A draft law to promote China's movie industry -- widely regarded as a milestone move -- was submitted to lawmakers for the first-round review during the bimonthly session. The details have sparked much discussion.
It's a first for China's film industry. The draft law aims to regulate the fast-growing market, support domestic filmmakers and boost international cooperation.
One of the highlights of the draft is it requires the government to provide more support to the film industry, like tax incentives and more specific investment. Law makers say that these measures are expected to accelerate the development of the film industry.
"I think it's very timely that the law comes at a time when China's film industry is booming with increasing box office.The draft states that the market plays an important role. And it clarifies the government's role in censorship," Fu Ying, member of NPC Standing Committee, said.
At present, film producers have to apply for approval for their scripts. This adds to their costs and puts a damper on the domestic film market. Lawmakers want to free up producers to concentrate on their work.
"I think the draft has too many items on cinema operational procedures. I suggest the draft include more items to boost the film industry by simplifying the approval procedure," Ma Zhiwu, member of NPC Standing Committee, said.
China's movie industry has been soaring in the past five years. Latest official figures show that in the first three quarters of this year, gross box office revenue was a record 33 billion yuan ($5.2 billion), up just over 50 percent year on year.
Domestic movies brought in 19.755 billion yuan, accounting for nearly 60 percent of market share.
Lawmakers say that the law should be about quality as well as profit.
"The draft law should not only serve to boost the film industry in producing more films, but to enhance the artistic value of the film production in order to meet the international standard," Hong Yi, member of NPC Standing Committee, said.
The draft is still far from ready. The screenplay, so to speak, still has loopholes and flaws. Several more rounds of discussions are needed before it's a wrap.