Will microdramas replace traditional TV shows in China? - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

If you’re on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, chances are you’ve come across microdramas: 30 to 90-second videos with over-the-top and emotional plots. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger. It’s easy to get addicted. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM  Microdramas first started in China around 2018, and in 2024, the microdrama industry surpassed China’s film box office for the first time. The success of this multibillion dollar model has since spread around the world – in the US, South Korea, and across South East Asia. Some companies are now using Artificial Intelligence to produce these short drama series. While AI can dramatically cut production times, it is also reshaping the industry and putting jobs at risk.   In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko unpacks the economics behind the global microdrama boom with Eunice Yang, a reporter with the BBC Chinese service, who has spoken to actors whose jobs have been affected by AI. Also on the show is David Kwok, the founder of the Singapore-based Tiny Island Productions, a company that works with microdrama companies across China and internationally. 00:00 Introduction 01:33 What defines a microdrama 02:47 Why have microdramas become so popular? 03:39 Who's watching microdramas? 04:41 The power of emotion in microdrama storylines 07:25 Are microdramas growing outside of China? 08:09 Are microdramas cheaper to make? 09:19 What is pay like for actors? 10:27 How China's government is restricting storylines 12:28 How is AI affecting microdramas? 15:11 Are actors worried about AI? 16:56 Is this the beginning of the end for long-form dramas? Watch more episodes of Asia Specific here 👉🏽    • Asia Specific   ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Twitter 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Facebook 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #microdramas #ai #reels #drama #chinesedrama #微短剧 #短剧