Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-10-22 15:27Core Viewpoint - The traditional film industry is increasingly entering the short drama sector, with major players like China Film and Huayi Brothers launching short drama projects, while internet giants like Baidu and Douyin are also competing for market share. The short drama market in China is projected to reach 50.5 billion yuan in 2024, surpassing the annual box office for the first time [1]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The short drama market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected size of 50.5 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [1]. - Cities are competing to become "short drama capitals," with Zhengzhou ranking second nationally in terms of comprehensive strength in the micro-short drama industry [1][3]. - Zhengzhou has seen a 75.6% increase in job demand in the short drama sector in the third quarter of this year, leading the country with a 13.3% share of job postings [1]. Group 2: Zhengzhou's Development - Zhengzhou aims to establish itself as a "micro-short drama creation capital" through new policies that support the industry, reflecting its growing production capacity and market scale [3]. - The city has produced over 3,860 micro-short drama works this year, with 315 pieces making it to the national short drama popularity list, marking a 27.1% increase from the previous year [7]. - The micro-short drama industry in Zhengzhou is characterized by a "production line" approach, focusing on quantity over quality, which has raised concerns about sustainability and artistic integrity [3][13]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Zhengzhou's micro-short drama industry faces challenges from other cities like Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, which are also developing their own short drama sectors and have established cultural industry advantages [20]. - The industry in Zhengzhou is criticized for its lack of originality and reliance on standard production processes, which limits its influence and resource mobilization capabilities [21]. - There is a growing need for Zhengzhou to enhance its cultural strength and diversify its business model beyond production to include script originality and IP incubation [21][22].