TV festival focuses on quality

Industry professionals stressed the importance of creativity and quality in homegrown radio and TV programs at the opening session of the 25th Shanghai TV Festival on Monday. 

The opening session heard leading industry figures discuss new trends and media convergence in the Chinese television industry.

Shanghai Media Group's President Gao Yunfei said it had developed a series of acclaimed programs, including “Bravo China,” “Heroes” and charity TV program “We Are In Action.”

Good content will also be created for high-quality documentaries, realistic films and epic dramas about the achievements of the country’s reform and opening-up as well as people’s lives in the new era, Gao said.

New media, such as video-sharing websites and smartphones, has changed the way information is disseminated, and new media is converging with traditional media as technology develops. 

Sun Zhonghuai, CEO of Tencent Penguin Pictures, said video-sharing websites are playing an increasing role in developing original content.

“We will take our social responsibility to create more thought-provoking realistic productions for young online viewers,” Sun said.

In recent years, Chinese TV productions have won wide acclaim from foreign audiences.

Zhao Yifang, founder and CEO of Huace Group, said it had introduced more than 10,000 hours of Chinese TV productions to around 180 counties and regions. 

Zhao said the global influence of domestic TV programs is ever increasing in terms of good original stories and universal emotions.

Li Chunliang, president of Beijing Media Network, said traditional Chinese culture can inspire many TV productions and it will put more heart-warming stories about ordinary people on the screen.