The first batch of laws and regulations meant for the promotion and development of the Chinese film industry has officially been enforced on March 1.
The Film Promotion Law was approved by the Chinese Central Government on November 7, 2016, which aims to promote the country's film industry and socialist values in China; including the regulation of the domestic flm industry.
Under the new law, failure to report true figures on box office earnings may attract fines up to 500,000 yuan (roughly $73,000). The new law also emphasizes for the first time the importance of "Socialist core values" from the cast and crew, demanding excellence in both performing skills and moral integrity from those who work in the film industry.
To stop possible fake box office reports, the Film Promotion Law states that theaters should install a computerized ticket sales system which would clearly identify how many tickets were sold in each theater. Theaters that fail to comply will be penalized depending on the data falsified and other factors.
If found guilty, film distributors and theaters may either face government sanctions from the county level or from the national government. A fine of up to 500,000 yuan may be imposed and earnings obtained illegally will be confiscated. For illegally obtained earnings above 500,000 yuan, a fine up to five times the amount earned will be imposed. It is also possible that business permits and licenses may be revoked or suspended.
"Socialist core values" of cast and crew
In terms of promoting "socialist core values" of the cast and crew of film productions, any artist committing misdeeds like drug addiction, prostitution and others would also be penalized or punished depending on the gravity of the crime.
Under the Film Promotion Law, actors, directors and other professionals in the film industry must not only possess high artistic skills, but also abide by socialist core values, have high social and moral standards, follow the professional code of conduct, comply with the law and build an excellent social image.
Piracy is also covered under the new law and cites that illegal recording of a movie during its screening in a theater is strictly prohibited. Theater personnel have the right to stop such behavior and demand the content be deleted from recording devices. Viewers who fail to comply may be asked to leave immediately or brought to jail for piracy.
The law also states that theaters should reasonably allocate showing schedules for domestic productions and no less than two-thirds of all screening times should be dedicated to domestic productions each year.
The Film Promotion Law also prohibits commercials during a film screening. Theaters who violate the law will be warned, and face fines between 10,000 and 50,000 yuan.
The law also encourages theaters to show charitable commercials prior to showings.
