Independent producers make competition intense, says Matthew Miller from

WANT to view a 24-part television series about the lives, loves and crime-busting exploits of Shenzhen's municipal police force? Well, tune in to The Supreme Honour , produced by the mainland's Public Security Bureau Political Department and the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau in co-operation with Zhong Hui Production.

How about a 25-part historical comedy about a wandering storyteller who spends half a lifetime pursuing truth, rectitude and beauty? Then, watch Pearls and Jade Soup , produced by Beijing Television and Beijing Wanqi Trade Group.

For mainland audiences, the world has come half-circle from the two-tone socialist dramas of years passed.

However, an explosion of locally produced soap operas and action dramas has created some unexpected static.

That was evident at a mainland television programming trade fair held in Guangzhou last month.

'There are more television stations and independent companies producing programmes than ever before,' Zhejiang Film Studios information department director Cai Jiying said. 'That has led to fierce competition.' Ms Cai was in Guangzhou drumming up interest among provincial stations for Brother in an Anarchic World , a serial drama about a lone communist fighter who joins forces with rural bandits battling the Japanese during the mainland's 'war of resistance'.