Special Effects Creator Finds 'Soul' in Senior Actors

Xie Tianyang, a pioneer in live-action special effects videos in China, initially channeled his childhood fantasies and passion for ACGN culture into his creations. He leveraged special effects technology to bring elements from games and animations to life, gaining a significant following among audiences familiar with post-90s pop culture.

The rapid advancement of AI technology in 2023 presented a new challenge, making special effects more accessible and prompting Xie to seek a more profound essence for his short videos. He found this unexpected 'soul' by recalling a past project featuring a square dance grandma with exaggerated special effects.

Inspired, Xie recruited experienced elderly actors in October 2025 for an upgraded series. These senior performers brought an unparalleled joy and dedication to the set, transforming scenes with their passionate immersion in animation and game character 'skills.' This collaboration highlighted that finding the right individuals leads to greater dedication than age.

These enthusiastic elderly actors have become Xie's key to creating viral content, with one video amassing nearly 22 million views on Bilibili and gaining international traction. Xie views this success as a testament to the universal appeal of genuine emotion that transcends borders and languages.

Reflecting on the AI wave and his own position in the industry, Xie acknowledges being on the edge of a 'sunset industry.' However, his experiences with the elderly actors have reshaped his perspective, reinforcing his belief that a youthful mentality, imagination, and enthusiasm are what truly combat obsolescence, proving that age is merely a state of mind.