China greenlights record number of film co-production projects in 2016

A total of 89 film co-productions obtained permits for shooting in 2016, a record, according to China Film News.

The number was up 11 percent from 2015, the paper reported, citing the China Film Co-production Corporation (CFCC).

It said 54 of the co-productions will be between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong producers and 10 will involve film-makers from the United States.

Co-productions have fared well in the Chinese film market in recent years.

Among the top 10 "domestic" films in 2016, eight were co-productions, including The Great Wall, an epic action-adventure by Zhang Yimou, which made more than 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million).

According to the CFCC website, China has co-productions agreements with more than 10 countries, including Italy and India.

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