On November 15, 2024, it was reported that China’s economy is in a slump, and pay cuts are becoming increasingly common. A topic labeled “Pay Cuts for Background Actors at Hengdian” trended on Weibo on November 15.
Pictures circulated on the internet showed that on November 13, the Actors’ Union of Hengdian City Hengdian Film and Television City issued a notice stating that in recent years, the film and television industry has faced significant challenges, with heavy pressure on various production crews. After careful consideration, the union decided to adjust the income of background actors.
The original basic fee for background actors was 120 yuan for 8 hours, with overtime pay of 15 yuan per hour. The adjustment increased the rate to 135 yuan for 10 hours, with overtime pay of 13.5 yuan per hour. This adjustment took effect on November 15.
According to Blue Whale News, the Actors’ Union of Hengdian Film and Television City confirmed the authenticity of the notice.
Furthermore, on November 15, several background actors from Hengdian also confirmed the information. Zou Jun (alias), who started working full-time as a background actor in Hengdian this summer, stated that upon receiving the notice on the 14th, the union would deduct 10% from background actors’ salaries. Based on the new rate of 135 yuan for 10 hours, actors would take home around 121 yuan, and around 12 yuan per hour for overtime work.
Zou Jun mentioned that he only earns a little over 1,000 yuan a month in Hengdian and often has to compete for roles. Around 7 p.m. each evening, the person in charge would notify the group of upcoming opportunities, then choose background actors based on their responses. Background actors could request leave if they hadn’t finished work when the notice was sent, but monthly leave was also limited. Zou Jun added that many background actors come to Hengdian for the experience of living there.
Another background actor in Hengdian, Zhang Ming (alias), also confirmed the existence of the notice and the 10% deduction by the union. Having spent a year in Hengdian, Zhang Ming earns around one to two thousand yuan per month. He mentioned that with the cooler weather recently, there has been an increase in background actors coming to Hengdian last month, resulting in some actors not getting as many roles.
Both background actors mentioned to Red Star Capital that the current background actors who see future prospects have not had their salaries adjusted. They earn 300 yuan for 14 hours of work, taking home 270 yuan after the 10% deduction by the union.
According to the Global Times, in March of this year, rates for ordinary background actors in Hengdian ranged from 100 to 200 yuan per day, while slightly more prominent actors with speaking parts earned between 300 and 400 yuan per day. In November of last year, a short drama background actor in Hengdian revealed that they could earn 300 yuan in a day.
Hengdian Film and Television City, also known as Hengdian Film and Television Base, is located in Hengdian Town, Dongyang City, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, and is the largest film and television shooting base in China, often referred to as the “Eastern Hollywood.”
The pay cuts for background actors in Hengdian have sparked heated discussions on the internet.
Netizens commented: “The trend of pay cuts has reached background actors in Hengdian.” “Many background actors in Hengdian are there to get closer to idols, but after the pay cut, the pay is indeed low. Without the support of idols, it’s hard for people to continue working just based on the pay. ” “Background actors earn very little in a day, and now they face pay cuts. Many of them chose to become background actors because they love performing, but now they can’t even afford to eat properly.” “Those who should have their pay reduced are not affected, while those who can’t even afford to eat due to reduced pay cuts are struggling. It’s hard to be an ordinary person.”