Movie music is still in its infancy in China, the process is rush rush rush, music like movies is merchandise, composers' pay is low, so is creativity, and there are issues of intellectual property.

That's the view of noted composers, including visiting Chinese American Nathan Wang and professor An Dong from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, who composed the music for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

But there are many young composers who are passionate and interested in film music ? they need experience and a chance.

The film industry is maturing, and good directors are bound to realize that a good film needs a good score, and a memorable theme. And a great film needs a great theme.

So maybe there will be a Chinese John Williams, the American composer of iconic scores for "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," "Superman" and "Jaws."

"It just takes one movie, one director who is really passionate about music and is willing to spend as much money and efforts to put into the music," said Wang who was in Shanghai this month to conclude recording his soundtrack for the upcoming film "My Lucky Star" directed by Zhang Ziyi.

"You need a John Williams," said Wang. "I think when somebody is able to do that, then all of a sudden it kind of unlocks the heavens and people will definitely notice music a lot more.'

An was less upbeat.

"Sound track composing is going the same way as the films, most films are merchandise that is not high in artistic value. In this case, the director doesn't have high requirements and it's more like a routine ... I think in reality the Chinese film music is going toward a more functional and utilitarian path."