Shooting: Hustle and bustle returns

Labeled hengpiao, or Hengdian drifters, they travel long distances from their hometowns for the chance to realize their dreams, but they seldom speak lines or appear in credits.

There are more than 80,000 registered hengpiao, according to the Hengdian World Studios Performer Association, including 6,000 to 8,000 who remain in the town all year round.

Zhou Fenglai, vice-president of Hengdian World Studios Management Services Co, said that with the outbreak under control, extras can now apply to the Hengdian authorities for actors’ passes by using their health QR code and travel records.

Local restaurants, hotels and guesthouses have welcomed the crews’ return.

Zhejiang Daily reported that more than 90% of the Dongyang Qiyang Film and Television Equipment Rental Co’s gear has been hired by crews since the middle of July amid increased demand.

Sun Qiyang, the company’s chairman, said that since mid-March business had gradually returned to the level of previous years. In addition, in early March the company and some of its competitors promised to provide rental services at the lowest prices possible until the end of the year.

The authorities in Dongyang have introduced a series of policies to support the resumption of work in Hengdian.

About 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) has been allocated to subsidize venue and equipment rentals, along with the cost of accommodation.

Taxes and fees have been cut or exempted for film and TV production companies.

Hengdian World Studios has offered extras cost-of-living subsidies, with some of these workers also being employed by local factories.

When producer Huang Jinmei arrived in Hengdian in mid-April, the streets were empty, but since then, the town has become a bustling center of activity.

“In the film industry, as long as you can control the budget and provide highquality products, there will be room for you to survive,” Huang said.