Headlines from China: CAA Signs Chinese Documentary Studio Yunji Media 

A screenshot from CAA China website

CAA Signs Chinese Documentary Studio Yunji Media 

On December 7th, Yunji Media, a Shanghai-based documentary production company, announced that it had signed on with Creative Artist Agency China, to develop its brand and documentary projects. This marks the first documentary studio signed by CAA China. The partnership will allow Yunji Media to take advantage of CAA’s network and resources to expand in the international market. Yunji Media has developed several popular documentary series in the past, including Survivor Games, Absolute Wild with Bear Grylls and Herbal China. In 2019, Yunji plans to invest about 500 million yuan in 15 documentary series with over 100 episodes. The company will not only collaborate with domestic broadcasters like CCTV, SMG, Tencent Video and iQiYi, but also international media channels, such as Fox, Discovery, and National Geographic. Read more on ent.huanqiu.com

Stallone’s ‘Creed II’ Set for January 4 China Release

Creed II, the 2018 boxing movie that stars Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan, has been set to release in China on January 4, according to an unnamed online source. If the news is true, Creed II and Bumblebee will open in Chinese theaters on the same day. The film is likely the last film in which Stallone plays Rocky, as he once posted on his social media account to say farewell to the role. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., Creed II marks the transition between the eras of two legendary boxing heroes, Rocky Balboa and Adonis Johnson, telling the story of the talented boxer Johnson who faces greater challenges both in his life and on the ring after he has obtained his glory and money. Read more on Mtime

Hainan Island International Film Festival to Promote Upcoming Domestic Releases

As the New Year holiday season is approaching, the Chinese movie market will again see the most fierce box office battle of the year. The inaugural Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIFF) will host a promotional session for distributors and exhibitors to preview upcoming domestic releases. Representatives from top 1000 cinemas (by box office earning) will be invited to the session to watch films and meet the filmmakers. The event will not only feature highly anticipated commercial films, but also provide a platform for arthouse films to meet potential distributors. Read more on Mtime