As the first US-China dialogues kick off on Thursday in Washington D.C., Walt Disney Studios did its own bit by hosting a cross-cultural dialogue of its own.

The Disney-China Animation Exchange Program, supported by China Film Bureau, was an intenvise, five day event designed to fit the needs of elite Chinese animators.

The program, which ended on Wednesday, was the third annual high-level exchange of ideas and practices between filmmakers of Walt Disney Animation Studios and the leading animation filmmakers from China.

"Walt Disney Animation Studios is deeply honored to open our doors and share our learnings and best practices with China's local creative industry. These exchanges have been inspiring to all involved," said Andrew Millstein, President of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The exchange program was the brainchild of John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and the creative force behind Disney's global winning streak.

During a publicity tour through China for "Big Hero 6," Lasseter was repeatedly asked whether Disney would open a facility in China to help take Chinese animation to the next level.

Lasseter decided to establish the exchange program with China's Film Bureau in order to share Disney's secrets of success with Chinese animators so they could create their own successful studios.

An indication of the level of respect Disney gave this unique exchange program is that the seminar speakers included such top-ranking creative and executive powerhouses as John Lasseter, Pixar co-founder and President of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, Ed Catmull, President of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Andrew Millstein, Head of Production, Ann Le Cam, and Academy Award-winning producer, Roy Conli, as well as several other top producers, writers and directors.

Andrew Millstein and Ann Le Cam, speaking on Studio Leadership, welcomed the Chinese participants. "It's an honor to host our friends from China. This exchange helps us strengthen relationships and share in a way that elevates the animation industry as a whole."

"It's exciting to closely observe Disney studios. It makes us consider the gap between Chinese animation studios and Disney, the world's leading animation studio. Not only in facilities and hardware, but also in ideas and creativity," said Zhigang Yang of Shanghai Pic-moment Film Corporation.

Ann Le Cam told Xinhua that "our winning formula is simple: everyone under one roof, open communication, and freedom to innovate."

Millstein agreed. "We invest a lot of time, effort and money into our talented people to enable them to put their highest potential on the screen. You have to support the artists' visions and give them the tools they need to create great stories."

Conli also produced the award-winning "Born In China" wildlife documentary. When asked if he would like to work again in China, he said, "I fell in love with China. Shanghai is an amazing city and Chengdu is so beautiful. I would love to work there again, especially with director Lu Chuan."

Bo Chen, Vice President of Shanghai Animation Film Studio, told Xinhua that he gained a lot from this program, especially Disney's ideas on how to make excellent movies and their innovative spirit. "I'm eager to share my experience with my colleagues in China. I'm sure the cooperation between Sino-US animation filmmakers will contribute to closer bonds between Chinese and American people," he said.