NZ, Chinese animators join to crack international market

WELLINGTON - New Zealand and Chinese animators are to collaborate in tackling the international film and television markets after signing an agreement Wednesday to set up an "international animation technology joint research center."

Wellington-based Pukeko Pictures announced the agreement with the Animation School of the Beijing Film Academy and China's Grand Entertainment Ltd(GZ) media distribution company.

The joint research center would actively promote the development of animated projects and open up the expanding international, Chinese and film and television markets, said a statement from Pukeko Pictures.

It would also promote film and television cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand, and provide a platform for collaboration in the film and television fields between Chinese entities and international enterprises.

The first collaboration project was planned co-productions on the internationally released animation series, "The WotWots," created by Pukeko Pictures, including episodes specifically for the Chinese home market.

"This exciting collaboration will see film and television cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand from technical know-how, the sharing of international resources and partners and will enable us to capitalize, co-produce and distribute international and Chinese film and television projects," said Pukeko Pictures chief executive Andrew Smith.

"It also extends to furthering the education and training of upcoming talent in the industry through joint academic activities and hosting annual regional industry conferences," said Smith in the statement.

China's film and television industry needed to grow through more collaboration with innovative international companies, said Professor Sun Lijun, dean of the Animation School and Vice- Principal of the Beijing Film Academy.

The school would seek more opportunities for the sharing of resources and know-how, and the exchange of culture and ideas, said Sun in the statement.

"At the same time, it is our hope to provide more platforms for the nurturing of the future generation of film and television talent in China," said Sun.

The WotWots, a series about two fluffy aliens who travel in a steam-powered spaceship, was already broadcast in China on free-to- air, satellite, IPTV, Internet and mobile TV, said the statement.