More micro-dramas to screen on television

Terrestrial TV channels are set to air more micro-dramas, a format that has become increasingly popular in the internet era, in a bid to win back viewing share from the likes of mobile phones and tablets.

In August, the National Radio and Television Administration issued 21 measures to boost the supply of radio, television and audiovisual content. A key measure among them is encouraging high-quality microdramas to be broadcast on television.

Director Wang Yuchao, 32, whose micro-drama When Stars Align was broadcast on Hunan TV this summer, has welcomed the possibility of her work finding wider audiences.

"Micro-dramas typically have small budgets, which makes platforms more willing to give young creators like myself a chance, even allowing us to experiment with innovative ideas," she said. "This new policy means micro-dramas have access to television broadcasting channels, and it's likely to bring us even more opportunities."

Wang admitted that opportunities come with challenges, too. "The bar is higher when it comes to content quality. And some TV viewers don't really watch short videos on their mobile phones that much — their take on storyline pace and values is different."

She added that as these micro-dramas are also available online, it's essential to consider how to capture the attention of young audiences as well, such as by creating plot conflicts and twists in a short episode.

When Stars Align centers on the renovation of Yueyang Tower in Hunan province and delves into the inheritance of craftsmanship. The story follows a Song Dynasty (960-1279) craftsman who, through time travel, has an unexpected encounter with a modern architecture student.

The duo share their different concepts on the restoration of old architecture, and a dialogue about tradition and modernity unfolds. They also discuss the mortise and tenon in traditional Chinese architecture and three-dimensional modeling in modern times.

Wang said the most difficult aspect of micro-dramas is the script, and that it can be as time-consuming as writing a full-length drama. "We have to fit in a complete story, well-developed characters, and layered dramatic arcs into a short runtime," she said.

"It means that creators should reflect on what the true, the good, and the beautiful and positive social energy really mean in storytelling. It is not about chanting empty slogans, nor about completely sidelining villains. Instead, the actions of villains must conform to human nature — there should be no unprovoked evil in character portrayal."

On top of that, Wang said she needed to skillfully weave in cultural and tourism elements into When Stars Align, while ensuring it doesn't turn into just another city promo.

Characters in the micro-drama drink Junshan Yinzhen (silver needle), a local tea, and use ancient methods to cook fish from Dongting Lake infused with tea.

She noted that the tea is a local specialty and the fish dish not only drives the plot but also fosters character relationships.

"Food always resonates with audiences. Characters and stories come first — local scenery, landmarks and food must serve them. Audiences should never sense that we're pushing these elements just for show," she added.

"Creating such cultural-tourism microdramas places higher demands on how the shooting team, including myself, should collaborate with the local cultural and tourism bureau, for example, on how to mobilize all available resources to get the work done."

According to Yan Min, a social media critic, the new measures will further drive microdramas to enhance their quality. Micro-dramas fill broadcast slots with fast-paced content while also attracting more viewers to watch television. As a burgeoning industry, microdramas can catalyze the growth of the traditional television industry as well, Yan said.

"Whether it's facilitating cultural communication, enabling discussions on social issues, or integrating with different industries, micro-dramas will have more diverse forms as the sector thrives," he said.

Yan pointed out the importance of building an ecosystem that can effectively motivate, nurture and retain creative talents in the industry.

xulin@chinadaily.com.cn