China Media Monitor Headlines Archives

The China Film Group Corporation (CFG) plans to set up an online games subsidiary in the near future, according to Marketing Director Jiang Defu at the 7th International Internet Culture Expo in Beijing.

Jiang also said the CFG has a cooperative agreement with online game operator Kylin to promote new film Treasure Hunter (Ci Ling) via an online game called Genghis Khan. Under the terms of the agreement, the CFG will also screen ads for the game before every screening of the film in mainland China.

Xinhua Sports & Entertainment Ltd announced it acquired mainland sports media distributor China Sports Media on December 4, according to a report on Sohu. China Sports Media owns the broadcast and distribution rights to around 80% of all mainland sports events, including China Basketball Association (CBA) and China Soccer League (CSL) matches. The acquisition comes as the value of Chinese sports properties comes under the microscope following a national police crackdown that has resulted in a string of arrests for gambling and match-fixing. Xinhua also plans to acquire online sports video operator NuCom Online International Co Ltd.

Hunan TV is currently negotiating the launch of a joint electronic business service, according to unconfirmed industry rumors reported on Sina. Hunan TV's new online shopping channel – Golden Eagle Web – is the business unit rumored to be planning the collaboration with Taobao. Other sources speculate that both sides are planning on launching a new online shopping website.

China is currently drafting new regulations to introduce a rating system for online content similar to the ratings systems for film in other countries, according to Ministry of Culture spokesperson Tuo Zuhai at the 7th International Internet Culture Expo. The government is also drafting new regulations for a real name registration system as well as the protection of online fiscal and intellectual property. Tuo  also urged game operators to develop more wholesome online content free from violence and pornography.

The producers of Zhang Yimou's new film A Simple Noodle Story (San Qiang Pai An Jing Qi) will focus on online promotions in a bid to attract young viewers, according to People's Daily. Beijing New Picture Film, the company that co-produced Noodle Story with Sony Pictures Classics, has launched an official website dedicated to Zhang Yimou plus an official website for the film and an online game with the same name as the film. The online promotional drive is tied in with the film's premiere on December 11. Noodle Story is Zhang Yimou's adaptation of the Coen Brothers' classic Blood Simple.