In the Chinese film market, every film must be filed for review, and the filing of film scripts is the first step in the entire film production process. Over time, the filing process has evolved and improved. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the latest movie script filing process in 2024.
1. Preliminary preparation for the filing of film scripts
Before the film script is recorded, the production unit needs to make adequate preparations. First of all, make sure that the film script (synopsis) has been completed, the content is healthy and positive, and it complies with national laws and regulations and social ethics. Secondly, prepare other necessary application materials, including but not limited to:
1. The full text of the film script (synopsis).
2. Authorisation letter and proof of identity of the screenwriter
3. A copy of the business license of the production unit
4. Shooting plan, including shooting time, location, personnel, etc
5. Letter of intent or proof of funds from the investor
6. Other relevant supporting materials
2. Submission of an application for the filing of a film script
1. Log in to the film government affairs platform: The production unit needs to log in to the film government affairs service platform of the National Film Administration, register as a user, and log in.
2. Fill in the filing information: Fill in the relevant information about the filing of the film script on the platform, including the film name, genre, theme, screenwriter, director, main actors, etc.
3. Upload application materials: Scan or take a photo of the prepared application materials and upload them to the designated location on the platform.
4. Submit the ICP filing application: After confirming that the information is correct, submit the ICP filing application. The system will automatically generate the filing number and receipt for the production unit to query and print.
3. Review and check the application materials
1. Preliminary review by the Provincial Film Bureau: The Provincial Film Bureau will conduct a preliminary review of the submitted filing application materials to verify the authenticity and completeness of the materials.
2. Content review: The provincial film bureau will review the content of the film script to ensure that its content is healthy, positive, and in line with national laws and regulations and social ethics. For film scripts involving special themes, such as national security, foreigners, ethnicity, religion, etc., the opinions of the relevant provincial-level competent departments must be obtained.
3. Check the application materials: The provincial film bureau will check the authenticity and completeness of the application materials to ensure that all materials meet the filing requirements.
4. Filing, approval, and issuance of film scripts
1. Approval by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television: After the preliminary review and content review by the provincial film bureau, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will conduct the final examination and approval of the filing application. Approved scripts will receive a "Film Script (Synopsis) Filing Receipt".
2. Issue a Filing Receipt: The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will issue a "Film Script (Synopsis) Filing Receipt" to the production unit through the film government affairs platform. The production unit can log in to the platform to query and print the receipt form.
5. Filing and publicity of film scripts
Filing publicity: The National Film Administration will regularly summarize and review the filing of national film scripts (synopsis) and publicize them on its official website. Only film scripts that have been filed and publicized can be filmed.
For production units that are not familiar with the filing process or want to improve the efficiency of filing, choosing a professional agency is a wise choice. As a well-known agency in the industry, Datong Tiancheng has rich experience and a professional team in the filing of film scripts. They are familiar with the filing process, policies and regulations, and can provide one-stop filing services for production units, including material preparation, application submission, review and follow-up, and approval result inquiry, etc., to ensure the smooth progress of the filing work.