Youku Tudou and Shanghai government join forces for micro movie production center

　　A center for production and promotion of original Chinese micro movies and online series will be established through a collaboration between Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV and Youku Tudou Inc., officials said at yesterday\'s 17th Shanghai International Film Festival.

　　Youku Tudou CEO Gu Yongqiang said the center will develop outstanding original content, including films, drama series, animations and entertainment shows. It will also fund and nurture China\'s emerging filmmakers.

　　With more than 400 million users, Youku Tudou. Inc. has been involved in the investment and production of many homegrown movies such as Old Boys, adapted from a hit musical video on the website, and Ann Hui\'s drama film The Golden Era.

　　Some of its productions, such as the animated series Miss Puff and the hilarious office drama Hip-hop Quartet, have generated considerable profit from product placement and warranting of images.

According to Hu Jinjun, director of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV, the new center will start operating in October from its location in the China (Shanghai) Network Audio-Visual Industry base now being built in Zizhu National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone.

　　"The center will explore new models of production, technological innovation and marketing," said Hu. "It will also be a platform to foster young Chinese talents in this field."