Movie-themed Fortunes 'Never Guaranteed'
While Stephen Chow's Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, is probably on the way to creating another box office record in the history of Chinese cinema, his hopes for Journey to the West aren't confined to the silver screen.
ChinaVision Media Group Ltd, one of the blockbuster's investors, announced on Tuesday that its wholly owned subsidiary West Gold has entered into an agreement with the city government of Tongxiang in Zhejiang province to cooperate on the establishment of a Journey to the West Film Art Center project.
The government of Tongxiang will make available approximately 70 hectares in Wuzhen for the project. The planned area consists of a parcel of land with an area of 46 hectares, which is for sale, and another parcel of 24 hectares, which is for lease, according to the agreement.
If West Gold completes the acquisition of the land use rights and leasehold interest, it will develop the area by establishing a joint venture, in which it will hold 75 percent of equity interest, while Stephen Chow holds the remaining 25 percent, according to the Film Art Center Framework Agreement, which was signed in October 2012.
It is expected that the cooperative agreement will be signed within the next few days. As planned, the movie-themed project will feature cultural tourism, entertainment and technology.
The project is scheduled to be launched at the end of this year, and is due to be completed in 2015.
However, actor-director Chow is not the first to have plans to develop movie-themed parks on the Chinese mainland. Huayi Brothers Media Group Co Ltd, one of the leading private film production companies in China, expanded into the field in 2011.
The listed film company signed an agreement in February with the Shanghai Jiading Industrial Zone to build a cultural complex in the area. The project will be primarily used as a film production base, such as Zhejiang Hengdian World Studios.
In May 2011, Huayi Brothers also announced its cooperation with other partners on its first movie-themed park in Suzhou Industrial Park, a project with a total investment of 3 billion yuan ($481 million).
The latest move by the entertainment conglomerate came in May 2012, when it announced its co-investment in a movie-themed commercial zone in Haikou, Hainan province. In this commercial zone, there will be streets and blocks that imitate the cinematic scenes of Huayi Brothers' film productions.
However, although the number of theme parks may have grown in China in recent years, few of them are making money.
Zhao Huanyan, a senior researcher at the Tourism Research Institute under the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said that a total of 150 billion yuan has been invested in more than 2,500 theme parks in China, and 70 percent of them are in deficit, 20 percent are breaking even, and only the remaining 10 percent are making profits.
Creativity and market positioning are the most important elements in successfully running a theme park, and for movie-themed parks, professional support facilities, diverse scenes and competitive pricing are also crucial, added Yang Yanfeng, an associate professor of the China Tourism Academy.
"Blind investment is the biggest reason for the widespread losses. The first investment boom in theme parks took place in the 1990s, while the third boom is currently under way," Yang said.
'Hobbit: An unexpected Journey' premieres in Beijing
Actress Jin Ming attends the premiere of "Hobbit: An unexpected Journey" in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 21, 2013. The film is to be on show on Friday. [Photo: news.cn]
Yu Zheng’s “Swordman” Finale Accused of Copying “Painted Skin 2″
Swordman <笑傲江湖>, Yu Zheng’s (于正) 40-episode adaptation of the Jin Yong (金庸) wuxia novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, will air is finale episode next week on Hunan TV. The serial has been receiving mixed critical reception from the audience, with both praises and criticisms. Fans of the original novel bashed the serial for its nonsensical story line and unfaithful adaptation. Other fans lauded the serial for its addictive storytelling fashion, also gushing at the Linghu Chong (Wallace Huo 霍建華) and Dongfang Bubai (Joe Chen 陳喬恩) pairing.
Yesterday, Chinese media sources spoiled that the ending of Swordman will dramatically differ from the novel’s ending. Dongfang, who initially plots to kill Linghu’s lover, Ren Yingying, in order to keep Linghu to herself, ultimately decides to save Ren’s life by giving her heart. This finale strongly resembles the ending to Wuershan’s (乌尔善) Painted Skin: The Resurrection <画皮II>, in which the demon Xiaowei sacrifices herself to return the heart of Princess Jing, out of love for the protector, Huo Xin.
Yu Zheng denied the plagiarism allegations, claiming that Swordman had already ended production when Painted Skin: The Resurrection first opened in cinemas. Dongfang’s heart sacrifice arc was instead inspired by an Iranian novel Yu Zheng read a few years back.
