Micro-drama boom injects new life to Hengdian, China’s Hollywood

HENGDIAN – A small film crew of about 20 people cluster around men in heavy metal armour surrounding a horse-drawn carriage. Close by the film set, several women decked in traditional costumes rummage in their modern-day tote bags as they try to get their hair and make-up in place.

Some of the film crew are carrying small portable video camera set-ups, while one carrying a clipboard waves away a crowd of onlookers who have whipped out their phones to record the scene.