News: Chinese company breaks into 3D movie market

Chinese movies using computer-generated 3D animation are on the way, led by "Through the Moebius Strip," reports the New York Times.

The 3D animated feature, slated for release next year, is being produced by Global Digital Creations Holdings in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong. According to the NYT, the fledgling industry stands to make a big impact owing to low operating costs: "Moebius" cost just $20 million to make, compared to $80 million and more for some American 3D productions.

However, one aspect of 3D animation that Chinese companies will have to address is creating decent storylines. The Pixar franchise has been so successful not only because of killer 3D graphics, but also well crafted scripts and characters. In China, good scripts are often made into traditional live-action movies. The article notes that Global Digital Creations has turned to a French comic artist to create the story for "Through the Moebius Strip," but it remains to be seen how plots and characters for future Chinese computer animation will fare internationally.