15 Policies for the Development of Animation and Film Industry in Guangdong!

On May 22nd, the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair was officially launched. In the afternoon of the same day, at the press conference on the “policy package” for promoting the high-quality development of the cultural industry in Guangdong Province, the “Several Policy Measures for Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Animation and Film Industry in Guangdong” was released with great fanfare. This policy was jointly formulated and issued by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of Guangdong Province, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, and the Radio and Television Bureau of Guangdong Province. The main contents are as follows:

I. Fostering a Healthy Ecosystem for the Animation and Film Industry in the Greater Bay Area

1. Establish Guangzhou and Shenzhen as Dual Core Hubs for Animation and Film
   Support the two cities in focusing on original IP incubation and the digitization of traditional culture. Leveraging technological innovation and market-driven mechanisms, build them into hubs for Lingnan cultural heritage and regional collaboration, engines for digital content technology, and centers for IP commercialization.

2. Drive Multi-City Collaboration Led by the “Guangzhou-Shenzhen Dual Cores”
   Formulate industrial cluster advantages, radiating to cities like Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, and Huizhou to establish a large-scale, specialized industrial layout encompassing “content creation—technology empowerment—derivative development.”

3. Support the Establishment of the “Greater Bay Area Animation and Film Industry Alliance”
   Encourage Hong Kong and Macao service providers to invest in film production, leveraging the international gateway roles of Hong Kong and Macao. Strengthen cultural industry coordination and resource complementarity among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, promoting copyright trading, capital对接 (capital对接 could be translated as “capital matchmaking” or “investment partnerships”), and international distribution to create a “Global Animation and Film Innovation Corridor.”

II. Encouraging High-Quality Animation and Film Production

4. Promote Original IP Animation and Film Content for All Age Groups
   Encourage production studios in Guangdong to create ultra-high-definition (UHD) animated content. Select and support a batch of original animation projects (including web animations) based on historical themes, revolutionary themes, traditional culture, Lingnan culture, contemporary themes, and innovative concepts. Provide tailored project guidance and resource coordination (“one project, one policy”) for approved projects, with a maximum subsidy of 500,000 RMB per title for those included in national-level key initiatives.

5. Subsidies for Key Animated Film Projects

   • Incubation/Scriptwriting Stage: Up to 5 million RMB for selected key animated film projects.

   • Production Stage: Subsidies allocated in phases—completion of a 30-minute storyboard, obtaining the “Dragon Label” (film release permit), and theatrical release—with a total maximum subsidy of 20 million RMB.
     Encourage the adaptation of comic and publishing resources into films and animations, facilitating more high-quality IPs to serve as source material for animated and cinematic adaptations.

III. Supporting the Application of Cutting-Edge Technologies in Animation and Film Production

6. Encourage the Integration of Advanced Technologies
   Promote the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), 360-degree panoramic imaging, holography, and naked-eye 3D in the animation and film industry. Accelerate the use of AI in content localization and translation. Support the digital transformation and cross-disciplinary integration of traditional artistic techniques such as stop-motion, paper-cutting, origami, and ink-wash animation.

   Foster collaboration between technology companies, research institutes, and animation studios in Guangdong to develop innovative animation technologies and software, enhancing the industry’s intelligent and industrial production capabilities.

   Implement the “Pioneer Action Plan for China (Guangdong) Ultra-High-Definition Television” Cooperation Memorandum jointly issued by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China Media Group (CMG), and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. Support the “NRTA Key Laboratory for Ultra-HD Technology and Application Innovation” in driving original R&D and industrial application. Provide financial incentives for animation projects (including web animations) produced by Guangdong-based studios that utilize 4K/8K ultra-high-definition technology.

IV. Increasing Incentives for Outstanding Animation and Film Productions

7. Rewards for Award-Winning Animated Works (Including Web Animations)

   • Domestic Awards: Guangdong-produced animations winning major national awards (e.g., “Five-One Project” Award by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, China Government Award for Culture and Arts, Magnolia Award, Golden Dragon Award, Golden Eagle Award, Golden Monkey Award) will receive a maximum reward of 1 million RMB.

   • International Awards: Works recognized by globally renowned awards will receive a maximum reward of 500,000 RMB.

   • Nominations/Shortlists: Half the above rewards apply.

   • Guangdong Provincial High-Quality Publishing Projects: Selected animated works may receive up to 500,000 RMB based on project quality and production scale.

