ecns [expanded by feedex.net]: The cartoon bubble

ecns [expanded by feedex.net]

ecns

The cartoon bubble
http://www.ecns.cn/learning-Chinese/2013/11-19/89165.shtml
Nov 19th 2013, 08:04



2013-11-19 17:04 The World of Chinese




The Animation industry in China is now claimed to be the biggest in the world, annually producing more than 260,000 minutes of animated cartoons a year. That is nearly twice that of Japan, which is in second place. This production boom is largely the result of significant increases in government subsidies. As is often the case with government subsidies, not all the money is being spent effectively.


Chinese cartoons have long lacked popularity among both Chinese and foreigners, due to a lack of high-quality production. This resulted in an inability to gain profits from television (channels can purchase cartoons for as little as 10 RMB per minute); the industry has not seen enough new talent emerging, with many claiming the need of fresh brains to juggle things up.


Huxiu reports:


"Prior to 2004, the animation market was inundated with imported animation movies. In 2005, the SARFT required that no less than 60% of Chinese animation be screened on TV channels during the prime time. Then more policies that favors the Chinese-made animations are introduced, including subsidies, simplification of the SARFT's approval process, fee exemptions, research funds etc."


The decision to focus on the animation industry is not a bad idea per se, but has brought a few complications with it. Some companies have simply seized upon it as an opportunity to start scams. Fake production companies, that claim to boost the industry, suddenly pop-up out of nowhere. Upon establishment, they receive significant government subsidies and produce nothing, which means money is spent and nothing is gained- not a great way for a nation to spend its money.


However, the huge bubble continues to grow unabated. Currently, "more than 20 cities claim they are working on becoming 'the City of Animation (动漫之都)'", Huxiu reports. And the industry is aiming at developing three to five animation parks. The results of these parks are often disappointing, often with businessmen getting the rights to use the land to develop cultural industry parks, only to later use the land to operate real estate businesses.


Right now, nobody seems bothered as the animation market has the veneer of expansion and is predicted to have more profit than ever in 2014. However, like all bubbles, it will surely burst at some point.


There are a few things that could help. For example, closer cooperation with foreign animation companies could lead to tighter control over the financial side of the industry. Another option could be the tightening of regulations and an increase in annual checks. Finally the government could look into only giving subsidies if they come with a real upside. Obviously, for all this too work there needs to be a certain degree of transparency and for there to be no corruption (no easy feat in China). China needs to take control of its animation industry before the whole thing turns into a cartoon nightmare.





0)





You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at https://blogtrottr.com

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe here:
https://blogtrottr.com/unsubscribe/qhG/Zc7fXt