Robert McKee and Wu'ershan at the press conference. [Photo: xinhuanet.com]
Top American screenwriter Robert McKee suggested that Chinese filmmakers produce more comedies to change their country's image abroad at the start of the 2012 Chinese Screenwriters Training Session in Beijing on Tuesday, Xinhuanet.com reports.
McKee, whose talk focused on how to write romances, thrillers and comedies, said China could create a new image of itself if it produced six consecutive influential comedies.
"Comedies can only be made under certain cultural backgrounds," he said at the news conference that opened the event. "If China can make successful comedies in the next two years, the stereotypical image of the country will be revised. So your screenwriters and directors have to bear great burdens."
McKee, who was joined by famous Chinese director Wu'ershan and playwright Quan Yongxian, said comedian Charlie Chaplin represented the human side of America with his comedies and that he expected to see similar comedies from China.
Talking about children's movies, McKee said the lack of such movies in China was a very serious issue. He told reporters that the reason Hollywood dominates the world's film market is because it has churned out many great movies for children.
"No matter (whether it's) children or adults, Hollywood can grasp your minds," McKee said. "That's how we succeed."
McKee also said he hoped Chinese filmmakers could shift their attention from costume movies to contemporary subjects.