Last month, representatives from Zhejiang Hengdian Film and Television Service Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hengdian World Studios, attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas, USA, marking a significant presence in the North American film industry.
As the sole Chinese enterprise invited, Hengdian World Studios also took part in the IMAX CEO Forum, a prestigious gathering in the international film sector. Here, Hengdian shared its unique strengths and development vision with industry peers from IMAX, leading production companies, exhibitors, directors, producers, art schools, real estate moguls, and tech investors, exploring the future and challenges of the global film industry.
In recent years, Hengdian has reinforced its international strategy, drawing more overseas film and production crews through comprehensive media outreach, global partnerships, and active promotion at major film festivals and exhibitions worldwide.
Hengdian: A "Dream Factory" Loved by Chinese Productions
Hengdian has hosted numerous acclaimed Chinese TV series such as "The Great Ming Dynasty," "Empresses in the Palace," and "Nirvana in Fire" as well as Hong Kong and Taiwanese productions like "War and Beauty." Hollywood films such as "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," Disney’s "Mulan," and the Japanese manga adaptation "Kingdom" have also been shot here.
Hengdian’s iconic filming site, the Qin Palace, underscores its dedication to independent research and development. Balancing traditional and digital techniques, the Qin Palace recreates grand scenes from ancient Chinese periods and has hosted over a thousand productions, evolving from "The Emperor and the Assassin" to "The Untamed."
The "Kingdom" film, released in 2019, utilized Hengdian's advanced facilities and services for its production over 20 days. Director Nikki Caro of "Mulan" praised Hengdian’s film sets, noting their contribution to the film’s iconic shots.
Hengdian consistently modernizes its facilities to offer diverse and professional filming options. New projects like Tiandu City and Song Street are set for completion soon. Hengdian also prioritizes collaboration with directors and producers to meet practical filming needs and create versatile, high-quality shooting environments.
From the Qin Palace to modern urban settings like Guangzhou Street-Hong Kong Street, Hengdian has established over 30 large-scale film and TV bases spanning 5,000 years of history. By September 2023, it had supported more than 4,000 productions and 80,000 episodes, with two-thirds of Chinese film and TV productions bearing its mark.
Additionally, international productions like "Pegasus 2" and "Lighting Up The Stars" have earned recognition at global festivals, demonstrating Hengdian’s capability beyond traditional period dramas.
The Three-Body Problem: High-Tech Productions in Hengdian
Hengdian has embraced high-tech film-making, launching a film and TV industrial park with an investment of 3 billion yuan. More than 20 high-tech studios now facilitate productions using virtual shooting technology, considerably saving time and costs.
The Chinese sci-fi drama "The Three-Body Problem" extensively utilized Hengdian's advanced facilities, filming at least 60% of its scenes there.
Hengdian has also ventured into the short-form content space, capturing international attention with over 1,000 micro-dramas filmed annually. These short dramas, completed in about seven days, leverage Hengdian's facilities and services to deliver high-quality content quickly.
Hengdian's strategic partnership with Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University aims to cultivate film and TV talents with international perspectives. The annual Hengdian Film and Television Talent Conference further solidifies its role as a prime hub for industry professionals, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for film and TV production.
Hengdian World Studios, evolving into a comprehensive film experience resort, offers immersive cultural and creative activities and high-tech performances, making it a unique destination for film enthusiasts worldwide.
The resurgence of Chinese cinema begins in Hengdian. Welcome to Hengdian World Studios to see, film, and experience the magic of movies.
