In anticipation of the opening of the world's largest film and television production space, the Dalian Wanda company, which is China's property and entertainment giant, gave attendees of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Locations Show a preview on Friday.
Staged in the U.S. show business metropolis of Los Angeles from March 5-7, the show's sole Chinese exhibition was provided by the Wanda group.
The official launch of the Wanda Qingdao Studios (WQS) is actually scheduled to occur some time in April 2017, but the AFCI exhibit provided viewers with a glimpse of the under-construction studio complex, which is located in the eastern part of China.
According to the press release, the completed studio will cover 200 hectares (494 acres), and will house 30 purpose-built production stages, a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled underwater stage, and China's largest outside water tank.
Moreover, the complex will also consist of natural scenery, custom-built locations and post-production facilities of the most-advanced quality.
The COO of WSQ, Nancy Romano, informed the media:
"We are building a world-class film and television studio. When an international production comes to shoot on our lot in the beautiful, coastal city of Qingdao, the cast and crew will be fascinated by the unique cultural experience that this city has to offer."
As one of the world's foremost production bases, WSQ will become available to both Chinese and international crews from the global film and television industry.
Wanda Group has also partnered with the Qingdao Municipal Government to found China's first film and television development fund. Like the studio complex, the incentive program will be open to both Chinese and foreign producers. Furthermore, registered production companies will also benefit from tax rebates for those WSQ productions that meet the criteria.