The third edition of the Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum took place at BAFTA in London, gathering key figures from the Chinese and UK screen sectors to reinforce dialogue and partnerships. This annual event, hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and supported by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and trailer screenings focused on exploring new collaborative opportunities in the global entertainment industry.
Key Participants and Agenda Highlights
Distinguished attendees included senior officials such as Rupert Daniels from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Adrian Wootton OBE of Film London & British Film Commission, and representatives from Chinese entities like LI Liyan of the Chinese Embassy in the UK and YOU Haiyang from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. The forum, chaired by Jasmine Pang of Phoenix TV, featured keynote addresses from industry leaders including Robi Stanton of BBC Studios and Amanda Halliday of Pinewood Group, who discussed trends in international collaboration and content development.
Presentations and trailer screenings were conducted by major Chinese companies such as Stellar Pictures, Huace Croton Media, Tencent Video, bilibili, and XG Entertainment, showcasing upcoming projects and potential co-productions. These sessions highlighted efforts to bridge cultural divides and tap into the growing Chinese market for screen content, emphasizing the role of innovation in storytelling.
Focus on Global Storytelling and Cultural Exchange
A panel discussion titled ‘How to Tell Global Stories across East and West’ delved into the challenges and strategies for creating content that appeals to international audiences. Participants, including Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios and Jiella Esmat of 8 Lions, explored how cultural exchange can enhance narrative resonance and drive economic growth in the screen industries. The forum underscored its commitment to fostering long-term partnerships between China and the UK, aiming to boost investment and trade in creative sectors.
By uniting influential voices from Shanghai and London, the forum aims to solidify its role as a key platform for advancing Sino-British relations in the screen industry. This initiative aligns with broader Chinese policies promoting cultural exports and international cooperation, contributing to the dynamic landscape of global media and entertainment.
