The Broke Production Crew Got Free Work Again [Entertainment Industry]

In February 2025, director Mi Fan helmed a major costume drama with a total budget of 500 million yuan, setting a new record for Chinese TV productions.

But exactly one year later, Director Mi Fan broke a new record for the lowest budget in the entire entertainment industry with his latest drama, made for a total of 50,000 yuan.

Director Mi, hauling a camera: "What can I say? The investors went bust, the actors got canceled, and the producer got locked up. I had no choice but to shoot a few low-budget dramas to pay off my debts."

Reporter: "But can you really make a TV drama with a budget of 50,000 yuan?"

That's 50,000 yuan, not 50 million, and certainly not 500 million.

"Of course." Director Mi confidently pointed to the two people behind him.

The leading actress, working a sewing machine: "Director, we're out of red fabric. Can I borrow your red long johns?"

The leading actor, editing footage: "Director, bring your fan over here. It's so hot the machine needs to cool down!"

Director Mi: "Coming!"

A director selling his house to pay off debts and wages, a leading actress who used to be a costume designer, and a leading actor brought in to sing the OST.

Reporter Li swore it was the most slapdash production crew he'd ever seen in his life. And yet, when this ragtag drama finally aired, its perfectly paced plot, stunning costumes and makeup, and gorgeous OST taught the domestic entertainment industry, which routinely spent tens of millions or hundreds of millions, a hard lesson!

Viewers: So it turns out a ragtag crew really knows what it's doing.

Theme: Make the best drama possible with the least money.