(Source: CGTN)
Amidst the glitz and glamour of this year's Beijing International Film Festival now underway, its partner, the US-China Film & TV Industry Expo has been announcing its own future plans and ground-breaking programs.
This year's US-China Film and TV Industry Expo has returned to Beijing, bringing together film-makers and executives from the world's two leading entertainment markets. During a press conference, the expo announced its upcoming projects, which will include a series of panel discussions on issues that will shape both their futures. Also returning, for its second edition, will be the Golden Screen Awards, which honor individuals and companies for excellence in film co-productions and international relations.
Bianca Chen is the expo's founder and CEO.
"We are excited to kick off the fourth year of the Expo, to include larger scale events and a wider range of topics. And it's great to be here at the Beijng Film Festival. We see the importance of these collaborative discussions and look forward to another successful year that inspires and deepens connections for US-China experts and provides direct experience for current and future content creators and technology professionals," Chen said.
China is now the world's second largest movie market behind the US. But industry experts believe there's great scope for both to play off each other for future growth. As their relationship becomes ever closer, China can benefit from Hollywood's wine-ranging experience, while the US is keen to get a foothold in China's burgeoning market.
Indeed, the wheels are very much in motion in this regard, with co-productions a regular occurance now. And Miao Xiaotian, president of the China Film Co-production Corparation says this is only the beginning.
"I believe, in the future, there will be more diversity in co-produced films, not only in terms of investment, but also in terms of themes and categories. But, at the end of the day, its all about what's up on that screen in film-making, so if you have a good story and it's somewhat organic and universal, then collaboration will come easily. And I'm happy to see that it's already happening in this year's application," Miao said.
This year's expanded line-up at the expo includes new interactive and creative workshops, and technical panels, which address issues ranging from financing and international marketing, to the latest technological trends.
The fourth edition of the U.S. China Film & TV Industry Expo will be held in Los Angeles in late October. The growing industry event will again gather decision makers from Hollywood and China to meet and develop ties.
