Reposted from: Yangtze Evening News
AIGC feature films are rapidly entering a new stage of serialized development and continuous supply. On August 21, the AIGC web story film series “Floating Life Dream” from (Soul Ferry) was officially scheduled for release. The series consists of three AIGC feature films: (Soul Ferry · Butterfly Dream), (Soul Ferry · Dream of the Heavenly Maiden), and (Soul Ferry · Princess’ Dream). Each film lasts for over an hour. The first two were exclusively released on iQIYI at 10:00 a.m. on August 22, while the third will be released later.
As a classic domestic original IP, “Soul Ferry” is rooted in Chinese classical culture, integrating myths and legends, folk ghost stories, urban life, and real-world issues into one. It has already released various forms of content, including long-form TV series, online films, musical theater, and high-quality short dramas. This time, the AIGC web story film series “Floating Life Dream” will further complete the timeline of the “Lingbai Universe,” focusing on the journey of the “Lingbai Iron Triangle” by tracing the origins of how the fates of Zhao Li, Xia Dongqing, and Ya became intertwined, and uncovering the untold prehistory of the three.
Among them, (Soul Ferry·Butterfly Dream) tells the story of the wandering monk Wuming and the shepherd Dongqing, who enter Butterfly Valley out of a heart full of kindness and uncover a butterfly-valley mystery intertwined with good and evil that leaves one sighing. (Soul Ferry·Dream of the Heavenly Maiden) tells of Wuming and Dongqing being drawn into a conflict involving Jiutian Xuannü Ya, and together embarking on an adventure to break the sorcery and save the heavenly maiden.
(Soul Ferry) The AIGC web-story film series “Floating Life Dream” is art-directed by Guo Jingyu, written by Xiao Jixiangtian, directed by Ding Kuan, and produced by Li Zhichao. To restore the youthful image of the “iron triangle” in the “Soul Ferry universe,” the film, on the basis of obtaining image rights authorization from the actors, uses voice acting by the original cast Yu Yi, Liu Zhiyang, and Xiao Yin, combined with motion transfer technology to complete the character performances.
Video art director Guo Jingyu said that the use of AI technology to produce this IP’s series of films is directly related to the films’ story settings and cultural expression. (Soul Ferry·Butterfly Dream) deeply explores butterfly elements in Chinese mythology and literature, transforming the philosophical image of Zhuangzi dreaming of a butterfly into a dazzling world of fluttering shadows through AI production; (Soul Ferry·Dream of the Heavenly Maiden) further innovates the Eastern narrative expression of “dream,” exploring the true meaning of life by shaping multiple dream realms. During the release period of the two films, the creators will gather for a livestream on “iQIYI Together Chat” to watch and discuss the films with the audience.
From (Qitan: Paper Blade Crossing the Wasteland) to the (Soul Ferry) “Floating Life Dream” series, the platform has, within one month, achieved a continuous supply of AI film features, from the “first certified release” to “two consecutive new releases.” As AI further integrates into the creation of feature-length films, iQIYI, together with partners such as Changxin Media and many film and television content creators, is also continuously exploring more diverse forms of content expression and IP development methods, bringing users richer and higher-quality AI film feature viewing choices.
Yangzi Evening News / Ziniu News reporter Zhang Nan