New China - 70 Years On: The aspirations and struggles of China's background actors

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Nicknamed China's Hollywood, Hengdian not only attracts hundreds of movie crews every year, but also thousands of Chinese actors who dream of being in the spotlight. Many start in Hengdian, by playing the role of an on-set extra. CGTN's Xu Mengqi shows us their struggles.

Background actors appear in nearly all of our favorite comedies and dramas. Although they are seldom in the spotlight, playing an extra is often the first step for those who want to try their luck at a speaking role. Or better yet, a lead role.

ZHANG WENCAI BACKGROUND ACTOR "After a grand shot, the crew will film the tight shots and close-ups of the principal actors. And I will stay around to watch and imitate."

Zhang Wencai is just one in the six to eight thousand active background actors in Hengdian. While some come to pursue dreams of being actors or actresses, others are here just for the fun and thrill of acting.

MA JIANSHAN BACKGROUND ACTOR "I like it because it makes me happy. I can often see celebrities. And this also gives me more freedom than working in a factory."

XU MENGQI HENGDIAN "For background actors, a passing glimpse in one short scene is often the closest they'll get to the limelight, and while at times it's highly repetitive work, at other times, all extras do, is just wait around to be called."

The long waits involved with an extra's role can be exhausting, and every year thousands leave after working long hours for little pay. But for some, even the slimmest chances of success are still worth trying.

ZHANG WENCAI BACKGROUND ACTOR "I want to be like the Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat. He also played background for 8 years. I think if he could persist, and later win a dream role, I can, too."

Zhang's persistence, did land him a speaking role, after playing three and a half years of background extras. He says he focuses on living today to its fullest before tomorrow comes. XMQ, CGTN, HD, ZJ.