China Media Monitor Headlines

China International Broadcasting Network (CIBN), an international new media broadcasting network featuring 61 languages, has recently received approval from the State Administration of Radio, Film and TV (SARFT). It will be an example of new media convergence, covering online AV programs, mobile broadcast TV, IPTV and China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB), a platform launched by China Broadcasting Corporation. The network will be based on CRI Online, the world's largest multilingual website.

August 26 saw the State Administration of Radio, Film and TV (SARFT) and The Export-Export Bank of China (China Eximbank) sign a contract on supporting key export enterprises and projects in the radio, film and TV sector. China Eximbank will offer financing support worth no less than RMB20 billion (US$2.9 billion) or the equivalent foreign currency to the above enterprises to promote them to “go abroad” during the next 5 years.

In 2009, China exported more than 10,000 hours TV programs to over 100 countries. Domestic film sales abroad exceeded RMB2.7 billion (US$397 million). Video products and services exports amounted to more than RMB545 million (US$80 million).

August 26 saw the General Administration of Publishing and Publications (GAPP) publish Suggestions on Inviting Public Comments on the Circular on Promoting the Healthy Development of Publications Distribution via Internet on its official website. The period for public comment is from August 30 to September 5.

Those entities engaged in general distribution, wholesale and retail trade of publications via the internet shall get operation licenses, just like book stores, according to the circular. If an entity’s business involves audio visual products, it also needs to apply for an audiovisual products operation license.

Those entities had begun operations before the circular shall apply to provincial-level administrations before September 30. Publications are defined as books, newspapers, magazines, audio-visual products and electronic publications.

China began to implement the mobile phone real-name registration system from September 1, aiming to protect users’ private information and decrease spam messages. Chinese consumers must register their IDs when buying mobile-phone SIM cards, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) order. The supplementary registration work for 321 million mobile phone users without real-name registration shall be completed within the next 3 years.

Those current users refusing to register their IDs shall not be forcibly stopped from using mobile phone services, disclosed an unnamed telecom insider. He expects that it will be very difficult to execute the system completely. But the system will set up a basis for mobile e-commerce and positioning services and promote the development of the mobile internet industry.

Sino-US co-production The Karate Kid (Kung Fu Dream), starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, had made RMB1.635 billion (US$240 million) at the box office globally by the end of July, accounting for 63% of all overseas box office receipts for Chinese films to date in 2010, according to China Film Promotion International. It made US$56 million at the box office in USA within 3 days of release on 11 June 2010, realizing full cost recovery.

The Karate Kid (Kung Fu Dream) is adapted from the same title US film produced in 1984 and was co-produced by China Film Group Corporation, Columbia Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment.

For global box office statistics, please click here.

 
Source: China Film Promotion International

Warner Bros’ action feature Inception will premiere in 16 IMAX cinemas in addition to standard ones across mainland China from September 1. It is China’s 3rd imported film with IMAX 2D format following Iron Man 2 and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in 2010. Compared to IMAX 3D film Avatar released on 14 screens at beginning of this year, Inception creates a new record of release on IMAX screens in mainland China. China has 27 IMAX screens (commercial + non-commercial), only following North America in the world.

The Expendables, the latest US action blockbuster, has been a hit among the Chinese audience. Since it opened on August 20, it has made RMB85 million (US$12.45 million) in box office takings in five days, making it the biggest earner after After Shock (Tangshan Da Dizhen) which took more than RMB600 million (US$87.85 million) in less than one month. China Film Group is responsible for the film’s distribution in China. It boasts a lineup of ten internationally famous action stars, including Chinese actor Jet Li, and is expected to make around RMB200 million (US$29.28 million) or RMB300 million (US$43.92 million) in final box office receipts

The launch of German film The Charlemagne Code is postponed to the middle of September from its original release date of August 26 in mainland China, reports Sina.com. No reasonable reason was disclosed.

With more than 60 films showing over the summer holidays, Beijing Wanda International Cinema Line, consisting of three cinemas in Beijing, took RMB100 million (US$15 million) at the box office to August 24, topping all regional cinema lines, according to general manager Xing Yan. She attributed the achievement to advanced equipment, successful marketing strategies and good services. Beijing Wanda installed IMAX equipment in its Shijiangshan cinema and the latest Christie 4K resolution projectors and U.S. Harkness brand screens in Tiantongyuan and the CBD district respectively.

Beijing Wanda, a regional cinema operator affiliated to Wanda Cinema Line, also broke RMB100 million (US$15 million) at the box office in 2009. Wanda Cinema Line owns cinemas in more than 30 cities.