Measures to support microdramas (2026-2029)

The Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports has introduced the “Operational Measures of the Microdrama Support Plan for Promoting High-quality Development of Digital Creative Industry,” which took effect March 13, 2026 and will remain valid for three years.

The measures are aimed to accelerate high-quality development in the city’s services sector, foster high-quality growth in the microdrama industry, and help establish the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a hub for the film and television industry.

The information below summarizes only part of the broader initiative described in the full article. For more details, visit: https://wtl.sz.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfgjzcjd/whscsp/content/post_12687756.html 

Under the plan, a microdrama is defined as an audio-visual work released in episodes of no more than 20 minutes each, with a clear theme and a main storyline featuring relatively continuous and complete narrative arcs. 

The support plan includes two major components — Microdrama Production and Microdrama Industry Services — covering 11 categories.

Microdrama Production includes premium microdrama production, market-driven microdrama production, AIGC and ultra-high-definition (UHD) microdrama production, and works filmed in Shenzhen.

Microdrama Industry Services includes construction and operation of industrial parks/bases, filming spaces, streaming platforms and public service platforms, R&D and technological innovation, industry events, and talent agencies and talent management.

The measures provide differentiated, targeted subsidies. The total funding for a single applicant in a single application batch must not exceed 5 million yuan. All funding is provided on a post-event reimbursement basis.

Subsidies in Microdrama Production: 

Premium, market-driven, AIGC/UHD, and in-Shenzhen filming projects are eligible for tiered subsidies of up to 2 million yuan per project. For market-driven productions, eligible overseas distribution of microdramas may receive an additional subsidy of up to 20% on top of the tiered amount.

AIGC microdramas aired on China Central Television, provincial satellite channels, or domestic/overseas online video platforms that feature identifiable Shenzhen cultural tourism landmarks may receive an additional production subsidy of up to 5,000 yuan per minute of scene duration.

Projects that tell Shenzhen-themed stories, promote Shenzhen’s city image, or explore science-fiction themes are eligible for a 50% increase in support. For such projects, the maximum total funding for a single applicant per project is 3 million yuan.

Projects with most scenes filmed in Shenzhen that clearly feature Shenzhen landmarks, transportation hubs, public facilities, tourist attractions, and distinctive cityscapes may receive support of up to 2 million yuan.

Subsidies in Microdrama Industry Services:  

Industrial parks/bases, filming spaces, and distribution platforms: up to 5 million yuan cumulative each

Public service platforms: up to 2 million yuan annually (multiple applications allowed)

R&D innovation and talent agencies: up to 2 million yuan each

Industry events: up to 2 million yuan (except nationally recognized short-drama festivals approved through special procedures).