U.S. China Film & TV Industry Expo Unites Entertainment Giants; Hosts Exclusive USC Film Competition

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 24, 2015) - The U.S. China Film & TV Industry (UCFTI) Expo returns to unite the two leading entertainment countries. The second annual coming together of industry leaders will take place September 28-29, 2015 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In tandem with the rapid globalization brought about by the internet, the UCFTI Expo seeks to bridge the gap between the U.S. and China, facilitating mutually beneficial relationships within the two countries' film and television industries.

This year, the Motion Picture Association (MPA), given its depth of involvement in partnership activities between the American and Chinese screen industries, has come on board as a supporter of the event.

Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, MPA, said, "There's no doubt that the relationship between the two big powerhouses of screen entertainment -- the U.S. and China -- is incredibly strong and dynamic. The MPA has always sought to help facilitate opportunities for the constructive exchange of knowledge and ideas, such as the annual China International Co-Production Film Screenings held in Los Angeles each November, and we are pleased to support the U.S. China Film & TV Industry Expo in its second year. We wish all of those involved a successful event."

New for 2015, the UCFTI Expo is partnering with the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts to host an exclusive film competition. The competition is open to students of USC and will allow aspiring filmmakers to showcase their best work for top executives in both the U.S. and Chinese film industries for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to China. Further opportunity will be given to the top three finalists, who will have their films shown at the UCFTI Expo itself before the announcement of the grand prize winner. Runners up will receive a cash prize in addition to the multitude of valuable connections made at the Expo.

"The USC School of Cinematic Arts is thrilled to be partnering with the UCFTI Expo," said Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. "As the industry continues to become more and more international, it's important for our students see their films as not just for American audiences but for international audiences."

China is the world's second largest movie market by total box office bringing in more than $4.8 billion in 2014, and surpassing the U.S. Box office for the first time ever in February 2015. The UCFTI Expo will bring together top executives, creative teams, producers and distributors from the world's two leading film and television markets to tackle the big issues and questions related to U.S. and China collaboration. Attendees will have access to a number of panels and one-on-one discussions with key experts from both countries addressing topics ranging from navigating Chinese government regulations and filming in China to the transformation in the way content is packaged, delivered and consumed.

"Both the U.S. and China boast thriving film and television industries but do not necessarily take advantage of each other's strengths and resources," said Bianca Chen, CEO of the UCFTI Expo. "Last year provided a great base for starting these important conversations. This year, we look forward to addressing the rapid changes in how entertainment is being produced and consumed globally with more in-depth discussions."

Chen will host a press conference to discuss the second annual UCFTI Expo with Chinese audiences on April 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Beijing Hotel in conjunction with the Beijing International Film Festival. A reception will be held following the press conference.

Financing opportunities for future projects will be an important topic of conversation, addressed through a panel sponsored by O'Melveny & Myers LLP. This panel will bring together experts on film finance, assets, equity/debt financing, joint ventures and rights/content, moderated by an O'Melveny & Myers partner in the practice of Entertainment and Media.

Additionally, the expo will showcase products and services that are instrumental in making today's films, television shows, news segments, etc.

Influential delegates from China will be attending the Expo, with anticipated representation from the following organizations: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film & TV; Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio and Television; Beijing International Film Festival; Shanghai Media Group; Shenzhen Media Group; China Film Group; National Base for Intercultural Trade, China Film Producers' Association and SAPPRFT.

To learn more about the Expo, exhibiting, sponsoring or attending, please visit ucftiexpo.com.

About the UCFTI Expo
The UCFTI Expo, taking place September 28 and 29, 2015 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will bring together top executives -- and thousands of creative teams, producers and marketers -- from the world's two leading film/TV markets to tackle the big issues and tough questions related to U.S. China collaboration. Expo participants will gain insights and contacts to help them successfully do business in each other's markets. The program is designed to bridge cultural differences and foster real exchange and collaboration among potential creative and business partners. For more information, please visit ucftiexpo.com.