iQIYI Announces First Actor-Authorized AI Long Drama Series Starring Digital Twins
Chinese streaming platform iQIYI announced 'Bu Xian Yuan Yang Zhi Xian Xian,' the first actor-authorized AI-generated long drama series featuring digital likenesses of lead actors Shen Yujie and Chen Heyi. A preview video sparked viral discussion on Weibo, with viewers pointing out the uncanny visual effects of the AI avatars. This project marks a significant commercial shift from short-form AI micro-dramas into full-length streaming television while establishing formal likeness licensing models for actors. It highlights both the rapid economic growth of AI-generated video production and the ongoing technical challenge of crossing the uncanny valley for mainstream audiences. China's AI short-drama market is projected to reach 40 billion yuan this year, with over 95% of micro-dramas launched in Q1 utilizing AI generation technology. In response to rising adoption, China's National Radio and Television Administration held a symposium in September to regulate IP rights, voice synthesis, and digital likeness protection for AI audio-visual media.
## BACKGROUND
Digital likeness licensing allows actors and individuals to grant legal permission for platforms to generate video content using their facial images and voices without requiring physical presence on set. While generative AI technologies have enabled low-cost, automated video production, maintaining realistic facial expressions and natural human motion across long formats remains a major technical hurdle.