China and the UK have already worked together on major movie blockbusters - but now the countries are increasing links with a new co-production treaty. Following Prime Minister David Cameron’s trip to China in early December, culture ministers have agreed that the countries will work more closely on TV and film productions.
Pinewood Studios, home of James Bond and Harry Potter. For decades, these sets have been used in iconic British movies. But now they’re featuring in Chinese productions as well. In April, Pinewood signed a deal with one of China’s leading global entertainment companies, Seven Stars Media Limited, to co-produce movies and TV shows.
"We’re looking to bring the expertise we have, make that available to productions working in China, or to British productions coming in to China, to film hopefully Chinese stories that appeal to Chinese audiences." said Ivan Dunleavy, CEO, Pinewood Studios.
Mr. Dunleavy joined the British Prime Minister David Cameron on his major trade-trip to China in early December.
While there the British government signed a new culture agreement with China and worked out a co-production treaty - in a hope China and the UK can follow on from the success of Skyfall, which was filmed in both London and Shanghai.
"The British will have the chance to understand modern Chinese culture much better and hopefully our Chinese friends will also have the opportunity to understand what Britain is like today. That’s really our primary purpose, but obviously there is an opportunity for Chinese investment in the UK - we have a generous film tax regime in the UK, so Chinese producers thinking about where they might make a film outside of China, should look to the UK." said Ed Vaizey, UK Minister for Culture.
And be in no doubt, there is money to make. China’s movie sector is already the second biggest in the world, and analysts predict it will become the world’s biggest film maker within a decade.
"Sharing huge movie sets like this is just one part of the treaty between China and the UK. If it’s signed, British producers will get a larger cut of the revenue from films shown in China." said Dan Whitehead, Pinewood Studios, London.
The ambition for China and the UK to create blockbusters with worldwide success is huge. But it’s the rising popularity of going to the movies in China which is a big driving force behind this deal.
"If you think about the Chinese market for film, in China there are 7 new cinemas being built every single day of the week. It’s a fantastic growth opportunity and it’s hungry for content." said Ivan Dunleavy, CEO, Pinewood Studios.
And the UK is happy to feed that appetite, whether it’s British films heading east, or Chinese movies being shot here.