Regulations for the 2026 Multiverse Micro-Drama Project Shanghai International Film Festival & Shanghai TV Festival International Film & TV Market X Fanqie Novel
In 2026, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) & 31st Shanghai TV Festival (STVF) International Film & TV Market, jointly with Fanqie Novel, launches the Multiverse Micro-Drama Project (hereinafter referred to as the "Micro-Drama Project"). The plan aims to enable good stories to transcend dimensions, jointly initiate a new paradigm for the next-generation IP incubation, and encourage creators to produce micro-dramas and present quality content in various forms. This plan integrates AI into the creative ecosystem and explores the possibilities of emerging technologies empowering IP development together with the exclusive AI technology partner, Dreamina AI.
Article 1: Event Dates
The offline activities of the Micro-Drama Project will be held in June 2026 during the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival & 31st Shanghai TV Festival International Film & TV Market.
Article 2: Content of Categories
2026 Micro-Drama Project is open to micro-drama project submissions worldwide. Projects must be adaptations of original IPs from the co-initiator, Fanqie Novel. The form of creation is not limited (including live-action, 2D/3D animation, AIGC). Participating teams enjoy non-exclusive development rights during the submission period.
Key recommended IP content from Fanqie Novel can be read via the Fanqie Novel official app in the dedicated section for this Micro-Drama Project (link address). Creators may also submit proposals for other original Fanqie IPs of their choice.
Article 3: Submission Materials
Creator Submission Materials:
*All video submission materials must be in MOV, MP4 high-definition format, 1080p HD (H.264 encoding), meeting 2K screening standards.
Article 4: Submission Method and Dates
1. Log in to the official website of the Shanghai International Film Festival (www.siff.com) or the Shanghai TV Festival (www.stvf.com). Register and submit online via the "Registration & Submission" - "Micro-drama Submission" module, and fill in all required information for the project item by item;
2. The submission period is from the date of the announcement of these regulations until 24:00, April 15, 2026. Projects submitted before 24:00, February 10 will participate in the "Early Bird Investment Initiate" project selection (See Article 5 for details);
3. The submitted content must be projects that have never been published or distributed on any platform;
4. The applicant must be the copyright holder or the representative of the copyright holder of the submitted project;
5. Applicants shall ensure the information provided is true and valid;
6. All submitted documents and materials will not be returned. The Organizing Committee will keep them uniformly and use them solely for selection purposes;
7. If using other Fanqie Novel IPs not listed as key recommendations, please contact the Organizing Committee first to confirm copyright matters. Special copyright consultation email: ipmicrodrama@stvf.com.
Article 5: Selection Benefits
The Organizing Committee will appoint professionals to review submitted projects. It is planned to select 10 "Early Bird Investment Initiate" projects in March for full production, and 10 selected projects in May to receive selection benefits.
I. Benefits for the 10 "Early Bird Investment Initiate" Projects:
(1) The organizers will provide total funding amounting to tens of millions RMB to support the creation of the 10 micro-drama projects; project teams must complete full production and deliver the finished work by May 15;
(2) Total duration per project not less than 100 minutes; if production cost exceeds 1,000,000 RMB, the project team needs to complete the SARFT filing and review process independently.
(3) Two creator representatives from each project will be invited as official project guests of the SIFF & STVF International Film & TV Market to participate in the official Micro-Drama Project activities in June; the Organizing Committee will provide one specified hotel room in Shanghai for the project representatives during the Project's activities;
(4) Receive an official certificate of honor;
(5) After passing review, excerpts of the finished work will be screened offline during the International Film & TV Market, and the full work will be officially launched on Fanqie Novel, Douyin, and Hongguo Short Drama platforms. Projects can receive a guaranteed minimum payment and continued revenue share after exceeding the guarantee. Specific rules are subject to the final agreement signed by both parties;
(6) Creators planning to produce pure AI micro-dramas using Dreamina AI will receive unlimited Dreamina AI credit support during the creation period, specifically for the production and launch of that project, along with additional exposure online;
(7) Works achieving S+ performance in annual viewership will have the opportunity to be developed into theatrical films by Fanqie Novel.
