With the success of the blockbuster 3-D animated movie Avatar, the global film industry has proclaimed the beginning of a new 3-D era.

The United States is leading the wave with one-third of the world's 3-D screens, while China is catching up at a rocket speed, the Legal Evening News reports.

Just six months ago, there were only about 300 3-D screens in China, but the number grew to more than 600 in five months, and is now close to 1,000. One-seventh of the world's 3-D screens are in China.

When Hollywood released the 3-D film Journey to the Center of the Earth in September 2008, there were only 82 3-D screens in China. The number had increased to more than 330 by August 2009.

With more 3-D screens in the country, Chinese filmmakers are also investing more money in 3-D film production. Dozens of Hollywood films are lining up to be shown in China's 3-D theaters.

(CRIENGLISH.com February 23, 2010)