China Focus in British Creative Conference
The 'Focus' conference in London this week, an exhibition and gathering of the production sector, will have a focus on China and Chinese cinema.
That's according to specialist publication Variety, who also revealed that the CEO of the British Film Commission will be the headline speaker at the event.
Of particular interest to UK producers will be discussions about growing opportunities to film at studios in China.
In October, the World's largest cinema chain operator, Dalian Wanda, is aiming to get overseas producers to make films at their new studios, Qingdao Movie Metropolis.
The Metropolis, which covers 376 hectares, will be the world's largest studio when it becomes fully operational in 2018.
Dalian Wanda is offering steep discounts to producers who become early users of the facilities. Apparently, discounts of up to 40 percent will be available, funded by a joint investment of $750 million with the local government.
This was followed by news that China will start work next year on a $2 billion One Belt, One Road theme park and film studio in Chongqing as Beijing works to increase the success of Chinese films overseas.
One Belt, One Road is an infrastructure strategy designed to bring nations together in a modern Silk Road by building roads, railways and ports. The new studio and “tourist town” is intended to attract foreign film and television producers, according to Xinhua News Agency.
China is the world’s second-largest film market, with new cinemas opening at a rate estimated at an average of more than 20 each day. Ways to bring more British movies to the audience will also be discussed at the 'Focus' conference.