娱乐英语新闻:Vancouver film community eyes China business

It was only now that he felt ready to attempt funding with Chinese partners.

Over the past 12 years, Lowe has written, produced and directed the 1999 short Hanging Out, the 2001 feature Exiles in Paradise, and the 2007 documentary I'm the Canadian Delegate. To his credit, all have made money, albeit in modest amounts, something that has attracted Chinese interest in his projects.

"The fact that I'm able to get on CBC (the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), the National Film Board (of Canada), Telefilm and across the States and a bunch of festivals that's kind of intriguing. Although China is very, very good at having successful films under their home territory, they don't export very well," Lowe said.

He estimates he can produce Staged in North America for 1.5 million to 2 million Canadian dollars, or cheaper in China where production costs are much less.

Other groups looking to get the China business are in post-production and special effects.

Dennis Hoffman, senior vice president and general manager of Method Studios, said as China increases its expanse and the use of services internationally, the studio is very interested in exploring any opportunities.

Based out of Los Angeles with offices in six cities around the world, Method offers 3D animation/CGI, matte painting and conceptual design, among other services.

With visual effects potentially costing up to 60 percent of a production's budget, depending on a story's needs, Hoffman said where Method could be of help to Chinese productions is in increasing the level of quality of the work they are doing at present.

"I know that there is discussions going on about joint Canadian- Chinese production, part of that is also, from my understanding, the Chinese producers also want to expand the quality and type of storytelling that they are doing right now."

Rick Cederlund, co-general manager of Deluxe Vancouver, a provider of traditional and digital cinema services, called the China film industry an "interesting market."

"It's very important with a growing market like China where there is tremendous penetration of film. The expansion in theaters in China and the delivery systems in China, offer us a very large marketplace and the connection between Western Canada and the Pacific Rim is very significant."