First AI Feature Cleared for China Screens Opens to $181,000
Sanxingdui: Future Past, produced by Bona Film Group on a budget of about $1.5 million, arrived in Chinese theaters this past weekend.
Sanxingdui: Future Past, the first AI-generated feature film to receive the right to play on Chinese screens, opened in the country's theaters this past weekend with a gross of RMB 1.21 million, about $181,000, producer Bona Film Group said. The figure was reported by indiewire.com.
Bona said in a blog post that the film's budget was 10 million yuan, roughly $1.5 million. The company said the feature was produced over two years by a team of 70 to 80 people.
Work on the film continued until close to its release: Bona said it was still being tweaked and technically shooting up to a week before it reached theaters.
The producer has already begun production on a second AI-generated feature, Unplanned Operation in the Cold Moon, and said it has received requests to screen Sanxingdui: Future Past in other countries outside China.
Another AI feature is headed to the United States. Gossip Goblin's fully AI Gods Don't Give Gifts opens in U.S. theaters this December and will launch international sales at the American Film Market next month. It is the first such movie to receive an MPA rating and intends to submit for Oscars eligibility in Best Animated Feature.
Quick answers
How much did Sanxingdui: Future Past earn in its opening weekend?
The film grossed RMB 1.21 million, about $181,000, according to producer Bona Film Group.
What was the budget of Sanxingdui: Future Past?
Bona Film Group said the film's budget was 10 million yuan, about $1.5 million.
When does Gods Don't Give Gifts open in U.S. theaters?
Gossip Goblin's AI feature opens in U.S. theaters this December and will launch international sales at the American Film Market next month.