Chinese virtual actress in trending AI drama raises deep industry concerns and questions

An Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated actress has amassed 400,000 followers on a leading social media platform in China within just two months, with a miniseries she stars in garnering an astonishing 250 million views.The success of the virtual star Fang Taozi, who is claimed to be 20 years old, has sparked intense discussion and widespread anxiety within the industry regarding the potential replacement of human actors.The drama The Laid-off Girl features Fang, a protagonist from a small town who moves to the bustling metropolis of Shangnan to chase her modelling dreams. The series chronicles her growth as she navigates a series of workplace challenges.According to a report by AI-industry media AI Value, audiences are deeply fond of Fang due to her relatable image and personality that closely resemble those of a real person.Audiences love Fang because her relatable personality and flaws mirror those of a real person. Photo: 21jinji.comIn contrast to other AI characters often depicted with flawless features, Fang possesses blemishes, pores, and wrinkles. Throughout the series, her make-up wears off after a day’s work. When she climbs stairs, beads of sweat emerge on her face, her hair becomes tangled, and her clothes display damp patches.Fang does not conform to the archetype of the invariably strong, successful female character commonly portrayed in many dramas. Instead, she frequently appears vulnerable and makes compromises, seeking shortcuts. This portrayal of an ordinary girl resonates widely with internet users, according to the report.Since opening her social media account in mid-June, Fang has accumulated nearly 400,000 followers. She has released 43 video clips to date, showcasing her daily life activities such as cooking, exercising, and attending fashion events in Paris. Her videos have collectively received 28 million likes.A screenshot from the viral AI drama “The Laid-off Girl.” Its high quality and captivating realism have fuelled industry fears of AI replacing human talent. Photo: DouyinMuch like stars in the real world, Fang also has an assistant named Mimi, who has gained 20,000 followers on social media.Zhou Yiheng, Fang’s boyfriend in the drama, is followed by 130,000 users on the internet who are captivated by the couple’s online interactions.Fang has gained such popularity in China that numerous women are replicating her make-up and hairstyle.Earlier this month, Fang released a video endorsing coloured contact lenses. Reports indicate that her advertising rates surpass those of some influencers boasting 10 million followers.Further ReadingFang has emerged as a significant sensation on mainland social media.“She is so authentic. Now I believe that AI can genuinely replace human actors, haha,” commented one internet user.Virtual actress Fang, front, appears alongside fellow AI cast members to promote the hit series “The Laid-off Girl.” Photo: 21jinji.comAnother observer remarked: “Taozi (Fang’s first name) resembles mainland actresses Lu Xiaoyu and Zhao Jinmai, who are renowned for their pure and sweet looks. I am drawn to the romance between Taozi and Zhou Yiheng. I hope they reach a happy ending.”However, a third user expressed scepticism: “I don’t accept AI characters endorsing products. After all, they don’t actually wear contact lenses.”Fang’s story illustrates the growing influence of AI technology in miniseries.Last year, AI technology was utilised in just seven per cent of productions, but this figure has surged to 38 per cent this year.One casualty of AI’s prominence in miniseries is Zhang Xiaolei, a well-known actor famous for portraying dominant bosses. After being unemployed for several months, he has been forced to return to his hometown to work on a farm.