Headlines From China: Chinese Authorities to Further Restrict Foreign Content Programming

Chinese Authorities to Restrict Foreign Content Programming

On September 20, China’s media regulator The National Radio and Television Administration published drafts of new rules to restrict foreign content programming on TV and online video platforms. The new rules disallow foreign content during evening primetime (7-10pm) without permission. In addition, the rules limit foreign content to 30% of daily airtime on all TV channels and 30% of total available content on video platforms. Back in 2004, China set rules to regulate the importation and distribution of foreign TV content, which already banned foreign TV shows from being aired during evening primetime. The new rules expand to restrict all types of foreign audio-visual content, including film, animation, documentary, educational programs, variety shows, and sports. Read more on entgroup.cn

Warner Brothers’ China Co-production ‘White Snake’ Set for December 21 Release

On September 21 (Beijing Time), a press conference was held in Beijing for the upcoming animated film White Snake, which is co-produced by Warner Brothers and Chinese studio Light Chaser Animation. Gillian Zhao, Managing Director of Warner Brothers China, and Wang Wei, CEO of Light Chaser Animation, attended the event. Based on The Legend of The White Snake, which is one of China’s Four Great Folktales, White Snake tells a compelling love story of Madame white snake in her past life. The film has been set to release in China on December 21 and will stay in theater through the lucrative New Year holiday period. Read more on Mtime

‘March of The Penguins 2: The Next Step’ To Release in China

March of The Penguins 2: The Next Step, a 2017 documentary and a sequel to the 2005 nature documentary March of The Penguins, has been acquired by a Chinese company. A theatrical release in 2018 has also been secured, according to sources familiar with the matter, but a release date is yet to be announced. Both films in the series are directed by French documentarian Luc Jacquet. March of The Penguins earned $127 million at the global box office after its 2005 release and also won several prestigious awards, including Best Documentary of the 78th Academy Awards. Read more onMtime 

Science Fiction Film ‘The Titan’ Set for October 12 China Release

Science fiction thriller film The Titan, which stars Sam Worthington, Taylor Schilling and Tom Wilkinson, has been scheduled to release in China on October 12. Directed by Lennart and written by Max Hurwitz, the film is centered around a military family that takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration. The Titan is an international co-production between the UK, the US, Germany, and Spain. Read more on Mtime