The Third Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum Unites Cultures and Fosters Global Storytelling

The highly anticipated 3rd Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum occurred recently at the prestigious BAFTA in London, marking another milestone in promoting creative collaboration between the UK and China. Following two successful previous editions, this year's forum gathered prominent figures from both the Chinese and UK screen sectors, reinforcing its status as a key platform for exchanging ideas and forming partnerships.

Hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, with support from the UK's Department for Business and Trade and organized by Phoenix TV, the event featured an array of engaging activities. Keynote speeches, presentations, trailer screenings, and panel discussions took center stage, all aimed at exploring innovative avenues for collaboration in film and television.

The forum opened with notable attendees from both nations. Key figures included Rupert Daniels, Director of Services at the UK's Department for Business and Trade; Adrian Wootton OBE, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission; LI Liyan, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the UK; and YOU Haiyang, Level II Counsellor at the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. Jasmine Pang, Director of European Affairs at Phoenix TV, facilitated the discussions and events throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a series of keynote addresses from respected industry leaders such as Robi Stanton, the EVP and General Manager at BBC Studios for ANZ Asia, and Amanda Halliday, the Director of Special Projects at Pinewood Group. They shared insights on the evolving landscape of the screen industry and the potential for greater collaboration between Chinese and British storytellers.

Adding a personal touch to the proceedings, acclaimed Chinese actor ZHANG Luyi participated in a fireside chat where he discussed his experiences in creative development and the challenges of crafting narratives that resonate across cultures. This personal perspective enriched the forum's objective of fostering a deeper understanding of cross-cultural storytelling.

As the event continued, representatives from leading production and distribution companies like Stellar Pictures and Tencent Video showcased upcoming projects, revealing exciting co-production opportunities. The trailer screenings offered fresh glimpses into creative endeavors that highlight the synergy between the two vibrant industries.

A particularly captivating panel discussion focused on the theme of “How to Tell Global Stories Across East and West.” Experts including Rosemary Reed from POW TV Studios and Jiella Esmat of 8 Lions discussed the intricacies of developing content that appeals to international audiences. Participants addressed challenges faced when merging different cultural perspectives without losing the essence of individual narratives.

The 3rd Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum underscored the significance of continuing dialogue and collaboration in the ever-evolving screen industry. By uniting influential voices from two of the world’s foremost creative hubs, the forum’s format not only fosters innovation but undoubtedly paves the way for meaningful cultural exchange. This annual event has solidified its place as an essential gathering for creatives, providing a vital opportunity for cross-border collaborations and storytelling endeavors that are inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, the Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is a reflection of the growing interdependence of arts and media between China and the UK, and it sets the stage for a revolutionary era in global storytelling where cultural narratives are shared, celebrated, and transformed. As both countries continue to nurture and harness their creative talents, the future of international screen industries looks brighter than ever.