Fundamental Films Acquires China Rights to Luc Besson’s ‘Anna’ and ‘Leon’
Recently, Luc Besson completed the preparation for his new film ‘Anna,’ and will start shooting the film next month. Starring Helen Mirren, ‘Anna’ is produced by EuropaCorp and co-produced by Lionsgate. Meanwhile, China’s Fundamental Films acquired all the rights to the film in China. Fundamental Films also announced that the company had acquired from Le Gaumont Et Compagnie the theatrical and digital rights to Luc Besson’s classics, including ‘Le Grand Bleu,’ ‘Leon,’ and ‘The Fifth Element.’ A 4K restored version of ‘Leon’ may be released in Chinese theaters in the future. Read more on Mtime
Ang Lee Inspired Drama ‘Love is a Broadway Hit’ Opens across China
‘Love is a Broadway Hit,’ a rom-com produced by Wanda Pictures and directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Li Ju-yuan, will open in Chinese theaters on October 13. Yesterday, a preview screening of the film took place in Beijing with lead actors Godfrey Kao and Likun Wang in attendance. Kao told the press that the film was inspired by Oscar winning filmmaker Ang Lee’s story. According to Kao, Li Ju-yuan worked with Ang Lee before and learned that Ang Lee once attempted to become a Broadway actor while studying at the New York University. Read more on Sina
‘Never Say Die’ Replaces ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ as China’s Fifth Highest Grossing Film in 2017
While China’s box office has been dropping after the golden week (National Day holiday), ‘Never Say Die‘ is able to maintain its momentum. According to box office data released by Maoyan, the film’s total box office has reached 1.57 billion yuan as of October 10 (Beijing Time), which makes the film the most profitable film produced by Mahua Funage as well as China’s fifth highest grossing film in 2017 after ‘Wolf Warrior 2,’ ‘The Fate of the Furious,’ ‘Kung-Fu Yoga,’ and ‘Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back.‘ Read more on Zlook
‘Operation Red Sea’ to be Released in China at the End of 2017
On October 11 (Beijing Time), a press conference was held for upcoming Chinese-Hong Kong action film ‘Operation Red Sea.’ Director Dante Lam announced that the film would be released at the end of 2017. A trailer of the film was also released at the press conference. Loosely based on the evacuation of the 225 foreign nationals and almost 600 Chinese citizens from Yemen’s port of Aden during the 2015 Yemeni Civil War, ‘Operation Red Sea’ was Hong Kong filmmaker Dante Lam’s second “main melody” film (aka propaganda film) following the success of his action hit from last October, ‘Operation Mekong.’ Read more on News 163
Thai Blockbuster ‘Bad Genius’ to be Released in Over 450 IMAX Theaters in China
Following the box office success of comedy ‘Never Say Die,’ which was released in both 2D and 3D, Thai crime comedy ‘Bad Genius’ will also be converted into 3D and released at more than 450 IMAX theaters across China, according to an announcement made by IMAX on October 11 (Beijing Time). Directed by emerging Thia filmmaker Nattawut Poonpiriya,‘Bad Genius’ tells the story of Lynn, a straight-A student who devises an exams-cheating scheme which eventually rises to international level. Read more on Mtime