Chinese streaming platform iQiyi has tied up with Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Pau on the Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater Storytelling Lab. The programme aims to cultivate “a new generation of professional creators skilled in AI-powered filmmaking”. 

The programme, announced this month, follows iQiyi’s global AI Short Film Creation Competition in July with Google and ByteDance.

The Lab invites submissions for AI-driven films that are at least 15 minutes long, with proposals built around themes including “Journey to the West”, “Gender, Happiness and Faith” and “Truth”. 

Submissions close on 25 October. 

30 projects will be selected in phase one, with half of these advancing to the production phase. 

iQiyi will provide support for production, distribution, promotion and continued mentorship. 

The final works are scheduled to premiere in the first quarter of 2026 under the “Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater”. Participating creators are eligible for a 30% share of net profits.

The new AI programme was unveiled shortly after iQiyi posted dismal Q2 earnings. Content distribution revenue was hit hardest, dropping 37% to RMB436.6 million/US$60.9 million. Total revenues were down 11% to RMB6.63 billion/US$925.3 million compared to the same quarter in 2024. Membership services revenue was down 9% to RMB4.09 billion/US$571 million. Online advertising services revenue dropped 13% to RMB1.27 billion/ US$177.6 million.