China's top authority for radio, film, and television has
formally issued a new rule to ban all shooting for film and
television at China's natural reserves, scenic areas, and historic
sites. This came as a response to the increasingly disordered
productions that have caused substantial environmental damage.
According to the new rule issued on Wednesday by the State
Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, shooting
activities will be totally prohibited in core areas of all natural
reserves, scenic spots, and historic sites. Crews will only be
allowed to shoot on their border areas, and then only on a limited
basis.
The administration says film and television production companies
must lodge advance applications to relevant government departments
in circumstances where they feel it is absolutely necessary to
shoot scenes in protected areas.
They will also be required to restore the area they operate in
to its original condition after they finish their work, with the
site closely monitored by the local government.
SARFT demanded all film and television production companies make
environmental protection their priority. They are required to
conduct their shootings in the future in full compliance with the
new rule.
SARFT also asks its relevant departments at local levels to
provide trainings on the rule to film producers, directors and
company heads.
Last year, director Chen Kaige's big budget film The Promise
suffered a 90,000 yuan fine for destroying the fragile vegetation
near Bigu Lake in Shangri-la in southwest China's Yunnan
Province.
(CRI.cn April 27, 2007)
