Grassroots performers chase dreams of stardom

Improvements made

In 2013, major reforms were introduced by the guild, including clarification of performers' salaries, the introduction of acting certificates, and paying actors in different ways. The overall aim was to standardize management and improve service quality.

That year, Zhang Yongmin, a native of Beijing, decided to move to Hengdian after receiving strong support from his friends.

Reviewing the past 10 years, he said, "I hope to be cast in more different roles. Hengdian has a large demand for actors, and I have more room to develop.

"In Beijing, the film and TV industry has limited resources, and the city's original shooting bases for such productions are relatively old. In contrast, Hengdian is constantly developing, and there are infinite possibilities."

Zhang, who has acted as a minister, a butler, knight-errant and a military officer, has also worked as an assistant director and executive producer.

"The film and TV cultural resources in Hengdian are unique in China," Zhang said, adding that development of the entire industry chain for such productions has seen the town accumulate historical and cultural resources with a long history."

Three years ago, Zhang started to give public welfare training classes for performers registered with the guild, teaching performance skills to new arrivals.

Wang Qianqian, who was born in 1997, honed her performance skills in these classes. In just six months, she progressed from being an ordinary extra to a special actor, and her salary rose by five or six times.

"Every month, the guild selects those with prospects and also special actors. As long as you study hard, can endure hardship, and are not too picky, you can find plenty of opportunities here," Wang said.

It is not only the performers, but also the crew members, who find such openings in Hengdian.

Wang Xiaogang said: "When I was an assistant director, I traveled all over the country to find extras that met our requirements, but I always failed. The problem was not resolved until I returned to shoot in Hengdian."

Earlier this year, Long Xinyue, a special actor who has been in the industry for more than 10 years, was placed in a show with Zhang Songwen, who plays the lead role in the popular TV series The Knockout.

For Long, Hengdian is not only well equipped to be a center for film and TV production work, but is also a captivating place where ambitions can be pursued.

After graduating from Guangdong ATV College of Performing Arts, she worked in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, before arriving in Hengdian.

Last year, Long took part in the first ratings assessment held in Dongyang for mass performers.

"Compared with other places, Hengdian is fairer and gives everyone an equal opportunity. I believe I will realize my dreams here one day," she said.