8. Rewards for Award-Winning Animated Films

   • “Five-One Project” Award: 8 million RMB.

   • Huabiao Award, Golden Rooster Award (Comprehensive Category), or Hundred Flowers Award (Best Picture): 4 million RMB (nominees: 1 million RMB).

   • Hundred Flowers Award (Outstanding Film) or Main Competition Prizes at Category A Film Festivals: 2 million RMB.

   • Matching Funds: For projects receiving national film grants, Guangdong will provide 1:1 matching funds (capped at the highest applicable tier).

9. Broadcast Incentives for Original Animations (Including Web Animations)

   • CCTV (China Media Group) Premiere: Up to 500,000 RMB.

   • Online Streaming Premiere (Top 20 Annual Platform Rankings by Play Volume, verified by third-party data): Up to 500,000 RMB.

   • Guangdong Satellite TV Premiere: Up to 200,000 RMB.

10. Box Office Bonuses for Animated Films

• Domestic Box Office:

  • 50 million RMB: 3 million RMB

  • 75 million RMB: 4 million RMB

  • 100 million RMB: 5 million RMB

  • Each additional 100 million RMB: +1 million RMB (capped at 30 million RMB).

11. International Distribution and Copyright Sales Support

• Overseas Distribution/Streaming on Major Platforms: Up to 1 million RMB (based on revenue share).

• Animated Film Global Promotion: Up to 5 million RMB for international releases of Guangdong-produced films.

V. Strengthening Talent Recruitment and Development in Animation and Film

12. Attracting Global High-Level Animation Talent

    • Encourage top-tier animation professionals to settle in Guangdong, with a focus on紧缺人才 (in-demand talent) such as content creators, animation R&D specialists, key animators, editors, and AI animation experts, aligned with the “Millions of Talents Gather in South Guangdong” initiative.

    • Support Guangdong universities in enhancing animation-related disciplines and facilitate student internships at local animation enterprises.

    • Establish fast-track green channels for talent recruitment and project operations, implementing localized talent policies to provide “one-stop services” for companies. Outstanding individuals may be recommended for provincial talent grants and major talent programs.

VI. Promoting Integrated Ecosystem Development for Animation and Film

13. Encourage Cross-Industry Collaboration

    • Foster integration between animation/film enterprises and sectors like performing arts, tourism, education, and art, developing衍生业态 (derivative formats) such as animated stage performances, theme park tourism, educational content, and二次元 (ACG)-centric merchandise/services.

    • Support emerging business models like animation衍生品 (merchandising) and animated live shows, while incentivizing high-quality production.

    • Encourage local governments to proactively engage in动画影视项目 (animation/film projects), creating new消费场景 (consumption scenarios) and hosting “Animation/Film +” events.

14. Boost Industry Platforms and Events

    • Back major animation expos like China International Comics Festival (Guangzhou), Firefly Comic Fair, Shenzhen Comics Festival, and Shenzhen Animation Festival, and facilitate participation in national/international exhibitions.

    • Implement the Greater Bay Area Animated Film Framework Agreement and fund events like the GBA Animated Film Week.

    • Leverage platforms such as China International Animation Copyright Expo, GBA International Book Fair, Guangdong Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference, and Guangdong Cultural/Tourism Investment Forums to connect projects with capital, industries, and markets.

15. Enhance Industry Association Leadership

    • Empower provincial animation/film associations to serve as bridges for industry services and self-regulation.

    • Guide organizations to build public service platforms, establish supply-demand对接机制 (matching mechanisms), and regularly release resource-sharing and technology directories.

This policy measure shall be interpreted by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Guangdong Provincial Committee in consultation with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province and the Radio and Television Bureau of Guangdong Province. This policy measure shall come into effect upon its issuance and remain valid for five years.

Contact person for policy business processing:
TV animation series
Zeng Fanlv, Deputy Director of the Publicity Management Department, Guangdong Provincial Radio and Television Bureau
Tel: 020-61228031
Mobile: 18127830523
Email: gdj_lius@gd.gov.cn

Online animated series
Ding Qingqing, Director of the Network Audio-Visual Program Management Division of the Guangdong Provincial Radio and Television Bureau
Telephone: 020-61292697
Mobile: 19227677606
Email: gdwlstjmglc@126.com