China's musicals and broadway industry could soon boom fully as long as local shows are continually developed. (Photo : New York Times)
As the small musicals industry in China is gradually rising, Ivy Zhong, one of the founders of China Broadway Entertainment, said that its company's focus is to develop local musicals that will catch the country's attention.
"So far the Chinese market is not that hot, even though a lot of people say it is getting better. I still think it will take a bit of time. Companies like ours have the responsibility to train this market," Zhong revealed in a THR interview.
In a China Dialy report, musicals revenue has reached $37 million in 2013, a relatively small figure, given the size of the industry's potential market and the fact that China is the world's second largest film market.
Zhong put up the China Broadway Entertainment with China Digital Culture chairman, Sean Hsu. She is previously affiliated with the troubled Chinese indie film firm, Beijing Galloping Horse.
"When I ran Galloping Horse, we did everything, but now this company is concentrating on content. We have TV drama, movies, and also Broadway shows, immersive shows and musicals. We try to use a new style. Content is very important," Zhong remarked.
Currently, a number of companies have been showing interest on this Chinese market.
"Musicals will become more and more international like the movie business. It is very important to choose the right kind of shows for the Chinese market," she furthered.
"That's why at home I choose more commercial shows. More and more people are stuck inside online, and they don't come out. If you want them to come out, you must give them something that they can get interact with," she added.
China Broadway Entertainment's first project is set to be ready by summer of next year. The venture will revolve around a campus love story.
