TAIPEI: Taiwan authorities will allow mainland artists and technicians to join in the filming of TV dramas on the island, local media reported yesterday.

Actors, producers, scriptwriters, directors and technicians from the Chinese mainland now can apply to join the filming of TV dramas under the new regulations.

But the number of mainland staff working on a TV drama would be limited to a third of total crew and local workers will have to make up at least another third.

The Taiwan authorities said they expect the new policy to add 25 TV dramas to the roster co-produced by Taiwan and the mainland annually, creating more job opportunities for locals.

If the TV dramas turn out to be hits in the mainland market, it would help increase the visibility of Taiwan artists, the authorities said.

Taiwanese actors and technicians are already widely engaged in the mainland's entertainment industry.

Since 2008, co-produced mainland/Taiwan TV dramas have enjoyed the same treatment as mainland productions regarding broadcasting and distribution.

During the past year, the mainland and Taiwan have stepped up economic cooperation and exchanges in the cultural sector.

At the fifth Cross-Straits Economic, Trade and Culture Forum held in central Hunan province in mid July, the mainland promised to further open its cultural and educational sectors to Taiwan.

Xinhua

(HK Edition 09/10/2009 page2)