China’s Film Industry Focuses on Technological Advancement for Growth
China’s film industry is embracing technological autonomy and collaboration to achieve high-level development, according to experts at a recent symposium. The Film Technology Development and Innovation Symposium held in Pingyao, Shanxi province emphasized the importance of building a robust film industry with self-sufficiency in technology.
The symposium, organized by the China Film Administration and the China Research Institute of Film Science and Technology, brought together over 140 representatives from film bureaus, production companies, equipment manufacturers, cinemas, and industry associations. Keynote speeches highlighted domestic and international trends in film technology development, application, and innovation.
Over the past decade, China’s film industry has followed international standards and made innovations across the industry chain, including production, distribution, screening, copyright protection, infrastructure, technical standards, and quality assurance. The goal is to achieve self-reliance and high-level development in film technology by collaborating and leveraging strengths across the film industry chain.
Director Guo Fan, known for the blockbuster sci-fi film franchise The Wandering Earth, shared his experiences using artificial intelligence (AI) in film production. His team experimented with AI technology in creating realistic digital characters, modifying actors’ voices and appearances, and aging characters without makeup. Guo expressed excitement about the possibilities that AI technology can bring to the film industry, particularly in improving the scriptwriting process and enhancing photography and lighting in real-time.
Zhang Wei, the head of the China Research Institute of Film Science and Technology, highlighted the convergence and innovation brought about by information technology. He emphasized the need to use high-tech formats in film production and screening, build a comprehensive film production system, deepen independent innovation in film technology, and cultivate both technological and creative talent.
China’s film industry is poised for significant growth with a focus on harnessing technology and fostering collaboration. The symposium served as a platform to exchange ideas, experiences, and successful practices to empower the Chinese cinema in the new digital era. As the industry embraces technological advancements, it aims to achieve autonomy over core technologies and become a global leader in film production and innovation.
The future looks promising for China’s film industry as it continues to adapt to the rapid pace of technological changes. With a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency and collaboration, China is paving the way for the development of a robust and technologically advanced film industry that can compete on a global scale.
