Summer box office picks up steam

Based on the 2002 novel of the same title by Mao Dun Literature Award-winning writer Mai Jia, Decoded tells the story of a math genius dedicated to deciphering intelligence information between the 1950s and '60s.

Chen says that he hopes the film will serve as a tribute to the unsung heroes who fought for their country, much like the protagonist in the film, and hopes it will evoke appreciation for those who risk their lives fighting on secret front lines.

With its string of culture-oriented blockbusters, like last year's animated blockbuster Chang'an, Light Chaser Animation has been dubbed "China's Pixar "by some domestic industry insiders. Continuing the studio's trademark of drawing inspiration from traditional culture, its upcoming film White Snake: Afloat — the final episode in the White Snake trilogy — retells the story of a snake demon who shape-shifts into a beautiful woman to bravely pursue her love for a young man in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Yu Zhou, cofounder and president of Light Chaser Animation, says that the story marks the studio's first attempt to retell this tragic household tale, which has been circulating in China for centuries, in comedic form.

Additionally, new digital technology will be employed to bring to life the famous scene in which the snake demon and the man meet on the Broken Bridge, one of the most renowned spots on West Lake in Hangzhou.