"The micro-drama, or duanju, emerged around 2018, and became popular on Douyin, the Chinese precursor to TikTok. Chinese creators were tinkering with something more ambitious: serialized shows shot vertically, for phones, and packed with racy plots, absurd twists, and great swells of emotion."
"On a frosty Tuesday afternoon in February, I took a cab through farmlands and faded storefronts, toward a hulking replica of the Forbidden City. Inside, I found myself in a neon-lit bar, where a crush of Chinese crew members clustered around four white actors in suits, dresses, and powdered makeup."
"The actors sprang to life, staging a lurid scene in which an evil mistress named Selina frames the heroine for killing her unborn child. 'You killed my baby!' Selina cried."
Hengdian World Studios, the largest film complex, produces micro-dramas, serialized soap operas consisting of minute-long episodes. These shows, popular on Douyin, feature dramatic plots and emotional storytelling. The micro-drama format emerged around 2018 and gained traction during the pandemic, leading to a burgeoning industry. Filming involves a collaborative effort between Chinese crew members and international actors, with rapid adjustments made on set to enhance performances. The genre has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing a unique blend of storytelling tailored for mobile viewing.
Read at The New Yorker
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