China

May 5
The 6th Chinese International Animation Industry Signing Ceremony was conducted in Hangzhou, the top Chinese city for animation development with 35 titled production totaled 27,409 minutes since 2009.  Nationally number 1 animation producer from Hangzhou, Manchi Animation Creation, commented current China animation industry is worth RMB18 billion, in contrast to potentially undeveloped RMB100 billion opportunities.  In 2009, national animation production is at 322 titles, which grow by 40 times compared to 6 years ago, and 79 of those titles exported with time length slightly over half of TV program export net 1490 hours.

 May 5
China-USA co-production “Empire of the Deep”, or known as “Mermaid Island”, is currently taking place in China with the 3D film making invested up to USD150 million, recorded high in China.  3D special effect director is directly sourced from “Avatar”.

 Southeast Asia

May 6
Singapore Media Development Authority (MDA) will co-invest in total of SD10 million to International Film Fund and International Animation Fund on qualified projects worldwide by summer 2010. As of current, MDA is promoting 102 film projects, a 25% increase compared to last year, to Cannes Film Market in mid of May.  Also, a 3-year SD20 million is funded to globalize Singapore game industry.

Hong Kong & Taiwan

Apr 30
Leading Taiwan cinema chain, Vieshow Cinemas, launched 2nd IMAX theater in Southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung, after its 1st success IMAX setup in Taipei a year ago.  This new setup at NTD50 million, signal the continual partnership to build another 6 IMAX theater all over Taiwan by 2012.