Overseasidol.com — The long-standing issue of actor billing disputes in China’s television industry is set to face potential reform.
Speaking at the China TV Drama Production Industry Conference 2026 on March 13, Feng Shengyong, an official from the National Radio and Television Administration, revealed new proposals aimed at standardizing how actors are credited in drama productions.
According to Feng, the China Television Drama Production Industry Association has taken the lead in drafting an industry initiative that will be released at an appropriate time.
One key principle being considered is ordering actors’ names based on the number of strokes in their real surnames written in Chinese characters.
The move is intended to reduce conflicts that often arise over top billing positions in opening credits and promotional materials.
Another important aspect of the proposal focuses on supporting emerging talent.
Industry stakeholders are discussing a mechanism that would ensure new actors are included among the top-billed cast members in certain productions.
This initiative aims to encourage talent renewal and maintain a sustainable talent pipeline in China’s increasingly competitive drama market.
In addition to addressing billing controversies, regulators are also exploring measures to enhance production standards.
The television drama department under the National Radio and Television Administration is considering implementing mandatory group training sessions for key creative teams before major projects officially begin filming.
These proposed changes are seen as part of broader efforts to professionalize the industry and reduce internal disputes during production.
No Response