U.S. China Film & TV Industry Expo Announces Participation of Entertainment Industry Leaders

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 16, 2014) - Industry leaders from the world's entertainment superpowers are set to attend the U.S. China Film & TV Industry (UCFTI) Expo, September 15-16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With support from the Mayor's Film Czar, Ken Ziffren, advisor Sid Ganis and U.S. Congressman Ed Royce, the inaugural Expo will serve as a platform for major players from the U.S. and China to leverage their respective successes and network for future partnerships.

"Hosting our two worlds' entertainment dignitaries and key players under one roof will be enlightening to say the least," said Bianca Chen, CEO of the UCFTI Expo. "In the midst of the current changes in Hollywood, and China's exponential industry growth, now is the perfect time and the Expo is the perfect place for the collaboration of great minds."

Major industry players are confirmed to speak at the Expo, including representatives from Relativity, The Weinstein Company, Legendary Films, Sony Pictures, NBC Universal, Technicolor and entertainment attorneys from O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Other participants include former managing director of Sony Pictures China Barbara Robinson and partner of Mayer Brown LLP and former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg.

Also in attendance will be more than 800 Chinese dignitaries from a variety of influential organizations including Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film & TV, Shanghai Media Group, Hangzhou Film & TV, and entertainment representatives from China real estate associations. Chinese producers, writers and talent will also be in attendance, including three time Golden Horse award-winning actress Lisa Lu, and writer, director and television producer Zheng Xiaolong.

"Our goal is for the Expo to foster deeper relationships and bridge the gap between the U.S. and China, as they are the powers that will shape the future of film and TV," said Chen.

Building upon the reputation of U.S. and China as the two largest entertainment markets in the world, Expo panels will cover co-productions, distribution, film financing, deal making in China, capitalization and equity, the foreign film quota, technology and post-production, investment conditions and trends, and most importantly the overarching cultural divide, and strategic communications to maneuver the business norms of each country.

More than 150 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services at the Expo, ranging from location guilds and lawyers to hardware and software technology and equipment. At the heart of the Expo will be the production, post-production and distribution companies.

The Expo is also host to a film competition, currently open for entries from aspiring filmmakers in both the U.S. and China. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 check and the winning video trailer will be showcased at the Expo. The second and third prize winners will receive $3,000 and $2,000, respectively, while ten semi-finalists will win admission to the Expo.

Sponsors of the Expo include The Hollywood Reporter, Shanghai Media Group, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and Galloping Horse.

To learn more about the Expo, including exhibitor and sponsor information, please visit ucftiexpo.com.

About The UCFTI Expo
The U.S. China Film & TV Industry Expo, taking place September 15-16, 2014 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will bring together top executives, producers and creative teams from the world's two leading entertainment 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 work 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.