Lights, camera, action... in China

Film studio Pinewood Shepperton, home of James Bond movies like Skyfall, above, has agreed a joint venture deal with a Chinese media entrepreneur as it seeks to expand its production services into China.

Pinewood, owner of Europe’s largest film studio, said yesterday it had signed a joint venture with media group Seven Stars, run by media mogul Bruno Wu.

A sharp rise in box office revenues in China, boosted by an emerging middle class making more trips to the cinema, has encouraged foreign film producers to seek local partners to help them crack the market.

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Pinewood’s joint venture, Song Lin, will look to make co-productions, run film courses, develop financing for Chinese productions, and create film-themed entertainment venues.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who has sought to court emerging nations as markets for British exports, said: “Pinewood is leading the way, taking advantage of China’s thriving entertainment and media sector and building on Britain and China’s growing trade relationship.”

The move could provide “significant opportunities” for UK producers, said Pinewood chief executive Ivan Dunleavy.