Hengdian World Studios raises payments for extras amid anticipated Spring Festival labor shortage

As the Spring Festival approaches, Hengdian World Studios, a prominent film and television base in Zhejiang province, is addressing potential labor shortages by increasing basic payments for extras.

In anticipation of a historic high in production units for movies and television plays during the Spring Festival, Hengdian World Studios is responding to the expected shortage of labor by boosting incentives for ordinary extras. The decision, proposed by the actors' association in Hengdian, seeks to encourage more extras to stay and meet the surge in demand.

The adjusted basic payment for ordinary extras will be raised to 180 yuan ($25) for a 10-hour workday over 40 days, from Jan 16 to Feb 24.

Song Qiang, a representative from the actor's association, confirmed to Shangyou News that the new rate is a record high.

While specific figures for this year's production units remain undisclosed, Song emphasized that they are expected to surpass previous years. In 2023, over 6,000 crew members from 22 filming units and over 40 production units prepared for future filming during the Spring Festival in Hengdian.

There are over 130,000 registered extras in Hengdian, with approximately 10,000 working year-round, according to a report of China News Service.

Extras are categorized as ordinary, supporting, and special contract, each with different pay scales. Ordinary extras, previously earning 120 yuan for a 10-hour workday, will now receive 180 yuan.

A local source, referred to as a "Hengpiao" or Hengdian drifter, outlined the complex payment structure for extras, including deductions for association fees. Overtime pay and additional fees for specific conditions, such as working in adverse weather, contribute to the final earnings.

Homestay owners in Hengdian also noted additional charges during the Spring Festival, with a 10 percent increase for every hour worked beyond regular hours.

Lunar New Year's Eve to the third day of the Lunar New Year will see triple and double pay for ordinary and supporting extras, respectively. Special contract extras, with pre-negotiated payments, remain favored during the festival period.