China’s legislature is taking important steps in strengthening the Chinese film industry by cutting the red tape for filmmakers and cracking down on piracy, according to a report by China Daily.
Although legislators have only gone through the first reading, industry insiders expect good results from the drafting of the new law which will help in strengthening the country's local film industry. Despite being the world's second largest movie market, China is constantly hobbled by limited resources and bureaucracy.
"This legislation can stimulate the industry, regulate irregularities and safeguard China's cultural security," said Cai Fuchao, head of China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.
The report further stated that despite being a latecomer in the modern age of filmmaking, China has caught up with other countries in terms of market share. In the first nine months of 2015, Chinese cinema box offices took more than 30 billion yuan ($4.72 billion), more than the total for last year.
Among the goals which the law seeks to achieve are the revocation of some filmmaking permits and the simplification of the regulatory review process.
"In the near future, China is likely to become the largest movie market, so it is essential to bring in more private participation," said Pan Hua, a professor from Communication University.
Furthermore, the film industry will be supported through increased funding and investment, with tax cuts for scriptwriting, filming, distribution, screening and overseas promotion of domestic films. The government will attempt to encourage Chinese companies to invest and support the building of movie theaters.
"Movies are the most market-oriented and open cultural products but they face the most fierce competition from foreign rivals," said Yin Hong, director of the center for film and television at Tsinghua University.