Governments and Formal Institutions Shaping the Networks of Co‐Production in the Chinese and German Film Industries

Abstract

AbstractStudies in economic geography on the film industry often focus on the impact of social relationships and informal institutions, like habits, norms and conventions. However, the role of formal institutions has so far received only little attention. To exemplify the role of governments and formal institutions shaping the film production networks a social network analysis is carried out. The results essentially show three patterns of interventions: Firstly, governments are active players within the networks through state‐owned or public film production companies. Secondly, (especially in the case of China) governments act as regulators through formal institutions by restricting market access for international films and at the same time enabling the rapid market growth of the Chinese film market through opening policies after 2002. Thirdly, they act as promoters through direct financial means (e.g. public film subsidies in Germany) or through support measures by the cultural and creative industries in general.