China's First Licensed AIGC Feature Film Premieres on iQIYI
iQIYI has released "Qi Tan: Zhi Ren Du Huang Xu," China's first licensed, full-length AIGC internet feature film with a runtime of over 60 minutes. The film was created using an end-to-end AI production workflow by a team of just over 20 people. This release marks a significant milestone in the commercialization and regulatory approval of AI-generated content in the film industry. It showcases how AI can drastically reduce team sizes and production timelines while maintaining the narrative depth required for feature-length films. The production integrated traditional filmmaking roles with new positions like prompt engineers and AI asset designers to generate over 200 character and visual designs. The workflow spanned creative development, prompt engineering, visual asset generation, AI restyling, and 4K output.
## BACKGROUND
AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generated Content) refers to using generative AI models to create text, images, audio, and video. In China, all online dramas and films must obtain a formal distribution license from the National Radio and Television Administration before public release. Technologies like AI restyling (AI image-to-painting translation) allow creators to quickly transform raw footage or sketches into specific artistic styles, such as traditional Chinese ink wash or fantasy aesthetics.