MUMBAI: Fox International Productions (FIP), Star Television Asia Limited (STAR) and China-based Huayi Brothers Media have announced a collaboration to produce and distribute a Chinese-language romantic comedy, Hot Summer Days.
Hot Summer Days is co-directed by first time directors Wing Shya, an internationally renowned cinematographer and fashion photographer and screenwriter Tony Chan and screenwriter Tony Chan. Director Fruit Chan and veteran filmmaker Paul Cheng are co-producers.
The film brings together acclaimed actors and pop stars from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including Jacky Cheung (Perhaps Love), Nicholas Tse (Bodyguards and Assassins), Daniel Wu (Protege), Rene Liu (A World Without Thieves), Vivian Hsu (If You Are the One), Barbie Hsu (On His Majesty‘s Secret Service), Angelababy, Jing Boran, Duan Yihong (The Message), Fu Xinbo, and Gordon Liu (Kill Bill).
"We are very excited to be making Hot Summer Days," said Fox International Productions president Sanford Panitch adding, "China is undoubtedly one of the most exciting markets in the world today and we hope this is just the beginning for Fox to make movies in the region."
Set during a summer of record-breaking temperatures, Hot Summer Days tells six intertwined stories in which several people discover the myriad facets of love.
Said Star director Daniel Cheung, "We are thrilled to be part of this joint film production featuring the hottest talent across Greater China. As a media company that owns the largest contemporary Chinese movie library and two popular Chinese movie channels, Star is a strong supporter of the Chinese film industry. Our participation in this film production is further testament of our commitment."
The principal photography of film began on 12 August and is shooting on locations in Beijing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It will wrap production in October and is scheduled for an early 2010 release in China by Huayi Brothers and by Twentieth Century Fox in all territories outside of Mainland China.
Huayi Brothers‘ president James Wang says, "Huayi Brothers highly values the partnership. We admire Fox‘s courage and decision in going into a mainstream romantic comedy. With a superb story, high production values and star-studded cast from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Hot Summer Days will sure become the hottest movie for the Chinese New Year and Valentine‘s Day period."
