Photo: Mtime
These Chinese Directors Can Act
It’s not surprising to see an actor starts directing after his acting career takes off. It might surprise you though if we tell you this is also the case for renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou. After studying cinematography at Beijing Film Academy, Zhang worked as a cinematographer for several years. He then played his first leading role in drama film Old Well as the protagonist. The film won him three acting awards, including Tokyo International Film Festival’s Best Actor Award. After Old Well, Zhang directed his first film Red Sorghum in 1987 and has been working as a director since then. Equally impressive as Zhang Yimou is Feng Xiaogang, whose performance in Mr. Six won him a Golden Horse Award for Best Actor. Some other directors who have played minor yet memorable roles in the past include Tsui Hark (A Better Tomorrow, A Simple Life), Jia Zhangke (The Continent) and Chen Kaige (The Last Emperor). Read more on Mtime
Ticket Price Goes Up Significantly During Chinese New Year
Before February 4, one was able to buy a presale ticket to an upcoming Chinese new year film for as low as 19.9 yuan. However, ticket price has gone up significantly after the Chinese new year holiday officially started on February 5. On February 5, the average price for a movie ticket was 45.15 yuan, up 15.3% compared to the same day last year. For a popular title at a premium venue, a ticket can be as high as 200 yuan. Government’s tightened control over ticket subsidy certainly contributes to the rise of ticket price. But industry insiders believe that the more essential reason is that film exhibitors have realized that going to the cinema during the Chinese new year holiday has become a rigid demand. Read more on TMT Post
Chinese Actress Ma Li To Join US-China Co-production ‘Twin Blades’
Chinese comedian and actress Ma Li has been confirmed to star in Twin Blades, a buddy comedy co-produced by Cristal Pictures and Lauren Shuler Donner. Ma Li is best known for her roles in Chinese comedy films Goodbye Mr. Loser and Never Say Die, both are box office hits produced by Mahua FunAge. Twin Blades will be the first Chinese-language film produced by Lauren Shuler Donner, who also produced X-men franchises. Legally Blonde screenwriter come aboard to write the script, and Chinese director Eva Jin will helm the film. Wanda Media is a co-producer of the film and will handle its distribution in China. Read more on Mtime
