LayarHijau.com – China’s film industry is currently shaken by a serious proposal that could directly affect our favorite celebrities. At the opening of this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, several top industry figures openly called for a reduction in film production costs—including the hefty fees paid to A-list stars.
This isn’t just a minor issue. Key industry players such as Wang Changtian (Chairman of Enlight Media), Li Jie (President of Damai Entertainment), and Chen Zhixi (Chairwoman of Wanda Films) have voiced their concern over skyrocketing production budgets that are no longer in line with the steadily declining box office revenue.
According to them, the film industry is facing increasingly high risks. The number of moviegoers is dropping, theater revenue is unstable, and yet production costs—especially actors’ and directors’ fees—keep climbing. Some films are still offering fees based on the “golden era” rates, even though the market landscape has changed dramatically, wrote Sohu.
Chen Zhixi pointed out that films like Jian Bing Man used to be produced with just 12 million yuan. Now? Even 120 million yuan often isn’t enough. Young directors who once thrived on small-scale projects are now demanding large productions, high standards, and long timelines that stretch over three years or more. All of this is putting enormous pressure on budgets.
They also emphasized one key issue: the high fees of lead actors. In several newly approved projects, main actors are still demanding top-tier pay—even when those projects are unlikely to break even at the box office. For these executives, such practices are not only unrealistic but also threaten the sustainability of the entire film ecosystem.
Who Will Be Affected?
If this proposal is actually implemented, top actors and actresses will be the first to feel the impact. The star power that once guaranteed high paychecks may now face reductions. Lavish productions with grand sets and elaborate special effects are also likely to be scaled back. Producers may turn instead to strong storytelling with modest or low budgets.
Popular idols who usually star in high-budget blockbusters may have to adapt to simpler genres or more modest projects. For young and lesser-known actors, this might actually open up more opportunities, as producers look for fresh faces with more affordable rates.
How Will This Affect the Audience?
As viewers, we may need to prepare for a shift in what kinds of films we’ll be watching. Movies with stunning visuals and top-tier casts may no longer dominate the screen. But on the bright side, we might see more original stories that rely on strong writing rather than just special effects or star power.
Industry leaders are also pushing for revenue diversification. Merchandising, international sales, and licensing are becoming more important. Even technologies like AI and virtual studios are being used to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
This movement also highlights the crucial role of the audience. When we demand quality, reject mediocre films, or blindly support celebrities without caring about the storyline, the industry responds. Today’s viewers are more critical, more aesthetically aware, and more emotionally driven in their choices.
The Industry Must Change, But Are We Ready?
China’s film industry is clearly at a turning point. Everyone—from producers to young creators—is being asked to innovate and start fresh. But as fans, we also need to reset our expectations.
Are we ready to embrace a new era of more frugal but more heartfelt Chinese cinema? Or will we lose interest when our favorite stars no longer grace the big screen as often as before?
Will It Extend to the Drama Industry?
While this discussion is centered on films, it’s undeniable that the TV drama industry faces similar challenges. Could this push for efficiency spill over into the world of serial dramas, which are also packed with popular actors commanding sky-high fees? Only time will tell.
