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December 24, 2025 49 mins

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18 months ago, we released our episode #99 examining how AI was being used in films, documentaries, and advertising. At the time, most of the more compelling AI-driven work was confined to short-form content. But Chinese content creator and storyteller are doing leapfrog on that area.

As AI tools advance rapidly, they are increasingly taking on more complex roles in filmmaking, including generating entire features and even documentaries. But as reliance on the technology grows, the industry is still grappling with unresolved ethical questions around consent and copyright.

Featuring
- CHEN Zhuo (Pax) : FizzDragon - Founder & CEO
- Tina JIA : Wing Sight - Founder & President
- FAN Lixin : Emmy Award Documentary & AI Filmmaker

To go further
- Middle Earth episode #99 How AI is disrupting China’s cultural industry
- TWOC's article Smart Earth: How AI Is Rewriting Rural China by Yang Tingting
- TWOC's article ChatGPT Gold Rush: How AI Business (and Crime) Is Taking Shape in China by Wang Jiawei
- Wing Sight's documentary series on iQIYI: Prominent Figures in Chinese History (华夏风云人物) (7x22')
- Wing Sight's official website | Wing Sight's Instagram | Wing Sight's Weibo 

Middle Earth is made by China Compass Productions and hosted by Aladin Farré. If you have a China-themed cultural project, like shooting your next documentary, or are looking for a specific talent, please get in touch! 

Chinese speaker? Follow our Bilibili account 阿拉丁_说电影 or RedNote (阿拉丁说电影)

The World of Chinese Magazine
A magazine about Chinese society, culture, history, arts, language, and more.

Poster credit:  Design by Wang Siqi; elements from Doubao AI

The World of Chinese Magazine
A magazine about Chinese society, culture, history, arts, language, and more.

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