Best Actor Joel Chan ventures into short-form dramas — teams up with Karl Ting for a xianxia project

(Hong Kong, March 29) In recent years, China’s short-form drama market has experienced explosive growth. With their fast-paced storytelling and shorter production cycles, these dramas are rapidly emerging as a new frontier in the entertainment industry—and a strategic opportunity for TVB actors seeking to expand their careers.

At 49, award-winning actor Joel Chan traveled to Maoming, Guangdong late last year to film the short drama Qing Wu, starring alongside Karl Ting, who has been активно developing his career in mainland China. The two were also seen together at the production’s launch ceremony, drawing significant attention.

Notably, Chan—known for his tough on-screen persona—takes on a refreshing new role as a “chef” in the series, set within a fantasy wuxia world. He revealed that Qing Wu is not a conventional wuxia drama, but rather a “new-style fantasy” blending themes of love and redemption, enhanced with suspense elements to deepen the narrative.

Judging from the recently released trailer, the drama delivers a tightly paced storyline, while the unique fusion of culinary identity and fantasy setting creates a distinctive and intriguing atmosphere—sparking strong anticipation among viewers.

Chan’s move into the short drama space also reflects a broader shift among top-tier TVB artists. As more Hong Kong actors enter this fast-growing segment, micro-dramas are evolving into a powerful new platform with significant creative and commercial potential.