Slow Box Office Before Chinese New Year
Neither Huge Jackman’s The Greatest Showman, nor high-budget Chinese film Till the End of the World can save the pre-Chinese New Year box office in China. Single-day box office earnings have dropped from 250 million yuan ($29.7 million) back in early January to 100 million yuan ($15.9 million) last Friday. The weeks leading up to Chinese New Year have become the slowest movie season, as highly anticipated Chinese New Year movies take much of the spotlight with trailers, posters, and presales. This is also a time when hundreds of millions of people who might otherwise contribute significantly to the box office begin their trips back home to reunite with family for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Read more on entgroup.cn
‘Tomb Raider’ Gets March 16 China Release
Based on the 2013 video game of the same name, action-adventure film Tomb Raider is set to release in China March 16, 2018, the same day the film will be released in North America. Starring Swedish actress Alicia Vikander and Chinese-American actor Daniel Wu, the film follows the first expedition of Lara Croft, in which she completes her father’s research and uncovers ancient secrets capable of clearing her name. Having Daniel Wu in the film also made it appeal to Chinese audiences more. Read more on Mtime
Cine+ Expo 2018 To Be Held In June
A conference and exhibition on film brand marketing, merchandising, and IP films, China International Film Merchandising and Licensing Expo (Cine+) is an annual 3-day event that is going to take place between June 20 and June 22 this year. With a booming cultural and entertainment industry in China and the rising popularity of IP films in China, Cine+ 2018 aims to focus on the development of IP works, through hosting various forums, road shows, and exhibits. Read more on entgroup.cn
State-Run Film Studio August First To Undergo Comprehensive Restructuring
August First Film Studio, also known as Bayi Film Studio, is going to be completely restructured, marking the end of an era where state-run film studios flourished. Established on August 1, 1952, August First Film Studio has produced many well-known films over 2400 films the years, including Tracks In the Snowy Forest, and Tunnel Warfare. State-run films studios largely relied on the planned economy to be sustainable, and when the film industry became more market-orientated and private capital started pouring in, it quickly broke the monopoly power of those film studios. Coupled with higher purchasing power, and a better appreciation of arts of culture among the general public, it is no surprise that state-run film studios would eventually be out of the picture. Read more on TMTpost
