Film seeds that are about to burst out of the bud are bathing in the spring breeze. The final round of the Project Pitches, part of Beijing Film Market of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), took place on April 25. Twenty-three project owners took turns to show their growth potential on this comprehensive transaction platform that integrates the functions of investment, production, marketing, promotion, and distribution.

　　

　　Scene of the Project Pitches Final Round

What are the problems with the script, whether the project is feasible, and how the characters can be delicately portrayed… All these essential questions can be discussed face-to-face with the final jury members at the scene of the Project Pitches. Peter Chan, president of the Project Pitches jury, famous director and executive producer, Zhang Ji, final-round jury member, director and screenwriter, Yao Chen, final-round jury member, actress, executive producer and founder of Bad Rabbit Film Co., Ltd., Wen Muye, final-round jury member, director and screenwriter, and Huang Xuan, final-round jury member and actor, gave their differentiated opinions on different projects. 

“It’s better to consider echoing with as many audiences as possible in filmmaking, otherwise there will be something harder for the general public to understand,” said Peter Chan who helped the project owners to come to a clear understanding of the choice of the audience base after listening to their pitches.

Zhang Ji emphasized how to probe human nature, “For human beings, where is their dignity and where is the relationship between each other? We have to go back to something that is the most essential to human beings.” Yao Chen identified with him, “We should really have a clearer picture of the individuals behind an incident, instead of simply pinning the blame on society or the family of origin.”

Conversing with the young directors, Wen Muye provided an in-depth analysis of the confrontation between the director’s sense of security and the film’s sense of alienation. Huang Xuan provided valuable insights from the actor’s perspective on the dilemmas and psychological problems encountered by the characters in the film.

The jury members also communicated warmly with the owners of the selected outstanding projects from Hong Kong, China recommended by the Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), giving full credit to them. Further, they helped the project owners to delve into the possibility of the connected development of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, China in film.

　　

　　Scene of the Project Pitches Final Round

　　For the excellent projects, the jury members have also expressed their affection as well as their intention of further cooperation.

　　“You did a great job on the project. I have written down that 'Go and meet suitable actors',” said Peter Chan who’s good at capturing the shining points of each project.

　　Zhang Ji expressed his blessing for the excellent projects, “I think you are sincere, and there is determination inside your eye.”

　　“I’m a good actress, and I’m willing to appear in your project once the script is properly changed,” said Yao Chen who also expressed her support after listening to a project owner’s pitch.

　　“I can’t wait to watch the film. We can get in touch and you should push forward with the project as quickly as possible!” said Wen Muye.

　　From the perspective of the actor, Huang Xuan issued his “offer”, “I’m willing to do the voiceovers, and also hope that this film can be watched by more children.”

　　The insightful comments of the jury members were like a gushing spring, watering each and every film seed. It is believed that one day, the selected outstanding projects will be on the fast track to carve out a niche in the film market.

　　

　　Scene of the Project Pitches Final Round

Turn stories into films! All the projects selected for the Project Pitches Final Round at the Beijing Film Market of the 13th BJIFF, together with other projects shortlisted for negotiation, had their negotiations in A5-6, Langyuan Station on April 26. Many thanks go to all the film & TV companies and industry insiders for their enthusiastic participation!