New Zealand – Pukeko Pictures, the Animation School of the Beijing Film Academy and Grand Entertainment Ltd (GZ) will be establishing the International Animation Technology Joint Research Centre to actively promote film and TV cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.

The first collaboration between these three parties consists of planned co-productions on the internationally successful animation series, The WotWots, created by Pukeko Pictures at the Weta Workshop. These plans include special co-produced WotWots TV episodes that will be unique to the Chinese market.

Prof. Sun Lijun, Dean of the Animation School and Vice-Principal of the Beijing Film Academy, commented: “For China’s film and television industry to grow, innovation is needed. The Animation School of the Beijing Film Academy is very thrilled to be working with Pukeko Pictures and Grand Entertainment in seeking more opportunities for the sharing of resources and know-how, and the exchange of culture and ideas, in the development of the industry.”