Beijing’s audiovisual authorities have officially launched the second edition of the city’s “Chasing Light Plan” international micro-drama competition, aiming to elevate short-form content into cultural premium offerings.
The announcement came on April 15 during the 13th China Network Audiovisual Conference’s micro-drama high-quality development forum in Beijing. Organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio and Television, the initiative underscores a commitment to “content as core, technology as wings, dissemination as force, and platform as substance.”
Building on last year’s achievements—where the Beijing Radio and Television Network Audiovisual Development Fund supported 37 outstanding projects with 22.16 million yuan in funding—the 2026 edition expands its scope. Officials emphasized a shift from standalone contests to a full-chain service system covering creative incubation, production, promotion, and international distribution.
This year’s competition features six thematic tracks designed to align with social concerns and industry trends, fostering diverse creation and transforming public enthusiasm into systematized, high-quality supply. To ensure promising projects receive sustained support, the bureau has strengthened policy and resource incentives, including a market-district linkage mechanism that connects winning entries with local cultural policies such as Xicheng District’s “Cultural Industry Ten Articles.”
Award-winning works may receive financial rewards of up to 500,000 yuan, with additional funding available for projects backed by municipal special funds at a matching ratio. The launch event also unveiled the competition’s promotional video, visually presenting the vision and layout of the “Chasing Light Plan” to industry stakeholders.
