Taiwan Today

Mainland Chinese film crews may now come to Taiwan to take part in the production of cooperative cross-strait TV programs, the Cabinet-level Government Information Office announced Sept. 8. The GIO’s “guidelines on the participation of mainland film professionals in co-produced TV dramas in Taiwan,” long awaited in movie and drama circles on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, are effective immediately. The new policy will be reviewed and adjusted after one year. Although the policy governing joint-venture dramas has long been relaxed, earlier GIO regulations only allowed mainland actors and crews to take part when filming took place outside the island. The GIO said that the decision was made in response to the needs and market of the broadcasting and television industry, but only applies to co-produced programs originating in Taiwan. Mainland crew now permitted to work in Taiwan are limited to main actors, producers, scriptwriters, directors and technicians. The number of mainland members in each category for one production may not exceed one third, while crew and cast from Taiwan must make up over one third. Post-production has to be completed in Taiwan, and the major backdrop, including onsite and in the studio, should encompass scenes from Taiwan. The GIO said the requirements concerning crew numbers and post-production are meant to help create job opportunities within Taiwan’s TV industry, with an expected increase of 25 co-produced dramas per year. The setting proviso will help promote Taiwan’s beautiful scenery. (THN)