AI-generated content transforms China's short film industry

AI-generated content, or AIGC, is revolutionizing the short film industry by producing digital text, images, and videos, empowering creators to explore diverse styles and innovative content.

In late August, China Media Group (CMG) launched an AI-themed evening gala, displaying short videos entirely created with AIGC.

According to data, the event has attracted over 600 million views as of September 5.

Huang Zhongzhong, the creative partner of China-based AI creative studio Kling AI, was involved in producing one of the short films showcased at this event.

"Traditional film special effects require large investments and take a long time, but with AI, the process has become much easier. We completed this short film in about a week," said Huang.

According to Huang, the AI tool he used was advanced enough to create expressive visuals and natural movements.

"We had strict requirements for generating the first and last frame storyboards. Kling AI met our needs with consistent character modeling, detailed props, accurate scene reproduction, smooth transitions, and realistic physical movements," he said.

The AI-themed evening gala highlighted the rapid growth and potential of AI generated content in China.

"Since June 2024, Kling has grown its global user base to over 45 million. In the second quarter of 2025, Kling's revenue exceeded 250 million yuan (about 35.09 million U.S. dollars)," said Wang Ruoxuan, senior product operations manager of Kling AI.

"AI has become a valuable tool for filmmakers. It inspires more creators to experiment with different styles and content, fostering a vibrant and diverse market," said Liu Mengya, dean of the Digital Media School at the Beijing Film Academy.

AI-generated content transforms China's short film industry

China's fiscal revenue increased by 0.8 percent year on year to nearly 18.65 trillion yuan (about 2.63 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first 10 months of 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance on Monday.

The central government collected approximately 8.19 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue during this period, which was down 0.8 percent year on year, while local governments collected 10.46 trillion yuan, up 2.1 percent.

In the first 10 months, China's tax revenue totaled 15.34 trillion yuan, an increase of 1.7 percent year on year. The country's non-tax revenue decreased by 3.1 percent to 3.31 trillion yuan during this period.

China's fiscal expenditure expanded 2 percent year on year to 22.58 trillion yuan during the first 10 months of 2025.

Spending on education came in at roughly 3.41 trillion yuan, up 4.7 percent year on year.

Science and technology expenditure totaled 784.7 billion yuan -- an increase of 5.7 percent.

Spending on social security and employment, meanwhile, came in at 3.77 trillion yuan during this period, up 9.3 percent.

China's fiscal revenue up 0.8 pct in first 10 months