Watch This | Shanghai's film industry advancing like a 'high-speed train': Italian executive producer

This episode of "Shanghai Through Our Eyes" features Miodrag Colombo, an executive producer.

Originated from Serbia and growing up in Italy, Colombo first came to Shanghai in 2011.

"When you walk in Shanghai, it doesn't feel like being in a big city. I like the contrast of quietness and noise. The city is a mix of Asia and Europe," he said.

Colombo marveled at the rapid development of the film industry in Shanghai, which started later than Vancouver and London, but is advancing "like a high-speed train."

"In Shanghai, I have more opportunities to meet people and do business," Colombo says. "If you have a great idea, people here will give you opportunities."

Thanks to the huge film consumer market in China, many foreign companies have approached Colombo in the hope of getting their films into the Chinese market.

After Colombo came to Shanghai in 2011, one of his first projects was called Hugo. He led a team and worked on the 3-D visual effect of the film, which finally won the Oscar award for Best Visual Effects.

"When you have a creative idea, people here will give you a chance to realize it. In contrast, other countries are relatively slower. There is a good environment for foreigners with dreams," he said.

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The Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government unveiled earlier the "Shanghai Through Our Eyes" video series as part of efforts to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China this year.

Comprising 100 short videos produced by Xinmin Evening News, the series aims to share stories of Shanghai's development through the eyes of foreigners living in the city.