Uncertainties challenge China's sci-fi films

Not many were based on China's classical sci-fi novels, but instead original stories, he added.

Sci-fi author Chen Qiufan has been deeply involved in the production of several sci-fi movies over the past two years as an adviser. However, he is quite cautious about copyright deals on his own books.

"Many film companies buy novels speculatively. They will probably not even adapt them, instead choosing to re-sell for a profit," said Chen. "I'd rather to see my stories on the screen."

Investors' enthusiasm with sci-fi movies was helped by the success of best-selling saga "The Three-Body Problem" by Liu Cixin, which is slated for release next July.

Although film critics are less than optimistic about the film, Chen Qiufan said it could mark a significant step in China's sci-fi movie production.

Kong Xiangzhao, producer of the movie, said he recruited an American production team, especially in the special effects and filming departments. Kong hoped it could rival Hollywood blockbusters.

Chen Qiufan thinks the movie might decide the future of Chinese sci-fi movies.

"Its success could excite both investors and the audience while a failure might strangle the industry in its infancy. We might be dumped by both the capital market and audience," he said.

"Compared to the industrialized production of Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters, domestic producers are more like stragglers. Professionalism is what we need at the moment. The situations, however, might not be changed for a while yet," said he.

Yan Peng said having an international production team could offset domestic drawbacks.

"The risk is that we might not be able to call it a Chinese production in the real sense. The bottomline, I think, should be seeking technical support overseas without sacrificing the Chinese flavor in art," said he.

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