Universal signals China expansion

A new Beijing office has been opened by Universal Pictures, underlining the US studio’s commitment to expand its content production and distribution capabilities in China.

UPI China will seek to grow the company’s local television presence, build content partnerships and acquisitions, and build its regional consumer business, Rapid TV News reports.

The operation, headed by veteran Disney executive, Joe Yan, will initially begin presenting the studios’ movies to the Chinese regulator, according to Variety.

Brian Roberts, Comcast chairman and CEO, Jeff Shell, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment, and Duncan Clark, president of distribution for Universal Pictures International, joined Tan – EVP and managing director of China for UPI – at the official opening.

Universal has already announced plans to build a 300-acre theme park in Beijing, scheduled to open in 2019.