Cinedigm Finds Home in China

Cinedigm Corp. announced recently two new projects having to do with Chinese distribution of its content. In one, the Sherman Oaks entertainment content distributor signed an agreement with Starrise Media Holdings Limited to release films theatrically, via broadcast television and on digital platforms in China. In the second, Cinedigm’s Chinese entertainment channel Bambu is launching a linear channel on its CONtv digital network. The initial focus of the alliance with Starrise will be on new premium feature films, with a goal of five to 10 films distributed in China per year. Through this agreement, Cinedigm will be one of a few American companies with access to the lucrative Chinese theatrical market. In 2017, U.S.-made films generated $3.26 billion at the Chinese box office from just 64 releases. Cinedigm Chief Executive Chris McGurk said the company was pleased to expand its relationship with Starrise through the new film deal. “We believe there is a huge market for our feature films in China and look forward to bringing our premium content to Chinese audiences,” McGurk said in a statement. The two companies have worked together previously on bringing Chinese content to the U.S. “In the U.S., we have had great success with action, thrillers and family films and are certain we will have the same success with these films in China,” said Yolanda Macias, Cinedigm’s executive vice-president of acquisitions. Hanks He, executive director of Starrise Media, said the company was excited to work with Cinedigm on this new initiative. “We know their films will resonate with our Chinese audiences,” He said in a statement. “We look forward to great success with Cinedigm in the Chinese marketplace.” The Bambu linear channel is available on ConTV, a digital entertainment network that is a joint venture between Cinedigm and Wizard Entertainment Inc., a producer of pop culture fan conventions. The streaming network includes horror, sci-fi and fantasy genre programming. Bambu viewers can watch a wide selection of films, including “Namiya,” a 2017 fantasy film starring Jackie Chan; the sci-fi mystery “Battle of Memories”; supernatural rom-com “Beautiful Accident”; and road trip comedy “Breakup Buddies.” With a primary focus on Millennial and Gen Z viewers, Bambu is the only complete Chinese entertainment platform in the United States. It offers curated programming that is constantly refreshed and refined based on audience demand. It puts a spotlight on a diverse roster featuring modern action epics, intense serials, romantic comedies, sci-fi favorites, horror and fantasy adventure sagas, as well as music and reality series.