The World's Largest Film Studio Is Home to 30,000 Actors

Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang, China, is the world's largest outdoor film studio. From Zhang Yimou's "Hero" to "Story of Yanxi Palace," 70% of China's period dramas are filmed here.

Aspiring actors from across the country come in hopes of making it big. An estimated 30,000 people live and work in Hengdian. But many of them leave after a few months, frustrated by the competition and stress of landing a big role.

We followed an actor in Hengdian waiting for his first speaking role and asked him about the challenges of being an actor in China's Hollywood.

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#china #hollywood #film

Producer: Thomas Yau
Script and Narration: Jessica Novia
Editor: Joel Roche

Music: Audio Network

[carmenirigoyen-lopez]

This actor has everything he needs to make his dream come true: patience, hard worker, perseverance, good looks, great voice! I am sure that he will succeed!

[hiraya]

Story of Yanxi Palace is the first Cdrama i watched and finished despite of its 70+ number of episodes. I fell in love with their way of acting and the costumes are sooo impressive. Now, i still keep watching cdramas. I have huge respect to all those who make up the production team. They are so creative, talented, and hardworking.

[lillyz]

I really like how China also films historical dramas that embraces their culture and costumes back then! I can't believe that The Untamed, The blooms at ruyi pavilion, and much much more are all filmed there! Every historical drama I search up from china are mostly filmed there! It's so pretty and real!!

[youxarexmyxsunshine]

This is amazing. I’m always interested in Chinese dramas and movies and how the behind the scenes works. Thanks for covering this.

[AmericanMeiling]

I like that " I want to become an actor, not a star .. " there is a huge difference & many will never understand that 🤔 Good Luck!!! 加油！！！

[Kayenne]

"Hero" is truly the best movie I've ever witnessed. Every single detail was important. The colors...the moods. The acting.

[shuhan]

Love Heng Dian! This is also where The Untamed was filmed! Wish to visit this place one day!

[moonwillcome]

thought they used the real forbidden city 😳 incredible set

[bobh]

An interesting portrayal of a young man with his head on straight about the tough career he has chosen. Nice job guys!!! (As usual)

[samyconpro]

We have America which uses its own landmarks and its own nature made set and sometimes a small studio...BUT...then we have China who puts in much hard work on these real life scaled cities. We need to appreciate all the hard work put into these series, movie’s 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇨🇳🎆

[marylandgirl]

Wow. I thought they were using actual historical locations for the filming. These are crazy elaborate sets!

[MegaSpaceMolly]

Is this where they filmed Empresses in the Palace? I LOVE that show!!!

[myriampro]

I've searched his name in My Drama List. Yu Peng is doing fine! He appears in a lot of dramas as support actor.
Very interesting reportage. The Hengian Studio is in my bucket list, i'll keep watching dramas in the meantime.

[godzillamothra]

I have to admit, when I first heard they build this city studio, I thought they were just wasting money. Never thought it will be a huge success, even the Koreans are making movies there.

[prescillaolangcay]

Which means that their is so much employment in this industry not just 30, 000 actors but other things like assistants managers make up artist and etc etc

[mondaysformatcha]

I watched ruyi royal love and thought it was a real historical place I was amazed by it!

[iinnrrr]

Look at the production scale of this. This actually put Mulan live action made by Disney into shame tbh

[glisteningsnow]

I wish him good luck, I hope he succeeds to become an actor :-)

[calil]

If I'm not mistaken, I saw this sctor in Under The Power C-drama Starring Allen Ren and Seven Tan. He is one of the antagonist!

[keryssdhl]

ive seen this actor in a lot of dramas as an extra, keep up the good work!