UK/China Animation Forum kicks off in Beijing 

Hosted by UK Trade & Investment (UKT&I), and supported by China’s Cultural Industry Department of Ministry of Culture and the UK’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the new UK/China Animation Forum is aimed at generating new business connections between producers, broadcasters, distributors and investors hoping to sell existing programming and co-produce new animated content across TV, film, mobile and online.

This is the first time UKT&I has led an animation delegation to China. More than 140 Chinese delegates have signed up to attend the event.

The UK delegation has been formed by project management agency Parameter with the support of South West Screen, Vision + Media and Screen West Midlands.

UK Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt praised the initiative: “The UK/China Animation Forum is a chance for UK businesses to generate advantageous new partnerships, and new revenues, by gaining insight and experience of the opportunities within China first hand. I look forward to learning of the results and to this being one of many creative business links between China and the UK.”

Caroline Norbury, chief executive of South West Screen, added: “The South West is home to award-winning animation talent, ranging from world leaders Aardman Animation to growing companies such as Spider Eye and the BAFTA-winning Arthur Cox. South West Screen is pleased to be on board in developing the UK/China Animation Forum, which we hope will open up new opportunities for companies to widen their reach internationally.”