Record shattered as Furious 7 sets hot pace

[Photo/Xinhua]

Feng Xiaogang, one of the country's most commercially successful directors, said the records set by Furious 7 have raised the competitive bar for Chinese moviemakers.

While some domestic moviemakers have voiced concerns over the market influence exerted by Hollywood blockbusters, others have said they are confident about homegrown productions.

Director Li Shaohong, who heads the China Film Director's Guild, said, "The domestic movie industry hasn't shrunk in recent years under the impact of foreign blockbusters, but instead has seen record box office business."

According to the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, more than 300 domestically made movies accounted for 54.5 percent of the 29.6 billion yuan box office last year.

Li said: "We need to find a balance between art and the market. Only really good movies can win audiences and also secure our future."

She added that the rapid rise in box office business in second- and third-tier cities can encourage local moviemakers to produce more films that are close to modern Chinese lives.