New alliance aims to push Chinese dramas abroad

A new alliance of film and TV producers known as the Chinese TV Drama (Web Series) Export Alliance made its debut during Hong Kong International Film&TV Market 2018(FILMART) on March 19.

The annual FILMART, being held for the 22nd time this year, has attracted over 850 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions.

The new alliance was launched by 10 Chinese film and TV studios, including some of China's leading entertainment producers such as Zhejiang Huace Film & TV, H. Brothers and iQIYI on Dec 26, 2017, as a solution to increase the low prices earned by exported Chinese TV dramas.

Entertainment industry pundits say that although the quality of Chinese dramas has improved greatly over the past five years, competitiveness in overseas markets still lags behind that of American, Japanese and South Korean productions.

"One key reason is that the marketing channels are dispersed," said Zhao Yifang, president of Zhejiang Huace Film and TV Co.

The alliance is based in China (Zhejiang) International Film & Television Industries Cooperation Experimental Zone, the first and only national film and television industries zone.

Aimed at promoting international cooperation, as well as the importing and exporting of film and television products, the alliance will focus on building a solid international platform for the film industry to help export Chinese web series and build a new brand for Chinese exports.

"With the help of the alliance, prices of exported Chinese TV dramas are expected to rise," said Zhao.