Chinese Delegation Visits Elstree

Bi-lateral trade and investment between China and the UK continues to grow, not least within the broadcast industry. In June, a Chinese film and TV industry delegation from Beijing paid a visit to London's Elstree Studios.

The delegation was led by Chinese film star Qin Hai Lu, who was given a tour of the studios by Managing Director Roger Morris. The guests visited a number of productions in progress and met some of the Elstree Studio tenants, including special effects company Lifecast, where Qin Hai Lu was given a 3D scan using the latest 3D technology. She was also invited onto the set of Paddington Bear, a new feature film in production at the studios. On the set of Paddington she met award-winning producer David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter films and Oscar-winning feature film Gravity.
Elstree Studios expects the visit will lead to more film and TV related partnerships with Chinese producers. The studios also announced last month that its partnership with BBC Studios and Post Production has been extended until at least 2017.
"The partnership has revitalised TV production at the studios with major shows for both the BBC and ITV including Strictly Come Dancing and The Voice," a statement from Elstree said. "Elstree Studios in association with BBC Studios and Post Production now provide some of the best HD TV stages in the UK."
Last month's delegation coincided with a visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Downing Street, where it was announced that Buckingham-based Pinewood Studios has signed an agreement with Wanda to advise on the construction of a new film and TV studio complex in Quingao which, once completed, will be one of the country's largest film and TV studio facilities.
It was also revealed that London-based Silvergate Media has inked a deal with China Central Televsion (CCTV) to broadcast its children's programmes 'Octonauts' and 'Peter Rabbit' in the country.
The UK is the most popular European destination for Chinese investment, according to Number 10. It said there has been more investment into the UK from China in the last 18 months than in the previous 30 years, with over £8bn having been invested between 2013 and 2014 alone.

www.elstreestudios.co.uk

(IT/JP)