Hengdian Film Embraces AI Revolution in New Webtoon Series

China's entertainment landscape just got a high-tech makeover. Hengdian Film and Television, in collaboration with Zhejiang Zhongshi Haibo, has unveiled its groundbreaking animated series Nine Provinces: The Story of the Clouds on Tencent Video. What makes this release special? It represents one of China's first major attempts to fully integrate AI technology into traditional animation production.

Breathing New Life Into Classic Storytelling

The series adapts Guan Pingchao's popular novel, transporting viewers to the vast world of Jiu Zhou where young Mu Yun navigates martial arts, political intrigue, and patriotic duty. But here's the twist - while the story stays true to its roots, the production process got a 21st century upgrade.

"We're not just telling stories differently," explains a Hengdian representative. "We're creating them differently."

Technology Meets Tradition

The production team made several bold choices:

• AI-Assisted Creation: Generative AI tools handled everything from background design to motion sequences, cutting production time significantly while maintaining visual quality
• Bite-Sized Format: At just 2.5 minutes per episode, the series caters perfectly to mobile viewing habits
• Eastern Aesthetics Preserved: Despite the high-tech approach, traditional artistic elements remain front and center

The result? A seamless blend where ancient storytelling meets cutting-edge production techniques.

Changing How Stories Get Made

This isn't just about one show. Hengdian sees Nine Provinces as the first step in transforming China's film and television industry from what they call "sweat factories" to "smart creation" hubs. With AI handling repetitive tasks, creators can focus on what humans do best - crafting compelling narratives and emotional depth.

The industry is taking notice. As one producer remarked: "It used to take us weeks to storyboard complex sequences. Now we're seeing rough cuts in days."

Key Points:

• Innovative Format: Short episodes optimized for digital platforms
• Tech Breakthrough: Generative AI used throughout production pipeline
• Cultural Preservation: Traditional aesthetics enhanced by modern tools
• Industry Shift: Marks move toward smarter content creation methods