The rise of artificial intelligence in China’s entertainment industry has triggered a widespread employment crisis, leaving popular actors struggling to secure work and turning to alternative livelihoods such as selling vegetables or licensing their likenesses, according to industry reports. Once-lucrative monthly earnings of 20,000 yuan (approximately Rp 53 jutaan) to 30,000 yuan (approximately Rp 80 jutaan) have sharply evaporated for performers displaced by automated production tools.
Displaced Actors Shift to Vegetable Stalls and Empty Schedules
According to recent reports from the entertainment sector, actors who previously filmed 15 to 16 hours a day are now exiting the industry entirely. Xu Peng, a prominent short-form drama actor at the height of his career, returned to his hometown to sell vegetables after roles dried up. Major industry figures are facing similar public struggles. Actor Dong Zijian made headlines at the Weibo Night event when he announced from the stage that his schedule was completely empty, inviting industry workers to contact him if acting opportunities arose. Another prominent actor, Liu Haoran, publicly requested work from directors after reportedly going more than 140 days without receiving a single casting offer.
On platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu, some short-form drama casting groups offer as little as 100 yuan (Rp 267 ribuan) to buy faces, a process requiring only two to three photos and a signed consent agreement that takes about 10 minutes.
The Financial Realities of Selling Your Face to AI
To generate income amid the downturn, performers are increasingly selling their digital likenesses, though compensation varies wildly. Hong Kong actor Lawrence Ng secured a profitable arrangement, selling his younger face for use in an AI-generated film without needing to perform. However, reports show that most actors receive drastically lower payouts, ranging from 500 yuan (Rp 1,5 jutaan) to 1.500 yuan (Rp 4 jutan). Production teams are now occasionally inserting mandatory likeness-licensing clauses directly into standard casting agreements, requiring actors to surrender digital rights if they want to secure a role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Chinese drama actors losing their jobs to artificial intelligence?
Production teams are increasingly utilizing automated tools and digital likenesses to produce content more efficiently, reducing the need to hire human actors for traditional roles.
How much do actors get paid for selling their faces to AI?
While high-profile performers can secure lucrative deals, standard compensation for most actors ranges from 500 yuan (Rp 1,5 jutaan) to 1.500 yuan (Rp 4 jutan), with some casting groups offering as low as 100 yuan (Rp 267 ribuan).
Are production studios forcing actors to sign away their likeness rights?
Yes. Some production teams now include mandatory likeness-selling clauses in their casting agreements, making digital rights surrender a condition for securing a role.
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