The small children with big ambitions in China’s show business
These Chinese middle-class kids have big dreams that they’re working hard to realise – and parents willing to fund them
Guo Rui is just 10 years old, but she already knows what she wants to do with her life. Her dream is to be an actress, and like a growing number of middle-class Chinese children, Rui is already working towards that goal, putting in as much time in front of the camera as she can.
“I’ve always thought to myself that if I can appear on television or on the big screen, and my performance is seen by lots of people, I’ll feel so proud,” Rui said.
The child actor is taking a break on the set of Let’s Have a Talk in eastern China. The Chinese-language film tackles communication issues between kids and their parents, and it is one of many movies starring children currently in production across the country.
On a sweltering day, the actors are being told to redo scenes in a suburban Hangzhou alleyway again and again – more than 10 times – for a scene that will last just one or two minutes on the big screen. Between takes, the children are scolded as if by their own parents. “How many times have I told you not to put your hand in front?” one crew member barks. “Behave yourself and focus on your own acting,” says another. “If you’re naughty again, you’ll get a slap.”
FAME AND FORTUNE?
While her classmates are diving into extra study, taking on new subjects or travelling with their parents over the long two-month summer break, Rui and others like her are busy learning their lines and acting in movie and television roles, despite receiving little or no pay for their work.