The China Film Group Digital Film Production Base, described by its backers as the largest film production center in Asia, formally opened in Beijing on Thursday.

The base in northern Beijing, costing 2 billion yuan (292 million U.S. dollars), was created to produce film and TV programs.

It covers 150,000 square meters and has studios, equipment and costume sections and other facilities.

The chairman of the China Film Group Corp., the company that operates the base, Han Sanping, said: "Its output will be considerable" and added that visitors will be able to watch nearly 100 films and 500 episodes of TV dramas produced annually.

Han said the center would use world-class production techniques and provide the most advanced services.

Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan and director John Woo attended the opening ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)