The Beijing Film Market (BFM) announced deals totalling $1.7bn (RMB10.5bn) for 32 projects at the close of the three-day event (April 17-19), including $615m (RMB3.8bn) for film production.

BFM organisers said the figures also included $550m (RMB3.4bn) for construction of cinemas and production bases, and $372m (RMB 2.3bn) for ‘film foundation projects’.

Held for the first time at the circular China Millennium Monument, the market attracted 724 companies and organisations from 24 countries, including 248 exhibitors, around half of which came from outside China.

The bulk of the exhibitors were companies from the locations and technology sectors and included French VFX company BUF, Ile de France Film Commission, Chinese VFX house Phenom Films, Korean Film Council, Hong Kong’s Emperor Motion Pictures and Media Asia and a large delegation from Taiwan.

The event also featured a projects market, including pitching sessions with judges and trainers such as Hong Kong filmmaker Teddy Chen, Irresistible Films’ Ivy Ho, Village Roadshow Pictures Asia CEO Ellen Eliasoph and Taiwanese producer Peggy Chiao.

The “Industry Conversations” section included sessions on the impact of the internet on the film business; Sino-French collaboration; financial and legal issues; and a 3D summit with speakers including Paul WS Anderson (Resident Evil). BFM also teamed with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) to host a filmmakers’ workshop, which also included pitching sessions.

While the market wrapped on Saturday (April 19), the Beijing International Film Festival runs until the presentation of the Tiantan Awards on April 23.

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