In the modern society, watching films has become an important leisure and entertainment means for the people, while the achievement in Chinese film market is astonishing. In the beginning of 2018, the box office in Q1 set a new record in Chinese film market.
According to data provided by related competent authority of film industry, the film market nationwide achieved RMB20.217 billion in Q1 of 2018, increased by 39.82% compared to RMB14.46 billion of the last year. Film viewers reached 561 million people/times, up 36.44% compared to 411 million of the last year. The box office of RMB20.217 billion in Q1, equivalent to USD3.22 billion, exceeds USD3.085 billion in the North American market in Q2 of 2015. The film word-of-mouth also gradually shows positively related to the box office.
Apart from box office, the development of cinemas is also closely related to the film industry. According to annual statistical data from annual report for Chinese film market in 2017, both number of cinemas and screens keep a fast growth, while cinema income reduces and even there is news that “Wanda Cinemas earn popcorn income of RMB400 million, accounting for 72% of total sales, ranked top among nationwide cinemas”.
So, the film market is not just for selling tickets. The cost and profit of films, investment of film and TV media industry, cinema operation and distribution of cinemas, all these factors are important parts of film market. Population, city and economic development are also influential factors for the film market. For example, we need to consider such questions as how to develop cinemas in third and fourth-tier cities with increasing box office in these cities and how audience’s habits will affect the box office.
The BJIFF dedicatedly sets up the International Film Market Forum to invite filmmakers both at home and abroad to explore the development trend of worldwide cinema and analyze the development trend of Chinese film market. At the section of “Master Class for Cinema Managers”, we will invite guests from China, Japan, UK and France to discuss those topics.
Mr. Kazutaka Akimoto, President of Shochiku Cinemas is from Japan. He worked with Shochiku Cinemas and Marunouchi Piccadilly Cinemas for seven years. Later, he was responsible for selecting films for film panorama as a curator, and acted as manager, deputy director and president of cinemas. Many years of experience in cinemas operation enable him to have his thorough insights into the film market.
Ms. Clare Binns, a gust from the UK, is the General Manager of UK Picturehouse Cinemas. She has been engaged in all aspects of cinema work, responsible for operating this most innovative and successful community film group in the UK. Also, she participates in operating Picturehouse entertainment company, in charge of some overseas film purchasing and purchased such films as Imposters, The Lobster and Cocktail Party.
Ms. Clare Binns has over 40 years experience in film industry and won the career achievement awards granted by Screen, a famous UK film magazine and British Independent Film Award. Variety, an American mainstream film & TV magazine, named her one of the 25 people driving the London entertainment scene. In addition, She ranks No. 70 in The Guardian’s top 100 film power.
Mr. Jean-Marie Dura is former European Managing Director of UGC, France and former CEO of Ymagis, France. Since worked with UGC in 1992, he was responsible for operating European cinemas and then he was appointed as general manager of Ymagis, the largest film screening and distributor in Europe. In July 2015, he left the management position and acted as member of Board of Director and chairman of auditing committee at Ymagis. Now, he is a freelancer consultant in film and visual-audio services. Commissioned by National Film Art Center of France, he drafts the report for future cinema development and also acts as a member of French RIAM Council, responsible for providing funds for innovative media and film projects. Also, he is a permanent lecture of Fémis and responsible for research on exhibitors in 2016-2017.
There are also five Chinese guests. The first one is Mr. Jiang Wusheng - General Manager of BPA Culture and Communication Co, Ltd.
Mr. Jiang started his career in film production and investment in 2015. He is a famous film distributor and producer. He was appointed as PR consultant, brand consultant by many companies and invited as a keynote speaker by many training organizations. He is praised as “A Specialist in Chinese Entertainment Marketing Practices” by the media and in the industry.
Under his leadership, the United Entertainment Partners distributed nearly 60 films and generated over RMB13 billion box office. Mr. Jiang and his team distributed a lot of highly acclaimed and high grossing films, such as Wolf Warriors 2, Forever Young, The Seventy-Seven Days, Hacksaw Ridge, Monkey King: Hero is Back and Breakup Buddies.
The second guest is Ms. Cai Ting, Former President of CGV University, CJ CGV (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd.
Ms. Cai is a senior manager in operating cinemas. She once served as regional general manager with Wanda International Cinemas and training manager at the headquarters operation center. Her extensive experience in operating chained services for 18 years enables her to accumulate her unique insights into cinema operation.
Also, there are Mr. Jin Bo, CEO of Beijing Guanyu Cinemas Management Holdings Co., Ltd. and council member of China Urban Distribution Screening Association. Mr. Jin has been engaged in film industry for 15 years and served as general manager of Operating and Management Center with Beijing Bona International Film Group.
The other two are Mr. Wang Zheng, General Manager of Shandong Luxin Cinemas and Wang Yan, Market Director of Sichuan Pacific Cinemas Management Co., Ltd.
We need to take overall consideration of film market. Chinese and international film market need thorough communication and exchange between each other. The International Film Market Forum will inevitably inject new vigor into Chinese film market.