Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of the film and television industry in China, highlighting the shift towards short dramas and the sentiments of established actors like Ning Jing and Li Ruotong regarding their careers and the industry's direction [1][5][19]. Group 1: Ning Jing's Perspective - Ning Jing, a 53-year-old actress, expressed her discontent with the current film industry, stating that she has not been offered significant roles and feels that many behind-the-scenes creators do not meet her professional standards [1][5]. - She emphasized her unwillingness to act in roles that do not align with her talents, stating, "I love acting, so I don't want to harm this profession" [5][6]. - Ning Jing mentioned that she could direct but finds it too time-consuming, indicating a desire for more engaging projects [5][6]. Group 2: Rise of Short Dramas - The short drama market is rapidly expanding, with notable actors like Li Ruotong and Liu Xiaoqing entering this space, indicating a trend among established stars to explore shorter formats [7][11][19]. - Li Ruotong's short drama "Afternoon Rose" achieved significant success, with over 1.7 billion views and a total investment of 800 million yuan, showcasing the commercial viability of short dramas [7][19]. - The micro-short drama market in China reached a scale of 505 billion yuan in 2024, surpassing the previous year's film box office, indicating a shift in viewer preferences [19][20]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and International Expansion - The competition in the micro-short drama sector is intensifying, with over 30 micro-short dramas broadcasted on provincial satellite TV, contrasting with the 30,000 new short dramas released annually [19][20]. - The overseas market for short dramas is also growing, with downloads exceeding 10 million in 2024, particularly in Southeast Asia, suggesting a significant commercial potential [20].