Skip to main content

Hongguo Short Drama Sets New Rules for AI Characters to Fight 'Copy-Paste' Faces

Hongguo Short Drama, a major player in the short drama scene, is taking a stand against the growing problem of repetitive AI-generated characters. On July 24, the company released a new set of guidelines aimed at standardizing how AI characters are created in their dramas.

What's the Problem?

If you've watched a few AI-generated short dramas lately, you might have noticed something: a lot of the characters look the same. That's because many creators rely on similar AI models, leading to a sea of identical faces and styles. This not only bores viewers but also raises questions about originality and copyright.

The New Rules

Hongguo's announcement tackles two main issues: character differentiation and copyright compliance.

Character Differentiation: The guidelines state that main characters in a single drama must be clearly distinguishable and highly recognizable. Reusing highly similar characters across different dramas or roles is strictly prohibited. The goal is to reduce visual fatigue and encourage more creative character designs.

Copyright Compliance: Three clear red lines have been drawn:

  • No unauthorized use of others' original characters, costumes, or prop designs.
  • No plagiarism of copyrighted photographs or art works.
  • Any use of copyrighted content requires prior authorization.

What This Means for Creators

Creators working with Hongguo will need to step up their game. They'll have to ensure their AI-generated characters are unique and legally sound. The platform is also launching a special campaign to address issues like character reuse, homogenization, and material violations. Creators are encouraged to self-examine and make corrections.

A Step Toward Maturity

This move is a clear sign that the AI short drama industry is moving toward more standardized and refined operations. As AI tools become more accessible, the challenge is to maintain creativity and originality. Hongguo's guidelines are a step in the right direction, pushing for higher quality and more ethical content.

Key Points

  • Hongguo Short Drama released new AI character guidelines on July 24.
  • The rules focus on character differentiation and copyright compliance.
  • Reusing similar AI faces across dramas is now banned.
  • Unauthorized use of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited.
  • A special governance campaign will enforce these rules and encourage self-correction.