Hengdian World Studios extends an invitation to film and television industry professionals for its 50th-anniversary TIFF industry event, where it will showcase its comprehensive production ecosystem, short-form dramas, solar-powered facilities, among other features.
TORONTO, Sept. 01, 2025 — Hengdian World Studios, recognized as the globe’s foremost live-action film production hub and a key collaborator for international co-productions, is set to hold an industry reception in Toronto on September 9. This event will take place concurrently with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which is observing its 50th anniversary this year.
Filmmakers, distributors, collaborators, and media representatives are encouraged to connect with the leadership team of Hengdian World Studios to discover its comprehensive, end-to-end filmmaking infrastructure, designed as a singular resource for creators. Hengdian’s facilities, which include studios powered by solar energy, facilitate all phases of production, from pre-production through post-production. They are equipped to handle both extensive feature films and a large volume of short-form dramas, thereby enabling a wide array of collaborative opportunities.
“Hengdian serves as a central filmmaking hub, providing extensive scale, efficiency, and environmental responsibility within a single location,” stated Caroline Guo, the general manager of Hengdian World Studios’ International Business Division. “It plays a pivotal role in propelling China’s rapidly developing film and television sector,” added Guo, who will be present at both the festival and the soirée with Yang Zhiwei, Chairman of Hengdian World Studios.
The 50th anniversary iteration of TIFF holds particular significance for Hengdian World Studios, as its parent organization, Hengdian Group, also commemorates five decades since its establishment in 1975. To honor this significant achievement, Hengdian is eager to present the distinctive attributes that underscore its enduring influence and heritage in the cinematic world.
Comprehensive Filmmaking Infrastructure
Hengdian World Studios boasts a holistic, all-encompassing filmmaking ecosystem, covering an expansive area of over 33 million square meters. It features one of the globe’s largest individual studios, spanning 12,000 square meters, alongside underwater sets, backlot street configurations, and various other amenities. The studios are equipped with advanced virtual production capabilities, such as real-time camera tracking LED screens, motion capture technology, and cloud-based pipelines, which can reduce production schedules by 40% and project expenses by up to 50% for specific undertakings. Furthermore, Hengdian is home to China’s most extensive pool of background performers, with 140,000 registered actors, including over 10,000 who live locally to facilitate large-scale productions.
Significant Expansion in Short-Form Dramas
With the global surge in popularity of short dramas, Hengdian has solidified its position as a primary filming and production center for vertical short-form video content. Presently, over 60 short-drama production teams are actively filming at Hengdian World Studios daily, benefiting from specialized support tailored for vertical formats. In the initial six months of this year alone, Hengdian has accommodated more than 1600 short-drama crews, and the total production count is projected to exceed 3000 by year-end. China’s micro-drama industry generated approximately 647,000 new jobs in 2024. On a global scale, mobile-centric storytelling is also experiencing rapid growth, with the market for short drama platforms anticipated to expand from USD 6.5 billion to USD 7.2 billion in 2025, and is forecasted to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.5% to reach USD 11.9 billion by 2030.
Sustainable Energy and Reusable Sets
Hengdian World Studios has implemented 27 rooftop photovoltaic power installations covering 45,000m2 of studio rooftops throughout the city. Since 2022, these installations have produced approximately 5.5 million kWh of clean electricity annually, leading to a yearly reduction of over 4,300 tons in CO2 emissions, all accomplished without disrupting ongoing filming. Additionally, the studio’s “Zero-Waste Base” program focuses on minimizing, repurposing, and responsibly managing on-set solid waste, facilitating the annual recycling of hundreds of thousands of props and prolonging the lifespan of assets across various productions.
Event Information
- Date & Time: September 9, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM
- Location: TIFF Founders Lounge (Level 2, 350 King Street West, Toronto)
- To RSVP: via
Kindly RSVP for the Hengdian World Studios industry gathering using the provided link. Opportunities for media interviews with Hengdian’s executives can be arranged in advance. We eagerly anticipate your presence for an evening commemorating 50 years of both Hengdian Group and TIFF!
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