Shanghai skyline | BCBusiness

Shanghai's skyline

A partnership between Shanghai and Vancouver Film School aims to increase the global presence of China’s film industry

Vancouver Film School, in partnership with the University of Shanghai and the Shanghai municipal government, is opening the Shanghai Vancouver Film School, the first phase of a 15-year project to construct an entertainment industry park.



Shanghai is the capital of China’s film industry, which last year became the number two domestic market in the world, second only to the United States.



The 75,000-square-foot school will house 100 students and 30 faculty when it opens October 8, with annual enrolment projected at 1,000 students within five to seven years.



James Griffin, Vancouver Film School president and co-founder, said in a press release that “the partnership between Vancouver and Shanghai enables the cross-pollination of ideas, while allowing North American companies to enter the Chinese market. In turn, Shanghai will create internationally marketable entertainment products while retaining Chinese cultural integrity.”



The entertainment complex will eventually include three studios producing four to five films each year with VFS leading these projects, helping to create a sophisticated funding agency for the Shanghai film industry, and encouraging additional studios and educational institutions to use the new facilities. VFS and University of Shanghai alumni will have preferred access to these facilities.



Shanghai Vancouver Film School will offer four programs: Film Production, Sound Design for Visual Media, Animation & Visual Effects, and Makeup Design for Film & Television.

