Hong Kong, Aug. 25 (NBD) -- Manfred Wong, famous film director and ex-Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Awards Association, gave an interview to NBD during The Sichuan-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation Week event, discussing opportunities brought by Southwest China's Chengdu city's plan of building a cultural creativity center in southwestern China from the perspective of the development of the film industry. 

NBD: Where are the opportunities for building Chengdu into a culture and creative industry center?

Manfred Wong: I think Chengdu has profound cultural basis. Some parts of "Fengyun," a film released about two decades ago, have been shot in Chengdu and its neighboring cities. I was filming movies in Sichuan that year when HK returned to its motherland. I wanna say Chengdu is unique and impressive, and has too many stories to be told.

NBD: To attract film makers, many cities rush to build shooting bases and also develop supporting industries. Do you have any advices?

Manfred Wong: I think the most successful example would be Hengdian. It was a small town in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province 20 years ago. Its development can be traced back to around 1997, when an old man there named Xue Wenrong offered to set scene for film director Xie Jin's "The Opium War." After 20 years of development, Hengdian has grown into the best television and film studio in China under the support of local government. It's easily accessible and also serves as a tourism sight.  

We must have a long-term plan for cultural and TV & film development and stick to it.

NBD: How can Chengdu set up a film base?

Manfred Wong: First of all, you must have a long-term plan. Shooting films is not like running a restaurant. It takes quite a long time from writing scripts to screening. Chengdu is good place. To attract talents, there must be a blueprint first. Tax reductions and other preferential policies are far from enough.

Secondly, the film base should bring out the best in itself. Foshan's Mount Xiqiao film base makes a hit by highlighting the culture of the Lingnan region.

Lastly, we need fascinating film projects to grow its popularity. For instance, Bodyguards and Assassins, directed by Hong Kong film director Teddy Chan, was filmed at Shanghai Chedun Film Park.

NBD: There is higher demand for more films and for more diverse genres nowadays. How can we scout talented filmmakers?

Manfred Wong: Filmmaking was the most inspiring industry for me when I was young because it is creative and also can make me shine. In the old times, it took years for young filmmakers to stand out in a film studio. But now is different. There are more platforms, such as filmmaking contests and funding programs for talents to shine. They won't be overshadowed as long as he is truly dedicated to it.

NBD: What's your comment on the domestic film market?

Manfred Wong: From last April to the screening of Wolf Warrior2, most films haven't been well received except one broadcasted during Spring Festival. 

I think there are two reasons: paid video membership sites stripped some box offices. Paid membership enables people to enjoy movies anytime at home only except for 3D or films with special visual effects. Secondly, variety shows bring big stars one step closer to audiences, which makes them less attractive in the film.

Email: tanyuhan@nbd.com.cn