Shanghai’s recently combined International Film & TV Market commenced on Saturday at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, launching a five-day event that merges professional industry networking with public cultural experiences.
The market, which will run until June 25, signifies the merging of the Shanghai International Film Festival Market (SIFF Market) and Shanghai TV Festival Market (STVF Market) into a unified platform.
The event is being held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, originally constructed in 1955 as the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building. The iconic landmark showcases Russian and Empire style neoclassical architecture and 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 reflects the evolving trends in the industry. “The industry is moving towards a direction where content creation, technological advancements, and talent mobility are blurring the lines between film and television,” Chen states. “Many exceptional companies and creators work across both sectors. This integration aims to remove invisible resource barriers and establish a comprehensive platform that brings together film, series, technology, capital, and talent.”
One of the most notable features of the market is its dual-track approach. Professional activities are held inside the Shanghai Exhibition Center, with dedicated meeting areas, display sections, and industry salons designed for effective business interactions. Simultaneously, outdoor markets serve as platforms for public engagement, offering immersive IP experiences and cultural products. This strategy aims to bridge professional efficiency with popular appeal, allowing audiences to engage in storytelling while providing industry professionals with direct consumer insights.
The market is building on the success of previous events in terms of deal-making. Last year’s markets saw over 200 exhibitors and 40,000 visits, with significant achievements including a Korean delegation that facilitated 107 business negotiations between Chinese and Korean companies, resulting in deals worth approximately $56.3 million.
This year’s market has expanded its international participation with a dedicated International Zone featuring an International Negotiation Area for global buyer-seller interactions, with 50 overseas exhibitors already on board. Organizers have plans to increase international involvement in future editions, aiming to attract more top-tier international producers and streaming platforms.
The market is showcasing emerging technologies that are reshaping content creation and distribution through its UHD HUB, which includes experience zones dedicated to AI and XR technologies. A highlight is an XR large-space project about Qin Shi Huang’s Tomb, allowing audiences to experience historical content within a virtual environment. AI applications are prominently featured, with demonstrations of multi-language AI voice-over and video translation technologies aimed at helping Chinese content reach global markets more efficiently.
The consolidation of the film and TV markets aims to bring together various industry stakeholders in a unified space. Activities are designed to be medium-agnostic, with forums, expert sessions, and buyer salons catering to both film and TV sectors. The goal is to enhance opportunities for cross-field collaboration, talent mobility, and technology sharing.
Programming at the market is curated around real industry demands, with a focus on IP promotion activities driven by the growing interest in adaptations and franchise development. The UHD HUB presents cutting-edge technology in alignment with national strategies for ultrahigh-definition video.
Organizers are looking beyond just transaction volume and attendance numbers, placing a greater emphasis on soft power and long-term effects. The market aims to foster cross-sector collaborations, provide cutting-edge industry knowledge, and offer platforms for innovative projects and emerging talent.
Future plans for the market include continued refinement with a focus on internationalization, industry leadership, and enhanced interactivity. Initiatives such as establishing technology innovation zones and expanding the successful Cinemart program are in the pipeline. The goal is to establish the market as a new cultural landmark that embodies Shanghai’s unique charm.
