New "one-stop service" for Film and Television companies launched in Shanghai

The Shanghai Film and Television Industrial Cluster was launched in Qingpu district, Shanghai on Friday, functioning as a centralized, one-stop service platform for global film and television production companies.

The cluster, spanning around 40,000 square meters in western Shanghai, provides services covering policy consultation, project promotion and film and TV production support, according to Fang Heqing, president of the cluster.

Long-term strategic partnership for talent cultivation has been established between the cluster and higher-education institutions including Shanghai Theater Academy and Shanghai Vancouver Film School. 

A virtual production studio will be set up in the cluster to drive the training of technology professionals in the film and television industry, according to Fang.

The cluster will also focus on the establishment of a film and TV alliance in the Yangtze River Delta where international enterprises in the industry can participate.

Zhang Pimin, chairman of the China Film Foundation, said at the launch ceremony  that the cluster will "facilitate the digital transformation and development of local economy in the district".

The ceremony also saw the signing of a cooperation memorandum between Qingpu district government and Shanghai Radio and Television Program Production Industry Association.

Agreements were also signed for further project collaborations among the cluster and local technologies, culture and entertainment firms, as well as among the government of Zhujiajiao town in the district and art groups, business development and culture companies in the city.

"Adjacent to the Hongqiao transportation hub and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) where the China International Import Expo is held annually, the cluster boasts its convenient  location," said Ping Yongjia, vice president of Shanghai Shangxiang Entertainment Group, which joined the cluster.

The company has plans for TV works showing a realistic portrayal of urban life through cooperation with the cluster and is considering to launch more projects in the future.