Nasdaq Welcomes ‘China’s Netflix’ iQiyi Today
Today, iQiyi (IQ) rang the Nasdaq stock market opening bell in celebration of its IPO. Founded in 2010 by Chinese internet giant Baidu, iQiyi is one of the largest video-streaming platforms in China. The company priced its initial public offering at $18 a share for a total offering size of $2.25 billion. Although iQiyi is still unprofitable, the number of its paid users has been increasing. By the end of February this year, the number of its paid users reached 60.1 million. iQiyi hopes to raise money to enhance its content offerings and stay ahead of its competitors, such as Tencent Video and Youku. Read more on cngold.com.cn
Zombie-Themed Horror Film ‘Cell’ Scores April 13 China Release
American sci-fi horror film Cell, based on a 2006 Stephen King novel of the same name, has been scheduled to release in China on April 13, according to an official Chinese poster released today. Cell is not only the first Stephen King movie, but also the first zombie-themed horror movie, to be released theatrically in China. Directed by Tod Williams, Cell follows the story of a graphic artist and his search for his estranged wife and son in a New England town where cell phone users are mysteriously transformed into savage killers by an evil electronic signal. Read more on Mtime
Glen Keane Visits China to Launch Musical Adventure ‘Over The Moon’
On March 28, China’s Pearl Studio, formerly known as Oriental DreamWorks, held a launch ceremony as well as press conference for its upcoming animated musical Over The Moon. Oscar winning animator Glen Keane attended the event and had a talkback with Pearl Studio’s chief creative officer Peilin Chou. In addition to attending the ceremony and press conference, Keane also visited several ancient Chinese cities, experienced China’s high-speed train, and engaged with ordinary Chinese people, in order to fully immerse himself in Chinese culture, which is also part of his preparation for the film. Over The Moon is set to release in Chinese theaters in 2020, and will have its exclusive premiere on Netflix overseas. Read more on Sina
Dwayne Johnson to Visit Shanghai in April for Upcoming Film ‘Rampage’
Upcoming American science fiction monster film Rampage will open across China day and date with the U.S. on April 13. Recently, the film’s producer announced that Dwayne Johnson, who plays a primatologist in the film, had been scheduled to visit Shanghai to participate in promotional events of the film. The announcement was made along with the release of a promotional trailer, in which Chinese actor and director Wu Jing, who directed and acted in box office smash hit Wolf Warrior 2, appeared and expressed his support for the film. Directed by Brad Peyton, the film follows a primatologist who must team up with a gentle ape turned raging creature, in order to stop an invasion of monsters. Read more on people.cn
