Alibaba Pictures has unveiled a pact with the Shanghai Theater Academy and Studio 8 backer Fosun Group to develop talent for the film and TV industries.
The three plan “profound innovations” in the school model as they integrate the STA’s resources with others around the world.
The move comes at a time when Hollywood has been accused of “whitewashing” and under-representing Asian roles in their studio films. And also at a time when the lack of Chinese stars of international repute, means that Chinese-made films struggle to find global audiences.
"The cooperation with STA will help deepen and broaden the implementation of Alibaba Pictures’ strategy for the young, and to foster talent that will facilitate the Company’s development and business,” said Alibaba Pictures chairman Zhang Qiang in a statement.