Hengdian World Studios, one of the world's largest film studios located in China, has launched a new service allowing tourists to star in their own short films. Starting at $30 per person (or $58 including professional hair and makeup), visitors can experience a one-hour shoot guided by professional directors. Group packages for families or friends range up to $1,780, with some returning guests participating in dozens of shoots.

Beyond boosting tourism, this creative service serves as an essential income stream for film crews facing industry shifts. As artificial intelligence now generates up to 95 percent of new short dramas in China, hosting interactive shoots for tourists allows directors and technicians to stay active while offering visitors a unique theatrical experience.