This combo photo shows the similarity between Fudan University's former promotional film and a part of Tokyo University's film. (Photo/Screenshot)
(ECNS) -- The producer of a promotional film for Fudan University in Shanghai has apologized for plagiarizing a Tokyo University production, while the former has released a new, plainer version itself.
Teng Yudong said the production team watched publicity films from more than 20 universities and several leading advertising firms to get inspiration while starting to write the original script in February.
Teng, also the vice director of the Publicity Department at Fudan University's Party Committee, explained that the five-minute film, titled "To My Light," was based on a real story from the university.
He admitted the production referred a lot to the Tokyo University film in terms of narrative style and expression techniques when shooting began in late April.
"We didn't fully report our shooting process or context to Fudan University authorities because of time pressure," he noted.
"I feel deeply sorry for the damage that this video has brought to the university's reputation, and I apologize sincerely," it was added.
Fudan University, which is marking the 110th anniversary of its establishment, removed the film from its website and other social media platforms following public outcry over the apparent plagiarism.
At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Fudan released a new version of the promotional film on its official WeChat profile, a popular social networking app.
The new film, which runs for 12 minutes and 36 seconds, explains Fudan's history and includes interviews with students about their impressions of studying there.
The overall style and structure of the new film is quite conventional compared with other Chinese universities, while it stands in sharp contrast to the removed edition that ultimately put a prestigious university at the center of storm of controversy.
Read more: Fudan releases new publicity video
