China

June 9

Top selling animation imported from Hollywood usually failed in China theater exhibition.  The 1995 “Lion King” held the animation record in China at RMB40 million for 13 years, until “Kungfu Panda” exhibited in 2008 accumulated RMB170 million.  Without local cultural factors embedded, animation is likely to be regarded as children’s show, which lack attraction for theater business as ticket is sold half price.

June 8

Beijing Axis 3D Technology Co., LTD, an animation and game producer located in Pinhai High-tech Development Zone of Tianjin, hired 5 re-known game designers from the USA.  These specialists will help develop and export games with Chinese epic concept and western top-notch technology.  Total of RMB50million will be invested each on development and promotion.

June 7

Film producer and distributor, H.Brothers, launched their 1st cinema theater in Chongqing.  This is the 1st full 3D theater in China, with 1500 seats. Another 6~8 theaters to be launched by H. Brothers this year, utilizing up to RMB13 billion investment fund from market cap.  By 2012, another 15 theaters will also be commissioned.

June 4

China Film Stella quietly signed 2 IMAX theaters during Shanghai Expo.  One will be in Shanghai (July15, 2nd available), another in Beijing (early next year).  This will be Shanghai 2nd IMAX screen, and Beijing 3rd.  Each IMAX screen can generates at least RMB 300K per day, currently there are less than 10 IMAX screens in China.

June 3

1st quarter financial reporting revealed that game industry in China, particularly the newly public listed corporate that dominated 80% Chinese on-line game market, are suffering from slower growth and profitability decline.  Lacking new product introduction and over relying on regenerating old games resulted in slipping of customer’s attention.  On the other hand, start-up creative companies are surging at 200%-300% growth with aggressive game introduction.

Southeast Asia

June 8

Singapore will host BradcastAsia, a leading trade event for the broadcasting and media industry, in mid June.  This event will be participated by 41 countries, along with 121 Singaporean companies which grew by 27% participation rate.  In this event future of media technology and services across TV, mobile and internet platforms will be exhibited, also including innovative products like Window Phone 7 and HD Outdoor Broadcast van.

June 2

Singapore Media Development Authority (MDA) reported its Media Fusion Plan doubled the operating receipts growth in media sector to SD22.4 billion in 2008 over 8 years, with employment increased by 30% to 60k over jobs.  Its interactive digital media researches added 28 patents and SD1.3 billion revenue, with compounded 25% growth since 2005.  ScreenSingapore, an international cinema event to be hosted by Singapore in June 2011, will reinforce Singapore’s position as global media capital by providing a platform to exchange ideas and business opportunities.