China’s Femme Helmers Fight For More While Distaff Producers Thrive
Much has been said about the challenges of making films in China that are mainly attributable to relatively strict regulations and a lack of proper financial resources. However, so far, little is known about the difficulties and frustrations a female filmmaker would specifically encounter. This story in Variety touches the issue of filmmaking in China from the women’s perspective.
“Many of the problems facing women in the Chinese biz are familiar all over the world to filmmakers, particularly women trying to put projects together. Censorship is rife in China, which means there are constraints on what a woman may or may not work on. In the absence of traditional investment routes enjoyed in the West, such as film foundations or banks specializing in film investment, the situation can be challenging.”
WB Cinemas pulls out of China
International investors have long voiced complaints about the regulatory environment in the Chinese media sector being unstable and unpredictable. This incident would clearly add to the existing concerns to make the future for investment in the country’s media industry seem even more bleak. [url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3irjxs41AWkRd+NDHksrvlbw%3D%3DThe following story from The Hollywood Reporter[/url] gives a detailed account of the whole deal.
“WBIC was involved with the design construction and managing of 10 cinema locations in China with various partnerships and currently is invested in four locations in China—two with Shanghai Film Group and two with Shenzhen Investment Trust, the spokesman said.”
Watchdog Targets Internet Piracy
The prevalence of piracy in China remains an overarching concern among copyright holders throughout the world. Many international investors show a tendency to put the sole blame on the Chinese government for not doing the best they can. Based on this article from China.org.cn, however, there is indeed a watchdog system that functions to bring the chaotic situation under control.
“The IPR watchdog has vowed to clamp down on major websites which offer unauthorized downloads. While it has no authority to deal with foreign websites offering illegal material, it is targeting local sites which offer either links outside the country or unauthorized downloads.”
2nd Hollywood China Film Festival to be Launched in L.A., Vancouver
Chinese movies have gained incredible momentum in recent years both domestically and on the global stage. This year alone, two Chinese movies will compete for Best Foreign Picture at the Oscars. As reported by China Radio International, this upcoming China Film Festival will be a wonderful opportunity for American moviegoers to learn about China while enjoying the best of the country’s latest movies.
Man Behind “Banquet” Aspires To Be China’s Warner
Opportunities seem endless in today’s China, and if used right they can create miracles. Such is the case with the producer of “Banquet,” a company that grew from scratch to the largest private media conglomerate in China only in 12 years! This story from Xinhua.net features one of the two brothers who founded this corporation.
“This year, Huayi Brothers has invested more than 100 million yuan (12.5 million U.S. dollars) in two major productions, “The Banquet” and “Battle of Wits”, a potential blockbuster that will be released at Christmas. With the two epics and two other low budget films in the vanguard, they are launching a new onslaught on the box office both in China and overseas.”