China's on a roll:
In one of the more bizarre orders from China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, TV shows and films featuring humans with animated companions will be banned.According to the article, the government is trying to boost the development of homegrown animation and keep the airwaves from filling up with foreign programming. Okay, fine.
"These human live-action, so-called animation pieces will not receive distribution or distribution licenses," read the order, issued Feb. 15.However, films and shows that have already received permits will continue to air.[
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But why the odd ban on only shows that mix animated and live-action characters? Is there something about this genre specifically that galls the Chinese government, or is it just an arbitrary sacrifice in order to make more room in the broadcast schedules? I would like to think the latter, because I want to believe these are grown, intelligent men and women, but then there's this:
Chinese regulatory authorities are notoriously skittish regarding broadcast and film themes that include the supernatural or fantasy, including talking animals.I know I was sure disappointed that I couldn't dance with cartoon penguins like Mary Poppins. When I was four."Babe" was banned on the basis that animals can't talk and some viewers would be confused.
Plus, the animation effects in Babe are CGI.
Will this extend to all movies or TV programs with digital effects getting the shaft, seeing as most of them depict images that are at the least unreal and often outright impossible? I guess sci-fi, fantasy and horror fans are pretty much screwed, as well as anybody who wants to see any big-budget motion picture that came out in the last ten years. The huge Chinese martial-arts movie industry is largely toast, 'cause heaven knows there's something unnatural about all that wirework.
Perhaps it would be easier to just ban all fiction altogether? After all, if people can't believe their eyes, why trust their ears or brains either? .
.. Hmmm.
...
Maybe I'm onto something ...
maybe that's the whole point...
Note to Chinese authorities: This is all just in fun. Please don't hurt me.
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