The donkey honored as the "best actress" in Yuanqiao village in Central China's Henan Province Photo: Screenshot from media reports

In a village dubbed a "short drama filming base" in Central China's Henan Province, ordinary livestock have become sought-after "supporting actors," with a single donkey commanding a daily pay of up to 500 yuan ($71.7), the Zhengzhou-based Dahe Daily reported.

Yuanqiao village, a 600-year-old settlement in Dengfeng, Henan Province, has been revitalized by the boom in short drama production. Every villager here is a "natural-born performer," and even chickens, ducks, geese, donkeys and horses have emerged as in-demand "extras," the report said.

These animal actors require no specialized training; their everyday behavior constitutes the most authentic and unscripted performances, Dahe Daily reported.

Liu Wantao, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) branch of Yuanqiao village, said that a donkey honored as the "best actress" earns up to 500 yuan per day. "This donkey has already starred in several series, three of which have been released," Liu added.

The paychecks of these feathered and hoofed performers have captured the attention of netizens. In the comment sections of related videos, some netizens joked, "I might as well buy a donkey and drop it off for work every day."

Not only the animals but also the villagers have benefited from the development of the short drama industry in the village, securing employment right at their doorsteps. "I started just for fun, never expecting it to turn into a source of income," said an elderly villager.

Almost everyone in the village has participated in filming short dramas, each able to perform naturally in front of the camera, Dahe Daily reported.

"In the past, young people worked away from home, but now many have returned to earn their living by acting in short dramas," Liu said.

Global Times