iQiyi Partners with JD.com to Increase Paying Users
On April 27, leading Chinese online video platform iQiyi and China’s second largest e-commerce site JD.com officially formed a strategic partnership to expand their member bases. The partnership will allow one platform’s paying subscribers to enjoy the other platform’s membership benefits. As leaders in the internet arena, both iQiyi and JD.com are pioneers in developing and expanding paid subscriptions. According to iResearch, China has about 765 million internet users as of December 31, 2017. Chinese netizens are increasingly accustomed to paying for online content and services. This partnership between iQiyi and JD.com will not only provide more benefits to their customers, but also better actualize each brand’s potential and commercial value. Read more on Caijing.com
Hit Italian Comedy Film ‘Perfect Strangers’ Scores May 26 China Release
2016 Italian comedy film Perfect Strangers has scored a May 26 China release, according to sources familiar with the matter. The film was directed by Paolo Genovese and centers around a dinner party where seven long-time friends decide to reveal every text message or phone call they would receive that evening. Released in Italy on February 11, 2016, the film grossed over €16 million ($19.37 million) in Italy and received critical acclaim. Read more on Mtime
Huace Brings Five Animation Projects to China International Cartoon & Animation Festival
On April 26, The 14th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival opened in Hangzhou. As China’s largest cartoon & animation festival, it attracts animation studios and industry professionals from over 85 countries. This year, Huace Film & TV showed up at the festival with five animation projects, and this newcomer has been attracting lots of attention. As China’s largest TV production company, Huace produces over 1000 TV episodes, several films, and over 10 variety shows each year. In 2017, the company started investing in, developing, producing, and distributing domestic animated content. In the future, Huace also plans to invest in overseas animation studios. Read more on people.com
Animated Film ‘Animal Crackers’ Set for July 6 China Release
American-Spanish Animated film Animal Crackers has been set to release in China on July 6, which is during the lucrative summer moviegoing season. Co-directed by Scott Christian Sava and renowned American animator and film director Tony Bancroft, the film follows the Huntington family who must use a magical box of animal crackers to save a run-down circus from being taken over by their evil uncle. The film stars the voices of Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Ian McKellen, and Sylvester Stallone. Read more on Mtime
