Hainan unfolds new policies to build ‘Oriental Hollywood’

Haikou: Hainan has announced a slew of new policies for its film industry in Haikou, the provincial capital of the tropical island, in a move to fast-track the goal of building an “Oriental Hollywood” in China.

“A maximum of five million yuan (RM3mil) subsidies will be awarded to those who register a film production company with 10 million yuan (RM6mil) in Haikou.

“The bottom line restriction for registration has been cancelled,” said Haikou mayor Ni Qiang at the China Filmmakers Forum in Haikou on Friday.

The new incentives, seen by experts as the most favourable in the country, cover a long list, including corporate income, personal income tax, urban construction tax and private house purchasing.

“Filmmakers who produce movies featuring Hainan stories and bring forth good social influences will get a big extra bonus from the provincial government,” said Ni.

Ding Hui, Hainan’s top official in charge of cultural and sports undertakings, said at the forum that film production will be a top priority industry for Hainan, which has been busy establishing itself as an international tourism island as part of a national strategy since 2010.

“New measures will encourage outside investors to put their money in the core businesses of filmmaking in Hainan and further benefit-related sectors such as performance, tourism, hospitality management, costumes and food services,” said Ding.

Film directors, screenwriters and producers from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and the United States attending the forum were attracted by the new policies.

“The beautiful landscapes and preferential policies on taxation are very attractive,” said Michael Shamberg, a US film producer.

Director He Ping and a number of other Chinese and foreign filmmakers suggested that the local government should sure that the preferential policies were a long-term measure to ensure sustainable development of the film industry.

They also called for training of much-needed professional talent to serve local film productions.

Natural advantages – good ecological environment, diversified resources and superb air quality – have made Hainan a natural photo and filming studio. — China Daily/ Asia News Network