II. Benefits for the 10 Selected Projects:
(1) Two creator representatives from each project will be invited as official project guests of the SIFF & STVF International Film & TV Market to participate in the official Micro-Drama Project activities in June; the Organizing Committee will provide one specified hotel room in Shanghai for the project representatives during the Project's activities;
(2) Offline screening of trailer compilation & Project Pitching Event: Trailers of selected projects are planned to be screened offline during the International Film & TV Market. Representatives of the selected projects will pitch their projects to industry professionals;
(3) Online album screening of trailers: After the 2026 SIFF & STVF, upon review approval, trailers of selected projects will be officially launched on Fanqie Novel, Hongguo Short Drama, Douyin, and Dreamina AI platforms;
(4) Creator representatives of pure AI works produced using Dreamina AI will receive 50,000 credits support provided by Dreamina AI;
(5) During online and offline screenings, project teams may seek investment opportunities independently. Copyright and subsequent development matters require separate negotiation with Fanqie Novel.
Article 6: Notes for Selected Projects
1. The lists for "Early Bird Investment Initiate" projects and selected projects are expected to be announced on the official websites of SIFF and STVF in mid-March and mid-May respectively. Prior to that, the organizing commitee will notify "Early Bird Investment Initiate" projects and selected projects via phone or email. Please ensure all contact information is accurate and accessible. Please inform in advance of any changes;
2. Once the project party formally replies in writing by signing the selection confirmation letter, accepting the invitation to join the Micro-drama Project, they must actively cooperate with the relevant preparatory work of the Organizing Committee. "Early Bird Investment Initiate" projects need to formally sign a co-production and distribution agreement with Fanqie Novel and cannot withdraw the selected project for any reason without authorization. If the project party requests to withdraw the project, the Organizing Committee has the right to decide whether to accept the request based on actual circumstances. If the project party's withdrawal request causes any losses to the SIFF/STVF, the project party shall compensate for all resulting economic and reputational losses, including but not limited to paying financial compensation, issuing a written letter of apology to the SIFF/STVF and making a public apology on public platforms, etc.;
3. The copyright of the finished works/trailers created by creators based on authorized IPs belongs jointly to Fanqie Novel and the creators; without mutual friendly agreement, neither party may use the finished works/trailers for other purposes or authorize any third party to use them;
4. At least one project representative must commit to attending all activities of the Micro-Drama Project in full. If no project representative attends, the project's selection qualification will be automatically cancelled;
5. Once a project is completed, relevant logos of the SIFF & STVF International Film & TV Market Micro-drama Project must be added to the opening credits, and credit must be given to the original Fanqie Novel IP;
6. The SIFF/STVF, and co-initiator Fanqie Novel have the right to use the projects and finished works selected for the Micro-drama Creation Plan for online/offline screenings and publicity, including but not limited to: multi-platform screenings, official handbook, official posters, flyers, cooperative media, and other promotional channels;
7. The SIFF/STVF, and co-initiator Fanqie Novel have the right to archive the projects and finished works selected for the Micro-Drama Project.
Article 7: Organizing Committee Contact Information
Email of Micro-Drama Project Group: microdrama@stvf.com
Email of Copyright Consultation: ipmicrodrama@stvf.com
Article 8: Other
1. By submitting to the Micro-Drama Project, participants are deemed to have acknowledged and accepted these regulations. Applicants are obligated to ensure that the projects and finished works submitted to the Micro-Drama Project comply with laws and regulations, are free from infringement such as plagiarism, piracy, or other illegal activities, and do not infringe upon the rights of third parties;
2. If special circumstances affect the normal holding of SIFF/STVF, the SIFF/STVF may take corresponding adaptive measures. Any developments or changes will be promptly updated by the SIFF/STVF;
3. For matters not covered herein, the official interpretation and announcements of the Shanghai International Film Festival and Shanghai TV Festival shall prevail. The Organizing Committee of the Film Festival and TV Festival reserves the right of final interpretation of the above terms.


