Market-Oriented Transformation of Animation (1987–1994)

On February 4, 1988, the National Ministry of Radio, Film and Television issued Document No. (88) 067, which outlined the guidelines for the creation and production of Chinese animation. To meet the needs of the domestic and international film and television industries, art films should develop rapidly based on the existing foundation. Starting from 1988, the creation and production of art films should aim to reduce the production of individual short films, actively develop serial films, pursue a moderate number of co-productions, and strive to expand overseas processing services. As such, about two-thirds of the total production of Shanghai Animation Film Studio should consist of serial films. Changchun Film Studio’s animation branch and Beijing Science and Education Film Studio should also create conditions for producing series of art films and expanding overseas processing.