Lights, camera, action as movie town back in full swing

Ma cited "superb" infrastructure, advanced technologies and favorable policies in Hengdian as the main reason for deciding to shoot in the town, adding that he hoped more locations could be provided and accommodations improved.

However, as more crews arrive, the shortage of extras has become a problem.

Thousands are needed each day－most of whom are good-looking, young, hard-working and have dreams of stardom. They act as corpses in war scenes and play other supporting roles.

Labeled hengpiao, or Hengdian drifters, they travel long distances from their hometowns for the chance to realize their dreams, but they seldom speak lines or appear in credits.

There are more than 80,000 registered hengpiao, according to the Hengdian World Studios Performer Association, including 6,000 to 8,000 who remain in the town all year round.

Zhou Fenglai, vice-president of Hengdian World Studios Management Services Co, said that with the outbreak under control, extras can now apply to the Hengdian authorities for actors' passes by using their health QR code and travel records.

Local restaurants, hotels and guesthouses have welcomed the crews' return.

Zhejiang Daily reported that more than 90 percent of the Dongyang Qiyang Film and Television Equipment Rental Co's gear has been hired by crews since the middle of last month amid increased demand.

Sun Qiyang, the company's chairman, said that since mid-March business had gradually returned to the level of previous years. In addition, in early March the company and some of its competitors promised to provide rental services for the lowest prices possible until the end of this year.