Film and TV vital to Bay Area’s future, forum told
Experts and leaders in the Chinese film and television industry are advising educational institutes in Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao to produce more young film and television talents to boost the entertainment industry in the Bay Area.
There is enormous potential to be tapped in the film and television industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to guest speakers attending the First International Forum on Chinese Film. The forum was held at the Macau University of Science and Technology on Thursday.
Hosted by the Macau Academy of Cinematic Arts, the forum examines the latest developments in Chinese films and television. It also explores new opportunities for films and television production in the Bay Area.
Hong Kong — Asia’s Hollywood in the 1970s and 1980s — has had a lasting influence on the Chinese film industry, noted Huang Changning, deputy general manager of Zhuhai Film Group.
There is also no shortage of young film and television talents in Macao. In the Chinese mainland, Guangdong province has the most successful film and television industry — with annual box office earnings topping 8 billion yuan ($1.17 billion). This accounts for one-sixth of the total industry revenue in China, Huang revealed.
Despite remarkable strengths, the Bay Area still has more work to do when it comes developing its film and television industry.
Liu Hailing, director of the Creative Writing Center at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, said: “There are plenty of colleges and universities in Guangdong province providing education in film and television production. But efforts to cultivate young talents are scattered.”
Many universities in Guangdong province, such as Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou University now have film and television programs. These cover film production, screenwriting, animation design, and film and TV market management.
But each university fosters talents single-handedly — enrolling only 15 to 20 students in each department, explained Liu.
“There are a lack of institutions providing systematic training in Guangdong, something like the Beijing Academy of Film and the Central Academy of Drama,” she said.
That partly explains why Guangdong, despite prolific film production, has very few high-quality film products that really stand out, Liu said.
“It’s sad to hear that students studying screenwriting can hardly produce a decent 90-minute-length script after four years of study at the university.”
Liao Gene-fon, a professor in the Motion Picture Department at the Taiwan University of Arts, is upbeat about the future of the film and television industry in the Bay Area. But he said the area is devoid of basic infrastructure for film shooting and production. This, he says, is a major hurdle.
“Many cities in China have launched ‘bases’ for film shooting, such as Shanghai, Qingdao, Wuxi and even Xiangyang, a city of Hubei province. A shooting base should be built in the Bay Area to better serve its film productions,” Liao advises.
Despite challenges facing the Bay Area in terms of film and television collaboration and development, Yin Hong, dean of Macau Academy of Cinematic Arts at Macau University of Science and Technology, is also confident about the future of Chinese films. This is because they often top global ticket sales — sometimes ahead of European and US productions.
Increasingly important, too, are online video productions. These are increasingly making a significant economic contribution, says Geng Danhao, senior vice-president of iQIYI.com. iQIYI is one of the largest China-based online video sites in the world. It was founded in 2010.
Online video consumption has gathered momentum in recent years — with China attracting 600 million online video clients. The online video clientele has increased dramatically to over 150 million, helped by mobile payment methods.
E-commerce sectors have tapped into the popularity of online video platforms, cashing in on spin-off products of popular video dramas. Along with a binge-watching craze encouraged by the recent Story of Yanxi Palace (produced by iQIYI) there have also been shopping sprees on video streaming platforms.
Commodities modeled after the accessories used by female characters or other things from the dramas are eagerly bought online. These range from hair accessories, bracelets, folding paper fans, cushions and mobile phone cases. Geng said sales were very promising, although he did not elaborate.
The online video viewing frenzy has created a new economic phenomenon — called a “fans economy”, explained Geng.
Idol Producer, the first reality boy group survival show in China produced by iQIYI, has caused a sensation. But it also led to more live programs created for fans. An example of this is Miracle Birthday — a live show dedicated to celebrating the idols’ birthdays with their fans. This had been an instant success.
Online video consumption also boosts tourism and helps people appreciate China’s cultural heritage, adds Geng. After the streaming of Story of Yanxi Palace, the Yanxi Palace at the Forbidden City in Beijing became a more popular attraction with tourists. Having been dilapidated for some years, the palace is now going to be renovated. More people have become interested in aspects of China’s culture — such as its refined embroidery.
Geng is convinced the Chinese film and television industry will continue to thrive due to its growing influence and the commercial success of mainland films internationally.
He predicts the demand for online video products will keep rising, “This is due to young people’s penchant for online video consumption and the changing viewing habits of audiences,” he says. Geng also believes the online video industry will contribute a great deal to the mainland’s economy.
Many cities in China have launched ‘bases’ for film shooting ... A shooting base should be built in the Bay Area to better serve its film productions”
Liao Gene-fon,