China’s political cabinet, the State Council, has appointed film censor and producer Zhang Pimin deputy director of the powerful State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
He replaces Lei Yuanliang, who is retiring. Zhang moves from a deputy directorship at the Film Bureau where he was known for his hard line when it came to cutting smut and scenes thought to be political incorrect.
He joins Zhao Shi and Tong Gang in senior positions at the regulatory body, which is assuming increased importance in China as the biz continues to expand.
He previously ran the Xi’an film studio and while he was there produced “The Emperor’s Shadow,” starring Jiang Wen and Ge You and scripted by Lu Wei, which was China’s most expensive film at its release in 1996. Ironically, the pic was banned temporarily in China after its release.
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