Disney Unites China’s SMG to Make Movies

Mar 08, 2025 CFM Daily 0

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Shanghai - March 7, Walt Disney Studios has signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Shanghai Media Group Pictures to produce Disney movies featuring China elements.

Under the deal, American writers will cooperate with Chinese filmmakers to make movies blending Disney trademarks with Chinese culture in action, adventure, and fantasy films.

“For over 90 years, Disney has built a rich legacy of entertaining families with high-quality storytelling and compelling characters,” said Alan Bergman, president of Walt Disney Studios. “Disney’s collaboration with SMG adds an exciting chapter of new stories for the next generation of global Disney fans.”

SU Xiao, CEO of SMG Pictures, said that SMG is proud of being a partner with Disney and SMG’S strength in media coverage and understanding of China market will enhance Disney’s storytelling. The cooperation between the two pictures giants will bring new viewing experiences for moviegoers from different countries and at different ages, Su Xiao added.

In 2012, Disney and China Animation Group under Chinese Ministry of Culture signed an agreement on Animation Creative R&D Cooperation. The agreement has stepped into its third year now and it will continuously focus on the promotion of Chinese animation industry, personnel training and the development of Chinese animation both in content and brand.

And now, this new cross-culture cooperation will bring more training opportunities for both Chinese and American scriptwriters and filmmakers. Tony TO, Vice President of Walt Disney, will supervise its development.

Before this deal, Disney has achieved box-office hit in China thanks to the rich resources of SMG. Escape Plan, created by Disney and introduced to China by SMG last year took in 253 million yuan and ranked the third in the box office of foreign pictures. So far, the total box office of films cooperatively publicized or issued by SMG has reached over 2 billion yuan.

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