A Still From "Kung Fu Panda" (Photo : YouTube)
During the 5th Beijing International Film Festival held in China Millennium Monument from April 16-23, American film production company DreamWorks Animation Studios announced its plan to enter into a join venture with Chinese filmmakers and producers for the third franchise of the Chinese-inspired Hollywood blockbuster film "Kung Fu Panda."
According to China.org, DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg announced on Tuesday that "Kung Fu Panda 3" will be directed by Korean-born American director Jennifer Yuh Nelson.
Nelson made her directorial debut in 2011 by directing the second franchise of "Kung Fu Panda." She is also considered as the first woman to solely direct an animated feature from a major Hollywood studio, as the movie became the most financially successful film directed by a woman.
Katzenberg also stated that the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise consists pure Chinese elements as Chinese professionals and artists like Jackie Chan as well as "Charlie's Angels" star Lucy Liu were involved in making the film.
The film's production, storyline, animation, special effects and design--which will be done by Chinese and American talents--have also been agreed on by the two parties, Katzenberg added.
The love for Chinese culture was the reason behind the film rather than business matters, the DreamWorks CEO said.
On the first release of the film, the Chinese and animation film market were smaller. But with the help of the production company, the film market has increased.
The two releases of the film had a gross income of $1.3 billion worldwide.
In China, it is considered as the highest-grossing film and highest-grossing animated film series.
Oriental DreamWorks, a joint venture by DreamWorks and Chinese investment companies, produces Chinese-themed animated and action films distributed in the mainland and worldwide.
Aside from "Kung Fu Panda 3," American film "Jack the Giant Slayer," "Boss Baby," and the second franchise of "The Croods" will also be released.
"Kung Fu Panda," first released in 2008, is a story about Po--a Panda who was chosen to be the Dragon Warrior despite his obesity--and his idols, the legendary Furious Five comprised of Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey, who are under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu.
The voices of famous Hollywood stars like Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman and Angelina Jolie, as well as Chinese superstar Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu, gave life to the characters.
