Shanghai’s New Film & TV Market Blends Industry Deals with Fan Events
Shanghai’s newly merged International Film & TV Market has officially kicked off at the iconic Shanghai Exhibition Center, marking the beginning of a five-day event that combines professional industry networking with public cultural experiences. The market, which will run through June 25, represents the consolidation of the Shanghai International Film Festival Market (SIFF Market) and Shanghai TV Festival Market (STVF Market) into a single comprehensive platform.
The Shanghai Exhibition Center, originally built in 1955 as the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building, serves as the event’s venue. The center, known for its Russian and Empire style neoclassical architecture, covers an impressive 93,000 square meters, making it one of the largest integrated building complexes in central Shanghai.
Chen Guo, managing director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center, explains that the consolidation of the two markets reflects the industry’s evolving trends. “The integration aims to break down invisible resource barriers and build a comprehensive, efficient platform that brings together film, series, technology, capital, and talent,” Chen states.
One of the market’s most unique features is its dual-track approach. Inside the Shanghai Exhibition Center, professional activities take place in dedicated meeting zones, display areas, and industry salons designed for efficient business interactions. Meanwhile, outdoor markets provide platforms for public engagement, featuring immersive IP experiences and cultural products.
This approach aims to bridge professional efficiency with popular appeal, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in storytelling while providing industry professionals with direct consumer insights. The outdoor market emphasizes openness and interaction, with themed exhibitions that engage audiences in unique experiences.
Building on the success of previous events, this year’s market has expanded international participation with a dedicated International Zone featuring an International Negotiation Area for global buyer-seller interactions. The market is also showcasing emerging technologies reshaping content creation and distribution through its UHD HUB, featuring experience zones dedicated to AI and XR technologies.
The merger of the film and TV markets eliminates invisible barriers and brings together various industry stakeholders in a unified space. Activities are designed to be medium-agnostic, focusing on compelling stories and IPs to attract suitable development partners.
While transaction volume and attendance are important, organizers are focused on the market’s role in fostering cross-sector collaborations, providing cutting-edge industry knowledge, and offering platforms for innovative projects and emerging talent. The ultimate goal is for the market to become a renowned hub for global thought exchange and industry innovation.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to continue refining the market with a focus on internationalization, industry leadership, and enhanced interactivity. Plans include establishing technology innovation zones and expanding initiatives to create channels between industry professionals and the public.
In conclusion, the newly merged International Film & TV Market in Shanghai aims to establish itself as a new cultural landmark that embodies the city’s distinctive charm and advances both Chinese and global entertainment ecosystems.
