In a new Chinese government regulation, the censoring process of domestic animation will be sped up to aid the development of the industry, reports XINHUA.
Starting in August 2006, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) will decide whether or not to approve animated productions every month. Previously, regulators only authorize productions twice a year in January and July.
"The move is aimed at improving the administration of the TV animation production and accelerating the development of TV animation made in China," Ge Chen, a SARFT official.
However, this change does not loosen their control over censorship. Producers must submit a 1,500-character synopsis to SARFT, which will announce the approved titles on its website every month.
The eligible animation must be in line with the ideology and policies of the Communist Party, and those involving sensitive subjects, such as political, military, foreign, religious, ethnic, judicial, police and educational affairs and celebrities, must be referred to the censors for consultation.
"The investors and producers will have more time to consider whether to make an animation after both political and commercial factors are taken into account," Ge said.
If an authorized title is not produced within two years of its initial certification, it will need to be resubmitted to the censors.
For Sino-foreign co-produced animations, applicants must provide a credit list of the foreign producers, screenwriters, directors and other key production personnel.
"This is to exert tighter controls over production and to guarantee the interests of both Chinese and foreign producers," Ge said. "Some applicants didn't say their animated series were co-produced until they finished production, which might lead to losses of foreign personnel if there were any problems. There is no discrimination between Chinese and foreign producers about subject selection.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
