When it comes to China's film industry, what may spring to mind for most Chinese is the Hengdian World Studios – often dubbed China's Hollywood or "Chinawood" – which has provided a backdrop for many popular domestic films and TV series. Now after a shutdown lasting months, filmmaking is struggling to rebound.

When entering the small town in East China with a worldwide reputation for film productions, you can feel the vibe. The streets are filled with posters featuring films that were produced here as well as actors and actresses who have shot to fame as a consequence. Bumping into a famous star is not uncommon. And for many new graduates in acting or filming, it is no exaggeration to say this town has grown into a pantheon of actors and actresses.

Replicas of ancient Chinese palaces, including the Forbidden City and the Old Summer Palace, are also visible. Nearly all the best-known Chinese costume dramas have been produced here, hence the large numbers of tourists who visit each year.

With the coronavirus under control in China, Hengdian is back to life as more crews resume work. CGTN got to follow a crew working on a costume drama scheduled to air next year.

"The pandemic mainly affected the preparation for filming," said Ma Zhanyou, a producer at Shanghai Film and Television Media. "It took us much longer.

"In terms of management, the cost is higher. Some members from Taipei were quarantined for a week in Shanghai and for another seven days in Hengdian. The cost adds up. But now the situation is manageable due to stringent anti-epidemic measures." 

'Hengpiao' returning to Hengdian

"Hengpiao" refers to those pursuing their acting dreams and passion in Hengdian. Many of them have spent scores of years in the town in the hope of making it big. Due to the months of the shutdown of Chinese cinemas during the pandemic, nearly all film extras became redundant. After the lockdown was lifted, many of them, together with filming crews, are returning to Hengdian, to rekindle their aspirations. 

Among them are new graduates in drama and acting, some of whom we found on film sets trying their luck as extras.

"I just graduated, and unfortunately the pandemic erupted. Job hunting has been difficult in all sectors. I came here a month ago. I usually work for a few days straight and then take a rest when I'm too tired. The workload is not bad. I have a lot to do now," said Jia Xinrong, a new graduate in acting.

'Bubbles of China's film industry have been busted'

Hengdian World Studios was constructed back in the 1990s and has since grown into one of the world's largest film sets, especially for costume dramas.

As more capital has flowed into China's lucrative film industry in recent years, multiple sets have been built across the nation, including the Shanghai Film Park, Zhongshan TV and Film City in South China's Guangdong Province and Wanda Qingdao Studio funded by the real estate conglomerate Dalian Wanda in east China's Shandong Province.

Due to comparatively loose regulations in the film industry in the past, problems arose in the sector, involving scandals involving tax evasion among TV celebrities. Chief among them was Fan Bingbing,  who was fined over 800 million yuan (about 115 million U.S. dollars) for dishonest tax reporting.

"The bubbles in the film industry, especially in 2016 when more capital was injected in the sector [have been busted]. After the taxation department ramped up efforts in regulating tax payment, the industry is more disciplined. Now the film industry is healthier," said Xu Xiaoqin, deputy general manager of Hengdian World Studios.

Ma Zhanyou opined that the interests of people who work in the film sector should be better protected. "I hope more workers' unions can be established in the future, including unions for producers, cameramen and art designers," added Ma.

Read more: 

A glimpse of Hengdian, China's Hollywood

Story of Fighting COVID-19: Extras in 'Chinese Hollywood' face hardship amid COVID-19

Live: China's Hollywood comes back to life as COVID-19 is under control

(Cover from CGTN)