-generated content. However, policing these infringements remains challenging. Sun Wei, founder of Feixiang Universe, emphasizes the need to license real people's likenesses to avoid legal issues.
AI-generated performers often share similar features, prompting studios to seek diverse faces for digitization. Sun's team utilizes AI tools to produce films at a fraction of traditional costs, with a 90-minute AI film costing around $500,000 compared to $30 million for a conventional series.
Despite advancements, directors like Lu Beike express concerns about the quality of AI-generated content, noting difficulties in achieving depth and complex lighting. Chen Qiufan, a science-fiction writer, observes a growing backlash against AI content, with some creators branding their films as "100% Human-Produced." He suggests that audiences may prefer live performances over AI-generated content, stating, "AI isn’t art; it is just a product."