QINGDAO Digital Animation Research Institute was established in Qingdao International Animation and Game Industrial Park on Nov. 3.

The institute was co-founded by Qingdao Agricultural University, Ocean University of China, Qingdao University, Qingdao Technological University and Shandong Technological University.

The institute is a non-profit academic research organization, whose members cooperate with and support one another in research and development, said Zhao Xiaochun, president of the institute and dean of the Art and Media College of Qingdao Agricultural University.

Gathering research resources, the institute will focus on the creation, marketing and development of the animation industry in Qingdao.

“The Taoist Priest of Laoshan Mountain,” the first 3D film in Shandong Province and the institute’s maiden production, saw the start of production on the opening day.(Li Hao, Zhao Di)