Industry experts proposed that cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) should enhance cooperation to jointly promote the development of the “debut economy" in the culture industry, including events such as film premieres, to boost local consumption.
“The debut economy as a driver of consumption growth has become a crucial strategy for economic development in major cities, but it is not confined to the initial unveiling of a product, service or technology. The debut of performance and entertainment events, as well as film premieres, should also be an integral part of such strategy,” said Liang Lizhen, vice-president of Guangzhou Opera House in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province.
Ne Zha 2: Demon Child Conquers the Sea, the animated blockbuster that has stormed Chinese mainland box offices, is a case in point. Its premiere in Hong Kong drew large crowds on Tuesday and is set to be screened in 200 daily showings simultaneously in Hong Kong and Macao, which is unprecedented in Hong Kong’s film history.
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Meanwhile, miniature figurines of Ne Zha, Ao Bing and Tai Yi — all from the movie — have been a hit both online and offline and many products have sold out. Even tourist attractions and restaurants are racing to introduce innovative Nezha-related products to drive more sales.
Liang, who is also a deputy to the Guangzhou municipal people's congress, has put forward a proposal urging that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao should share resources and foster collaborative innovation in order to achieve a collective competitive advantage of the debut economy in the culture industry.
She suggests that the governments should provide tax incentives, financial support, and streamline approval processes to support the launch of technology patents, book releases, performing arts debuts, movie premieres and fashion shows.
She raised an example of how coordinating simultaneous premieres of artistic performances across two or more cities is already feasible, thanks to the convenient transportation infrastructure in the Greater Bay Area. “Artists and performers can travel to a Guangzhou venue in just several hours after their performance in Hong Kong. Audiences at both venues can watch the entire cross-city premiere event through live broadcasts,” she said.
"Premiere events are highly favored for the substantial traffic they draw," she added. She is confident that integrating the advantages of premieres with the innovative approach of cross-city performances will significantly amplify the appeal to the audience.
Moreover, she believes these cultural elements could also be integrated with the tourism, technology, and commerce industries.
READ MORE: 'Debut economy' new engine driving consumption
Wang Yuantong, another deputy to the city’s congress and also an executive of a culture and communication company in Guangzhou, said she agreed, and advised renovating a tourism route linking cultural landmarks with competition venues during the 15th National Games, which will be held in the Greater Bay Area this year.
Contact the writer at grace@chinadailyhk.com
