Beijing group to foster making of micro movies

A Chinese cultural enterprise has announced the founding of the "Shang8 Film Industry Park," vowing to build it into China's first base for the production of "micro movies."

The park will nurture young filmmakers and support the growth of Chinese companies working in this medium, which involves films shot over a short period of time and lasting only a few minutes or less, mostly completed on extremely small budgets.

It will also serve as a platform for original films from new-generation producers, said the Shang8 Culture Group on Wednesday at the Beijing International Film Festival.

Beijing-based Shang8 specializes in cultural, artistic and advertising services. It owns eight industrial parks related to creative design, advertising and new media.

The Shang8 Film Industry Park will integrate all sectors of filmmaking including investment and plotting, script writing, production, promotion and distribution, said He Yang, planner and manager.

The park will set up "workshops for young filmmakers," "new director introductions" and other projects to promote the rise of new filmmakers and the micro-movie industry, according to He.

Micro movies have been on the rise as an independent art form in China that can be downloaded and viewed on various new media players like iPads and smart phones.