Wanda Film to Acquire 96.8% Stake in Wanda Media
On Monday, June 25, Wanda Film Holding Co., the cinema chain unit of Wang Jianlin‘s Wanda Group, announced that it will acquire a 96.8% stake in Wanda Media (aka Wanda Pictures) for 11.6 billion yuan ($1.77 billion). Upon completion of the transaction, Wanda Film will be upgraded from a film exhibitor to a multi-faceted entertainment group covering film& TV production, distribution, and exhibition as well as game development and distribution. Read more on CNR.cn
Bona Film Group Launches High-End Cinema Brand “Bo Yue Hui” in Shanghai
On June 21, the opening ceremony for Bona Film Group’s high-end cinema brand “Bo Yue Hui” (“博悦会“）took place in Bund Financial Center, Shanghai. Bona Film Group CEO Yu Dong along with several Chinese celebrities and top executives from Fosun International, Fosun Art Foundation and IMAX China attended the event and cut the ribbon. Named “Bo Yue Hui,” the new luxury movie theater is designed by designer duo Luo Loingjie & Long Huiqi, who once won Andrew Martin Interior Design Awards. In addition to screening films, “Bo Yue Hui” also provides fine dining, on-demand services, live music performance, high-end bars, and art exhibits. Read more on Mtime
Animated Film ‘Sherlock Gnomes’ Set to Open in China on July 20
American animated film Sherlock Gnomes, which is directed by John Stevenson, will hit Chinese movie theaters on July 20. John Stevenson is best known for directing 2008 animated film Kung Fu Panda. Voices for the characters come from a all-star-cast that includes Johnny Depp, James McAvoy and Emily Blunt, who play Sherlock Gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, respectively. Moreover, renowned British musician Elton John wrote songs for Sherlock Gnomes. In the film, Garden gnomes, Gnomeo & Juliet, recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments. Read more on Mtime
