China Culture Investment Group has found a way to help the country meet the growing demand for fresh film talents. (Photo : blmforum.net)
China Culture Investment Group (CCIG) and United Kingdom's University of York have teamed up to develop film and television talents for the world's second largest film market.
The two signed a framework agreement during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.K.
According to CCIG CEO Geng Zhenhao, "the 2 billion yuan project will focus on developing new education and training programs aimed at students studying overseas to include those from China."
Under the agreement, CCIG will shoulder the investments in building new facilities, Geng remarked. These include new student dormitories, among others.
The investment group will also handle the recruitment of students, while the University of York will be responsible for the entrance standards, course quality and mentoring.
"The Chinese market is so huge. Currently, Chinese students account for nearly 20 percent of all the 13,000 students at the Imperial College London. However, in York's case, the number is very small. CCIG will help recruit students in China," Geng noted.
CCIG eyes to kick off the construction in April next year. The facilities are targeted to be put in use in Sept. 2018.
A report from the Manchester-based Prolific North website said that the agreement between the two will be a big opportunity for both sides.
Quoting U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, the report said: "This 200 million euro ($300 million) program is a huge achievement for the University of York and will provide an excellent facility for students both from China and across the Northern Powerhouse area."
