Headlines from China: Key Trends in China’s Anime Sector

A Still from the Domestic Animated Film ‘Big Fish & Begonia’ (2016)

Key Trends in China’s Anime Sector

A few years ago, it was almost unimaginable that Chinese anime would be able to compete with Japanese anime. Yet today, the market share of domestic anime is rapidly increasing in China. It’s very likely that domestic anime will dominate the market in near future. On November 29, a panel discussion on domestic anime took place in Chinese city Chengdu as a part of the 5th China Internet Radio & Video Convention. Participating panelists pointed out three trends in China’s anime sector today: First, the market share of domestic anime is rapidly growing. Five years ago, its market share was 3.5 percent. But this year, the number is 39.8 percent. In addition, the anime sector is increasingly favored by capital. In 2012, there were only six merger and acquisition (M&A) cases in the anime sector. However, from 2015-2017, the numbers of M&A cases are 78, 77, and 57, respectively. Second, the quality of domestic animated films is increasing. Last but not least, the audience base of domestic anime is expanding and increasingly diversified. Read more on National Business Daily

iQiyi Will Exclusively Stream Thai Blockbuster ‘Bad Genius’ 

After a successful theatrical run in China, Thai crime comedy drama ‘Bad Genius‘ will become available for Chinese audiences on iQiyi, starting from December 1, 2017. Since the film was first released in Thailand in May, it has broken various records, becoming the best-performing Thai film in various countries and regions. Other recent productions to be released on iQiyi in December include Sylvia Chang‘s heartwarming drama ‘Love Education,’ British comedy film ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle,’ and National Day holiday box office winner ‘Never Say Die,’ etc. Read more on yuemuchina

Zhang Ziyi’s ‘Forever Young’ to Meet Chinese Audience in Early 2018

Chinese drama film ‘Forever Young,’ which stars Zhang Ziyi, Huang Xiaoming, and LeeHom Wang, has been scheduled to open across China at the beginning of 2018, according to an official poster of the film released on November 29. In addition to a strong cast, the film also has a strong crew led by director and writer Li Fangfang. Award-winning Chinese cinematographer Cao Yu (‘City of Life and Death’) is the director of photography. Zhang Yimou‘s frequent production designer Cao Jiuping (‘Raise the Red Lantern’), acclaimed art director Piao Ruomu (‘Rouge’), and sound expert Chen Guang (‘Grandmaster’) are also members of the crew. Read more on Sohu

An Official Poster of ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’

‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ Scores January China Release

American 3D action adventure comedy film ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ has been scheduled to be released across China on January 12, 2018, according to the film’s official Chinese poster and trailer released on November 30. Produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Matt Tolmach Productions, Radar Pictures, and Seven Bucks Productions, ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ tells the story of four teenagers who discover an old video game console and are sucked into the game’s jungle setting becoming the adult avatars they chose. The film will play in China in standard, 3D, and DMAX 3D.  Read more on Mtime