Director Chen Jialin speaks at the first media conference of China's TV Drama Directors' Working Committee in Shanghai on Friday, 13 June 2008. [Photo: sina.com]

China's first directors' guild, TV Drama Directors' Working Committee, held its first media conference during the 14th Shanghai Television Festival on Friday.

After three years of preparation, the guild was established on May 12 with the approval of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, said Chen Jialin, veteran director and president of the guild.

The TV Drama Directors' Working Committee will chalk up industry rules and protect directors' rights, Chen said. It aims to promote the industry's development.

Nineteen leading Chinese TV drama directors will serve as executive members of the committee, including Zhang Guoli, Gao Xixi, Li Shaohong and Hong Kong director Stanley Tong.

A non-profit organization, the guild was sponsored by showbiz firms such as Shanghai Media Group and Orange Sky Entertainment Group.