The Blue Book of Cultural Brands released by the Chinese Cultural Industry Brand Research Center of Central South University.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A series of annual reports on the development of Chinese cultural industries was released during the 11th China International Cultural Industries Fair, focusing on the industry.

The reports, published in the Blue Book of Cultural Brands by Central South University, list 31 leading companies and programs in a variety of fields as "Brand of the Year 2015" that shape the feature of the industry. Popular films and TV programs, such as The Taking of Tiger Mountain, Boonie Bear and Happy Camp, are all on the list.

According to the Blue Book, comprehensive standards are applied during the selection process and "economic measurement, annual achievement, industry reputation, social impact and brand value" are major elements. Up to 15 cultural industry categories have been studied, including new media, press publication, advertising and public relations, performing arts, artwork auction and cultural tourism.

"Two features are strongly felt in the cultural industry in China," said Yu Jianxiang, professor of Central South University and deputy head of the editorial board of the Blue Book. "One is that supportive policies exert a stronger influence on cultural business then other industries; another is that its development is closely related to high technology".

Yu also stressed that creative ideas are the key for a cultural brand to take off.

This is the 10th annual report since the Chinese Cultural Industry Brand Research Center of Central South University began the independent research program in 2006. A total of 343 brands have been selected over the decade and the report has been increasingly recognized by the public.