A Short History of Tencent Pictures
In 2014 when Chinese tech giants started tapping into the film industry, Tencent announced 7 film projects, which marked the company’s expansion into the entertainment sector. In 2015, Tencent Pictures was officially launched. With Tencent’s rich resources of games, online literature and comics, Tencent Pictures naturally focuses on making films based on IPs from the aforementioned resources. Today, three years have passed, Tencent Pictures hasn’t released any films that have achieved significant success. The best known Tencent film this year is IPartment, which drew attention for an IP infringement scandal. Recently, Tencent’s e-book unite China Literature acquired film and TV production company New Classics Media. This will make it even harder for Tencent Pictures to excel within its own Tencent family, let alone in the overall film industry in China. Read more on yiyuguancha
Tencent Launches Anime App “Boodo”
On August 15, Tencent announced that the company would upgrade its QQ Anime to “Boodo Universe” and also launch a new app called “Boodo.” Similar to Bilibili, “Boodo” will be a platform themed around animations and comics. In addition to producing and hosting ACG (Animation, Comic, and Game) content, “Boodo” will also add live streaming function and present comic cons in the future. Read more on 36kr
Ang Lee to Be Honored by Directors Guild of America
Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee will be honored by the Directors Guild of America (DGA) this year. DGA chairman Thomas Schlamme described Ang Lee as a legendary director, someone who keeps pushing the envelopes. Ang Lee has won three Oscars and received four nominations by DGA Awards in the past. In addition to Ang Lee, Fox Searchlight chairman Nancy Utley, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), SAFG-AFTRA senior advisor John McGuire and costume designer Ann Roth will also be the recipients of this year’s DGA honors. Currently, Ang Lee is busy with the post production of his latest film Gemini Man, which stars Will Smith. Read more on Mtime
