Chinese local governments are offering subsidies like computing vouchers, rent waivers, and dedicated funding to lure AI filmmakers as part of China's AI push (Reuters)

Chinese local governments are actively courting AI filmmakers with various incentives. These include computing vouchers, rent waivers, and dedicated funding to support the growth of the industry. According to Zhu Zhili, an AI filmmaker, cities and industrial parks across China are reaching out to him with offers to establish their tech clusters and provide subsidies.

Zhu Zhili, who also heads the AI-Generated Content department at China Film, said he has been approached daily by officials from various cities, ranging from major metropolitan areas to smaller localities. Shenzhen, with its vast tech ecosystem, was his initial choice two years ago. The government's push aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the economy, including the film industry.

The subsidies and support have created what Zhu describes as the "best environment" for AI filmmakers, with benefits such as cheap rent, living allowances, and computing support. This effort reflects China's strategy to build globally competitive industries, similar to its approach with electric vehicles, solar panels, and robotics. As a result, an emerging industry of AI filmmakers, studios, and streaming platforms is taking shape in China.

Brief written by urgent.news from Techmeme, New Straits Times — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.