Chen Sicheng, director. Filmmakers and industry insiders discuss solutions at an online meeting organized by the China Film Association to cope with the huge losses caused by the pandemic.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Peking University School of Journalism and Communication dean Lu Shaoyang suggests major studios team up to create digital platforms to emulate the shift that has taken place in the United States before the pandemic.

Lu points out the global media-streaming market reached $44.8 billion last year, surpassing the global box-office gross of $42.2 billion. He suggests Chinese film companies also consider developing productions for streaming sites to reduce risks.

China Film Critic Association president Rao Shuguang estimates that domestic consumption will be different after the epidemic passes in China and that films that are around an hour, which is roughly half the length of silver-screen features, will become more common.

"In such a special period, Chinese filmmakers should not passively wait for support and help," Rao says.

"It's time to self-study to polish skills to create better films."

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn