The Future of Independent Theatrical Animation in China: Global Implications
Over the past year, the global animation conversation has changed dramatically. The extraordinary success of Chinese animated films, particularly Ne Zha 2, along with the continued worldwide momentum of animated features, has sparked growing interest in China's animation industry, not only as one of the world's fastest-growing markets, but also as an emerging creative and production powerhouse. At the same time, the remarkable performance of Zootopia 2 in China, where the film achieved an even stronger box office result than in its domestic North American market, further highlights the growing importance and influence of Chinese audiences in the global animation landscape. We believe this is the perfect moment to bring that conversation to VIEW Conference.
We also believe our experience offers a perspective that is rarely represented at international animation conferences. As part of Base Media, Base FX has been deeply involved in some of China's most influential animated films, including Ne Zha 2 and this year's latest Boonie Bears feature. At the same time, Base Animation develops and produces original animated IP, with Wish Dragon being our first original feature film. The film was released theatrically in China before premiering globally on Netflix in 2021, reaching audiences around the world and demonstrating our experience in creating stories that connect with both Chinese and international audiences. We are currently developing Wish Dragon 2. As both a longtime creative leader behind major Chinese animated features and the creator of the original animated IP Wish Dragon, Chris brings a rare dual perspective as both a filmmaker and an industry builder, having played an active role in some of the industry's most important productions while witnessing, and contributing to, the evolution of China's animation ecosystem.
Rather than presenting a traditional market overview, we'd like to share firsthand experiences and observations from our own journey, offering an insider's perspective on how China's animation industry is evolving, what is driving its remarkable growth, and why we believe it will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of global animation. We hope this session will bring VIEW attendees a fresh perspective while inspiring new conversations and future collaborations between China, Europe, and the international animation community.
