These days, just about anything can be done online, and this trend is affecting the Chinese movie market. Film industry experts have gathered at the ongoing 19th Shanghai Film Festival to discuss the impact of the Internet on the industry in a series of forums concerning the topic.

Experts all agreed that the Internet is a double-edged sword. It not only pushes the industry forwards but also generates problems which potentially hinder its development.

Film industry experts have gathered at the ongoing 19th Shanghai Film Festival to discuss the impact of the Internet on the industry in a series of forums concerning the topic.

"The Internet has become a new channel for communication and with more content it will be like a regurgitation-feed for the film industry. I think the influence of the Internet on the film industry is just beginning," said Liu Kailu, film company direcror.

Statistics have shown that an overwhelming majority of people are choosing to buy cinema tickets online, with the online market share of the first quarter of 2016 up to 80.31 percent.

In addition, more and more listed companies are showing interest in the film industry and are making increased investments in film projects, largely thanks to the convenience afforded by the internet.

"It helps us buy tickets more conveniently, make settlements quicker, conduct financing more conveniently and make better decisions on content. China plays a leading role in the application of the Internet," said Zhang Qiang, Internet Film Company Director.

Film industry experts have gathered at the ongoing 19th Shanghai Film Festival to discuss the impact of the Internet on the industry in a series of forums concerning the topic.

As Internet capital swarms into the film industry, experts hope that film companies put more emphasis on the content contained within the films themselves rather than using more celebrities.

"Capital is squeezing and pushing up the industry which has resulted in a rise in both the cost and payment for actors and brings pressure for the project itself. They all want to invite stars and therefore we have more popcorn-style films. Enterprises and listed companies should share more responsibility towards producing quality films rather than using film as a means to arbitrage," said Yu Dong, Film Company Director.