The 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Film Industry Exchange Series of Events

Facilitating Film Policy Implementation & Focusing on AI-Generated Content Innovation

From May 27 to 29, the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Film Industry Exchange Series, hosted by the Guangdong Film Industry Association, was held in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou. Under the theme “Intelligence Gathers in Light and Shadow – The Greater Bay Area Dreams: AIGC Reshapes New Paradigms for the Film Industry,” the event featured panel discussions, film policy presentations, industry project promotions, contract signings, and the issuance of joint initiatives.

 Swift Response: Accelerating Film Policy Implementation in the Greater Bay Area

A major highlight of the event was the detailed interpretation of “Several Policy Measures to Promote High-Quality Development of Guangdong’s Film and Television Industry” by an official from the Film Division of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee’s Publicity Department. This policy provides a systematic, industry-wide framework, offering support and incentives across the entire film production chain. Key focuses include:

• Deepening film integration in the Greater Bay Area

• Funding cutting-edge technology applications

• Optimizing service support and talent development

• Enhancing on-location filming services

• Encouraging local policy alignment

The policy outlines “Five Major Benefits”:

1. Increased support for outstanding productions

2. Greater benefits for film enterprises

3. Better career development for industry talent

4. Deeper cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao

5. More convenience for film crews

To ensure smooth implementation, contact details of relevant departments were publicly released for direct communication—marking the policy’s first official introduction at an industry association event.

In response, the Zengcheng District government swiftly launched the “Zengcheng Gathers Lychee” Film Service Platform, introduced by Liu Li, President of the Zengcheng Film and Culture Association. Zengcheng is actively developing cultural tourism around the NanKun Mountain-Luofu Mountain area, with eight distinctive industrial parks, including the 1978 Film Town, Baosheng International Innovation Center, and Guangzhou Low-Carbon Headquarters Park. Currently, 625 film companies and studios operate in Zengcheng, including industry leaders like Guangzhou Maoyan, Guangdong Lianrui Muma, and Qianlu. The new platform offers “nanny-style” support to local and visiting film crews, helping reduce costs and boost efficiency.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Create Hong Kong (Film Production) introduced a subsidy scheme supporting Hong Kong films and co-productions released in mainland China, offering rewards of up to HK$10 million. Macao’s Cultural Development Fund detailed its “Macao Location Shooting Subsidy”, providing up to MOP 500,000 for eligible projects.

Tech Forward: AIGC Drives Greater Bay Area Collaboration

Industry leaders, including Zhou Jiandong (Vice Chairman, China Film Producers Association), Liu Da (Chief Engineer, China Film Research Institute), Hu Zhifeng (Professor, Beijing Normal University), and Raymond Neoh (Founder, CG Global Entertainment Ltd.,(CGGE), explored how AI-generated content (AIGC) is revolutionizing film production—enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and reshaping artistic creation.

Experts also analyzed Greater Bay Area film cooperation, discussing market trends for Hong Kong and Macao films, relaxed investment policies, and challenges in co-productions. Proposals included leveraging the region’s strengths to open new avenues for international film collaboration and establishing streamlined cross-border production mechanisms.

Case studies featured AIGC talent training programs, popular animated films like Nezha 2 and Falling to Earth, and VR immersive experiences, alongside discussions on copyright implications in AI-assisted filmmaking.

The event also spotlighted the first Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao co-production, The Girl Across the Century, and hosted a panel on cross-border film collaboration, gathering industry feedback to refine policy implementation.

Reimagining Cinemas: Multi-Functional Entertainment Hubs

With LED screens becoming mainstream, cinemas are evolving into multi-purpose cultural spaces, hosting live events, performances, and social activities. Marketing experts proposed repositioning theaters as “cultural lifestyle centers”, integrating dining, family zones, fitness areas, and even matchmaking events to attract younger audiences.

To reignite audience enthusiasm, the Guangdong Film Industry Association, alongside equipment suppliers and cinema chains, signed a pledge to enhance screening quality and revitalize the big-screen experience.

Attendees

The event gathered 300+ participants, including:

• Tong Gang (Vice Chairman, China Radio and Television Association)

• Liao Ping (Head of Publicity, Zengcheng District)

• He Hongbin (Director, Macao Cultural and Creative Industries Promotion)

• Chen Shimin (Film Production Director, Hong Kong Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau)

• Representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and Belt & Road initiatives

By: Cloudy Pan