Cameron highlights China's 3D film, TV potential

BEIJING - Director James Cameron has described China's 3D film and television market as "an endless prospect."

"The 3D form of films and teleplays has been favored by more and more Chinese audiences. Like other industries, China's 3D film industry has had an opportunity to stand at the forefront," said the 3D movie pioneer at a forum held on Wednesday at the 2nd Beijing International Film Festival.

Cameron said 3D success depends largely on the audience, and China has a huge audience.

"When I came to China in 2010, there were 600 screens showing films. Now, however, 'Titanic 3D' is being shown on 2,800 screens, " said Cameron, of his movie currently setting box office records in the Chinese mainland.

Known for his use of modern technology to create amazing visual effects, James Cameron is responsible for the highest-grossing film of all time, his 3D "Avatar" grossing 2.78 billion dollars worldwide.

Beside the booming film industry, China has a vast TV market, which was labeled by Cameron as a hot spot for applying 3D technology.

"It's time for us to produce more high-quality TV content in 3D versions," said Cameron, explaining 3D can be applied to art forms such as acrobatics, ballet and even Beijing opera, a form of traditional Chinese theater combining music, vocal art, mime and dance.

Chinese film administrators have also been eager to tap the country's vast 3D market by borrowing advanced concepts from foreign film giants.

Speaking at the festival, China's top film official, Tong Gang, called for world-class teams, including Cameron's, to make films in China and cooperate with local partners.

Cameron's 3-D team will forge cooperation with a local team to make "The Art of War," about the ancient Chinese strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu.

Cameron said he met with famed Chinese director Zhang Yimou on Monday. "He is very interested with 3D technology, and I hope he will have new breakthroughs in filmmaking with my technology," he noted.