Screenwriters' copyrights must be protected: film association leader

 

China should ensure screenwriters retain the copyright of derivatives of their works and further intensify the fight against copyright infringements, a film association leader has said. 

Wang Xingdong, vice-president of the China Film Association and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, said the country should step up efforts to protect original screenplays.

"The screenwriters in the United State and Japan can enjoy the earnings from the derivatives of their works on the Internet and mobile Internet, while such earnings are very rare among the writers in our country," he said in a plenary session of the committee on Friday.

Wang said the country should ensure that the earnings of screenwriters from their works become eternal, and thus can motivate them to produce better works.

Wang said a major problem with the country's screenwriting sector is seeking quick success and instant profits.

"There are more adaptations and less original works, more imitation and less innovative works," he said.

He noted that many blockbusters from Hollywood have "taken our market and affected our minds" with the copyright collection system.

He added that many screenplays and programs were purchased from other countries and were tagged as being produced in China.

He also noted that a draft law on the promotion of the film industry has failed to include items on the copyright protection of original screenplays, while including requirements such as the fire prevention and health conditions of cinemas.

"The legislation has missed the key point, and it must be rectified," he said.

Wang Xingdong, vice-president of the China Film Association and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPC) National Committee, delivers a speech at the third plenary meeting for the fourth session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee, March 11, 2016. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]