China's top authority for radio, film, and television has formally issued a new rule to ban all shooting for film and television at China's natural reserves, scenic areas, and historic sites. This came as a response to the increasingly disordered productions that have caused substantial environmental damage.

 

According to the new rule issued on Wednesday by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, shooting activities will be totally prohibited in core areas of all natural reserves, scenic spots, and historic sites. Crews will only be allowed to shoot on their border areas, and then only on a limited basis.

 

The administration says film and television production companies must lodge advance applications to relevant government departments in circumstances where they feel it is absolutely necessary to shoot scenes in protected areas.

 

They will also be required to restore the area they operate in to its original condition after they finish their work, with the site closely monitored by the local government.

 

SARFT demanded all film and television production companies make environmental protection their priority. They are required to conduct their shootings in the future in full compliance with the new rule.

 

SARFT also asks its relevant departments at local levels to provide trainings on the rule to film producers, directors and company heads.

 

Last year, director Chen Kaige's big budget film The Promise suffered a 90,000 yuan fine for destroying the fragile vegetation near Bigu Lake in Shangri-la in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

 

(CRI.cn April 27, 2007)