In a press interview with actress Joe Chen, she expressed that she was expecting her character to generate mixed reception when she first took on the role. “I need a strong heart in order to face the viewers’ criticisms,” Joe joked. “I really like Dongfang’s character. I portrayed Dongfang Bubai in the way I perceived the role, and I want to thank those who support my portrayal of him.”
Yu Zheng’s decision to cast an actress to portray Dongfang Bubai was most likely inspired by the 1992 Hong Kong film, Swordsman II <笑傲江湖之東方不敗>, in which Dongfang was famously and classically portrayed by Taiwanese actress, Brigitte Lin (林青霞).
Open Ending
Many romantic elements were added in Yu Zheng’s Swordman. Among the most heatedly discussed topic was the triangle relationship involving Linghu, Dongfang and Ren Yingying (Yuan Shanshan 袁姗姗). As Dongfang’s presence dramatically outnumbered Ren’s screentime, many more fans of the drama were beginning to support Linghu to choose Dongfang as his lover instead of Ren.
When fans asked if Yu Zheng would change the ending so Linghu would end up together with Dongfang, Yu Zheng said that Dongfang and Linghu were already “endgame” to begin with. The producer explained that the ambiguity of the ending will be able to satisfy the fans of both “Chongdong” and “Chongying.”
Source: 21CN.com
New Partnership Between DB3 Agency and Mega World Media Manages International Media, Film and Entertainment Projects
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 22, 2013
Mega World Media and DB3 Agency have joined forces to form DB3XCHANGE, a joint venture that will develop an exciting new platform that connects brands, adopters, and emerging markets with multifaceted media, film and entertainment platforms. On February 23, 2013, DB3Xchange will coordinate and produce an interview lounge “press junket” and coordinate Chinese actress Zhang Meng’s appearance at the Spirit Awards in Los Angeles.DB3Xchange will work with actors and actresses such as Meng, but also with media and associate partners, for production and integration seeding of global showcases and entertainment ventures. Film and platform opportunities will include equity, licensing, distribution, studio and independent film projects.
Zhang Meng, a supporter of the DB3Xchange, is an emerging Chinese film actress. Meng will be attending the 2013 Spirit Awards with the help of DB3Xchange’s unique services. Thanks to DB3Xchange, Meng will be completing a 'press interview round' while in Los Angeles.
"These collaborative efforts are important opportunities to promote mutual business growth and a collaborative exchange of craft and talent. China has been a supporter of film production and a strong film funding partner and creator. Last year’s Hollywood box office was the healthiest it has been. I know a vibrant industry and across Pacific extension is important.” says DB3 Agency partner, Mark A. Dayoub.
The DB3Xchange parameters are to recognize top emerging talent and maximize the profile of existing new extensions from media, branding, marketing, and technology leaders. Collaboration across the board with categories from music, fashion, and film is a final component.
"This exchange fosters culture and business opportunities across a variety of communication platforms. We already connect on social, mobile, gaming, and share experiences with film and television. This was a natural fit to be involved in fostering growth and exchange of business and culture opportunities, being in a position to help people talent like Ms. Meng to reach their career goals is nothing short of an honor,” explains Travis Cloyd, CEO of Mega World Media.
DB3Xchange also coordinated media partners and premier locations to have Meng engage her fanbase and North American presence. As Meng builds with the media and public, her management will be free to explore new business collaborations and film co-production opportunities thanks to the work of DB3Xchange.
About Zhang Meng
Zhang Meng (a.k.a. Lemon) is an actress from Mainland China and director of Actors Working Committee of the China Television Artist’ Association. Her role as “Biyao”, the female leader of the online game, Jade Dynasty, was her national breakthrough. In 2012, Meng’s career peaked with roles in five Television Programs from network giant Golden Eagle TV: My Sassy Girl, The Battle Wizard, The Magic Blade, In Love with Power, and Sop Queen. Her filmography credits include: Crazy in Love (2007), The Deserted Inn (2008), Virtual Recall (2010), My Own Swordsman (2011), and her latest Tian Long Ba Bu (2013). Meng also is a Recording Artist as she launched her first EP, Meng Knows.
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For additional information or to book a consultation with DB3Xchange, please contact:
LuCreative Group PR
612.217.0812
info@lucreativegroup.com
http://www.lucreativegroup.com
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