LONDON, April 17 (Reuters) - British film studio PinewoodShepperton, home of the James Bond movies, has signed ajoint venture deal with a Chinese media entrepreneur as it seeksto expand its production services into China.
Pinewood, owner of Europe's largest film studio, said onWednesday it had signed a joint venture with media group SevenStars, ran by media mogul Bruno Wu.
A sharp rise in box office revenues in China, boosted by anemerging middle class making more trips to the cinema, hasencouraged foreign film producers to seek local partners to helpthem crack the market.
Pinewood's joint venture, Song Lin, will look to makeco-productions, run film courses, develop financing for Chineseproductions, and create film-themed entertainment venues.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has sought tocourt emerging nations as markets for British exports, said:"Pinewood is leading the way, taking advantage of China'sthriving entertainment and media sector and building on Britainand China's growing trade relationship."
The move could provide "significant opportunities" for filmand television producers in the UK, said Pinewood ChiefExecutive Ivan Dunleavy.
Pinewood, which also owns studios in Canada and Germany andis building facilities in Malaysia, has been looking overseas tohelp it compete in the international movie production market.
Its plans last year to build a significant studio expansionat its home in the protected 'green belt' area that surroundsLondon were rejected by the local council and it has recentlysubmitted a fresh proposal.