New Wall for China

The new venture has many aims, including: to provide co-production opportunities for film and television producers; to create film themed projects in Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan and to develop production financing and related services for Chinese film and television productions.

With the Chinese filmed entertainment market estimated to be worth around $4,478m, and expected to nearly double in the next three years, it is easy to see why the creative sector has been listed by the Chinese government as a pillar industry.

Pinewood Chief Executive Ivan Dunleavy said of the new appointment: “I am thrilled that Malcolm has agreed to join Pinewood’s latest international joint venture. Song Lin is an exciting prospect for the Company. China’s growth in recent years has been phenomenal and this is especially true in the media sector. Pinewood wanted to appoint someone with the experience and skill to develop our offering in this important region and Malcolm was an obvious fit.”

Bruno Wu, chairman and CEO of Seven Stars, added "Together with Pinewood, we have identified a significant number of business opportunities for the short, medium and long term. Our local knowledge and scale combined with Pinewood's unique operational skills and international reputation will enable our joint venture to participate in China's content explosion."