On June 14, 2016, ABL hosted a theme forum at the Shanghai International Film Festival titled “Breaking Ground on Completion Bonds for Heavy-Industry Films in China.” Bringing together industry leaders, legal experts, and film professionals, the forum explored the establishment of a robust completion bond system to support the growing heavy-industry film market in China.

Exploring Risk Management in Film Production

The forum focused on the critical need for effective risk control mechanisms in the rapidly expanding Chinese entertainment industry. Drawing inspiration from Hollywood’s successful implementation of completion bonds, the event highlighted how such systems could safeguard investments, streamline production processes, and enhance the sustainability of the domestic film sector.

ABL Partner Jianjun ZHENG shared his expertise in entertainment law, emphasizing the importance of identifying and managing risks in film production. “As the entertainment industry grows, implementing effective risk management systems is essential for ensuring its sustainable development,” he stated.

Distinguished Attendees and Contributions

The forum featured prominent participants from across the entertainment and financial industries:

●       Sijie DING, Completion Bond Manager at Ping An Insurance, discussed the insurer's perspective on mitigating risks in film projects.

●       Wei LU, Producer of Monkey King: Hero is Back and Founder of Sky City Films, shared his experiences in producing large-scale films.

●       Jeff CHAO and Justin BEGNAUD, Partners at Kirin Media Ventures, provided insights as seasoned Hollywood film investors and producers.

●       Representatives from East West Bank, Hunan Broadcasting System Media Film Division, and acclaimed director Wenwubei ZHOU contributed their perspectives on the evolving landscape of Chinese cinema.

●       Daosen ZHENG, Founder of Entertainment Capital, highlighted the role of financial solutions in advancing film production quality.

ABL’s Role in Advancing the Entertainment Industry

The event was co-hosted by Ping An Insurance and Sky City Films, with support from Kirin Media Ventures (USA). Senior International Legal Advisor Zhengchao WANG, Senior Partner Dr. Fang YE, and Partners Jianjun ZHENG and Hao LING led ABL’s entertainment law team at the forum, underscoring the firm’s commitment to supporting innovation and growth in the film industry.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, ABL continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the legal and financial frameworks that underpin China’s burgeoning entertainment sector. The forum reinforced ABL’s dedication to advancing industry standards and ensuring the successful development of heavy-industry films in China.