The micro-drama market is seeing a surge in demand for elderly actors to play roles like “Board Chairman’s Dad.” An 81-year-old retired man reportedly earns up to 8,000 yuan per day for such roles. “It’s better than sitting around doing nothing — if you’ve got the acting skills, you can make good money,” he said.
In January, a 600-year-old village in Dengfeng, Henan, transformed into “Shudian Film Base” and became an online sensation. Almost every villager here has become a natural performer. Even the farm animals are in high demand as extras — a donkey can earn up to 500 yuan per day, while chickens, ducks, and geese also receive “appearance fees.” These animal actors need no training; their daily lives are the most authentic performances. The micro-drama boom has brought new life to this ancient village, allowing many young migrant workers to return home, earn a living locally, and stay with their families.