SARFT regulates the length of TV dramas: repeated content at the beginning and end should not exceed 30 seconds

Recently, the State Administration of Radio and Television announced the draft of the "Drama Master Production Specifications" for the radio, television and online audio-visual industry standards, pointing out that the length of regular dramas should be no less than 41 minutes, and if there is any repeated content between the end of each episode and the beginning of the next episode, the duration should not exceed 30 seconds.

The document specifies the requirements for mastering high-definition and 4K ultra-high-definition TV series, including the requirements for duration, signature, image, sound, subtitle, packaging format, and technical quality, and provides a subjective evaluation method for sound and picture quality. In terms of duration requirements, the specification clearly stipulates the duration of the main film, opening, ending, repeated content, and additional content of the TV series.

Main film duration: The main film duration of regular TV series shall not be less than 41 minutes.

Opening duration: not more than 90 seconds (including the logo screen), of which the display time of the TV series distribution license and the TV series title shall not be less than 3 seconds.

End credits duration: no longer than 180 seconds, of which the TV drama production license must be displayed for no less than 2 seconds.

Duration of repeated content: If there is repeated content between the ending screen of each episode and the beginning screen of the next episode, the duration shall not exceed 30 seconds.

Duration of additional content: "Previous episode" and "next episode preview" are not included in the duration of the main film, and in principle their duration shall not exceed 30 seconds.

In this way, TV dramas that pad their length by using opening and ending credits, repeating the content of the previous episode, recaps and previews of the next episode will no longer be able to waste the audience's time.

In addition, the document also emphasizes that foreign actors or staff should add nationality labels, and actors or staff from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan should add corresponding region labels to form clear and orderly signing rules.

The method, order, and position of the signature of the cast and crew in the TV series shall be stipulated in the employment contract. The producer shall communicate and agree on the signature issue with the cast and crew when signing the employment contract to avoid disputes over the ranking and other signature disputes. The signature must be in accordance with the law and regulations to establish a good order for the signature of works. Auxiliary staff who are not directly involved in artistic creation shall not be signed at the end of the film.