Avatar bonanza for animation firms

While the blockbuster movie Avatar is a hit in China's theaters, the film's influence has gone beyond the box office to affect the stock prices of national firms involved in creating similar hi-tech animation.

Shenzhen-listed Guangdong Alpha Animation and Culture Co Ltd, a leading animation company in China, has seen its stock surge 4.51 percent yesterday after hitting the 10 percent daily trading limit on Jan 13.

"Investors see huge potential for animation companies in China and are paying more attention to related industries," said Li Bin, an analyst at Guolian Securities.

Alpha Animation is going to put out a new animated movie on Jan 23, and the company expects to further benefit from the animation craze Avatar has created.

As of Jan 11, Avatar has pulled in 309 million yuan nationwide, making it the first film in the country to reach the figure within eight days.

Based on a well-received fictional cartoon series adaptation, Alpha's movie aims to attract audiences with a blend of 3D technology and real actors.