Hu Xiu·2025-08-19 00:00Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in the film and television sector is closely linked to the "21 Measures" issued by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), which aims to revitalize the industry by addressing key pain points such as the limitation on the number of episodes and the scheduling of seasonal dramas [1][10][19]. Industry Impact - The NRTA's "21 Measures" include lifting the 40-episode cap, removing the one-year interval requirement for seasonal dramas, and relaxing restrictions on the broadcast ratio of historical dramas, which are expected to significantly benefit the industry [10][11][19]. - The measures have been described as a "timely rain" for the industry, which has faced challenges such as tightened procurement by platforms and a decline in both production and viewership [3][9][19]. Market Reaction - On August 18, the cultural media index rose by 3.11%, with net inflows exceeding 10.257 billion yuan, indicating strong market confidence in the sector following the announcement of the "21 Measures" [4][7]. - Several companies, including Huazhi Shumedia, Huace Film & TV, and Ciweng Media, saw their stock prices hit the daily limit, reflecting investor optimism [4][7]. Production and Content Creation - The industry is witnessing a resurgence in production activity, with multiple film crews accelerating their preparations for new projects, as indicated by increased restaurant bookings in production hubs like Hengdian [3][20]. - The measures are expected to encourage the development of high-quality IPs, allowing for continuous and high-quality content creation, which is crucial for revitalizing the long-form drama market [13][19]. Long-term Trends - The decline in the number of dramas produced has been alarming, with a drop from 429 dramas in 2014 to only 115 in 2024, a decrease of 73% [9][17]. - The rise of short dramas has created a competitive environment for long dramas, with platforms reallocating resources towards shorter formats [9][19]. Future Outlook - The "21 Measures" are anticipated to stimulate both supply and demand in the market, potentially leading to a more vibrant and profitable industry landscape [8][19]. - Companies are optimistic that the new policies will attract capital back into long-form dramas, which have been neglected in favor of shorter formats [18][19].