Pinewood to advise on China's biggest film and TV studio

Set up by the Dalian Wanda Group, the new complex named the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis will cover a 200 hectare area with various sound stages, post-production facilities, themed backlots and workshops.

The Chinese group is the world’s largest cinema chain operator after it bought US cinema chain operator AMC in 2012.

Wanda chairman, Wang Jianlin said: “The Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis will be the most advanced movie studio with the largest investment of the world. I believe that with its opening in 2016, it will become one of the major centers of the movie industry in the world.”

Attending the signing of the deal in the UK, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg praised the deal saying it would be “great news for the British film industry”, as well as a welcome boost to the wider economy. "I am very pleased that this deal means British experts will be advising on the design and construction of one of China's largest film and TV studio facilities," he said.

Ivan Dunleavy, Pinewood’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about working with their new Chinese counterparts. He said: “We’re delighted to be working with Wanda on the design of [this] project, which we hope will be another successful step in our growing relationship with the Chinese film industry.”

Last year Pinewood entered a 50:50 joint venture agreement with Seven Stars Media Limited in a bid to strengthen the ties between the industries in the two countries. Proposals included the creation of more co-production opportunities for UK film and TV producers, developing financing services for the Chinese market and setting up diploma courses in various Chinese cities.