still from ‘Midnight Dreamers’
Vampire Movie Returns to Big Screen in China after 5 Years
French-Chinese co-production ‘Midnight Dreamers’ has been set to open across China on November 10, according to an official announcement released on Oct. 19 (Beijing Time). Set in Paris and directed by Chinese filmmakers Wan Lifang and Dong Fangchen, the film tells a romantic story between a Chinese girl and a French film director who is a vampire. The theatrical release of this film also marks the return of vampire movies to Chinese theaters after the China release of ‘Twilight’ five years ago. Read more on Sohu
Vin Diesel to Collaborate with Wu Jing?
Last night, ‘Fast and the Furious‘ star Vin Diesel posted on his Facebook page a short video, in which he was learning Mandarin from Chinese star Wu Jing, who directed and starred in box office smash hit ‘Wolf Warrior 2.’ In this video, Diesel also revealed that the two had “something very special for the audience that is rooted in brotherhood” and they were “very proud to be able to work with each other.” Diesel didn’t reveal details of the project they will be working on together. Read more on Mtime
‘Patriots Day’ Set for November 17 China Release
Boston Marathon bombing drama ‘Patriots Day‘ has been set to release in China on Friday November 17, according to sources familiar with the matter. Directed by Peter Berg, the film centers on the events of the 2013 bombing at the annual Boston Marathon, where 4 people, including an international student from China, died. The film is produced by Lionsgate, imported by China Film Group, and distributed by Huaxia Film Distribution Company. Read more on Mtime
Huayi Brothers Media Participates in the 11th China Licensing Expo
On October 18 (Beijing Time), China Licensing Expo opened at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Huayi Brothers Media‘s booth appears at the expo, which marks the first appearance of a Chinese film company at this largest licensing event in Asia. Founded in 2006, China Licensing Expo attracts over 800 brands and companies, including numerous international film studios, such as the Universal Studios, to participate each year. Wang Zhonglei, CEO of Huayi Brothers Media, says that, “While Hollywood has proved it is not impossible for a studio to make more money from licensing and merchandising than from box office, Chinese studios still all heavily rely on box office as their main revenue source. Huayi Brothers Media is one of the Chinese studios that first started exploring the business models in this area, and they believe licensing & and merchandising will play a more important role in the company’s strategic expansion in the future.” Read more on Jinrong Jie
Chinese Video Site iQiyi to Renew Partnership with Tennis Australia
Tennis Australia will continue its partnership with leading Chinese video website iQiyi and renew their partnership agreement until 2021, according to an announcement made by Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia on October 16 in Shanghai. Founded by Chinese internet giant Baidu in 2010, iQiyi first partnered with Tennis Australia in 2013. This year, China has become the largest international market for Australia open with a total viewing time of 132 million hours by Chinese audiences. Read more on Ent Group
