New law to regulate China’s film industry takes effect

BEIJING: The first set of the Film Production Law targeting China’s cultural industry officially came into effect on Mar 1.

The long-awaited laws and regulations were approved by the central government on Nov 7, 2016. In addition to promoting the film industry, as the name suggests, the broader purpose of the law includes promoting socialist values in China and regulating the domestic film market.

As the new Film Promotion Law states, failure to report true figures on box office earnings may attract fines up to 500,000 yuan (roughly RM328,500). For the first time, the new law also emphasises “Socialist core values” from cast and crew, demanding excellence in both performing skills and moral integrity from those who work in the film industry.

To crackdown on fraudulent reports on box office earnings,

The Film Promotion Law states that actors, directors and other professionals in the film industry must not only possess high artistic skills, but also abide by socialist core values, have high social and moral standards, follow the professional code of conduct, comply with the law and build an excellent social image.

the Film Promotion Law states that theatres should instal a computerised ticket sales system in accordance to regulations set by the country.

Theatres that fail to comply will be penalised. Film distributors and theatres that exaggerate box office earnings, which distorts the film market, will be sanctioned by the government from the county-level and could also lead to action from higher levels of government.

A fine of up to 500,000 yuan may be imposed and earnings obtained illegally will be confiscated. For illegally obtained earnings above 500,000 yuan, a fine up to five times the amount earned will be imposed. Depending on the severity of the offence, businesses may be suspended and licences revoked.

Various cases of artists committing misdeeds such as using illegal drugs, engaging prostitutes and other offences have emerged in recent years. This is a bad look for the film industry and unhealthy for cultural development as a whole. The Film Promotion Law states that actors, directors and other professionals in the film industry must not only possess high artistic skills, but also abide by socialist core values, have high social and moral standards, follow the professional code of conduct, comply with the law and build an excellent social image.

Illegal recording of a movie during its screening in a theatre will be strictly prohibited. Theatre personnel have the right to stop such behaviour and demand the content be deleted from recording devises. Viewers who fail to comply may be asked to leave immediately.

The law also states that theatres should reasonably allocate showing schedules for domestic productions; no less than two-thirds of all screening times should be dedicated to domestic productions each year.

The Film Promotion Law prohibits commercials during a film screening. Theatres who violate the law will be warned, and face fines between 10,000 and 50,000 yuan.

The law also encourages theatres to show charitable commercials prior to showings.