More online novels are being adapted into movies and TV dramas because of netizens' influence. (Photo : Reuters)
Several film companies from China, Canada and New Zealand are slated to produce a slew of live-action and animated films over the course of six to eight years.
A total of 17 movies are planned, and these companies have already committed a staggering amount of $800 million.
First up is "Beast of Burden," which is scheduled to be released in 2017. The film is currently in production, and has been allotted an initial budget of $20 million. The movie production cost is expected to rise, however, as the 3D film will use celebrity voice talent for its English- and Chinese-language versions.
Next in line is the animated movie "SXD: Middle Kingdom," which is set for production later this year. The movie, written by Matt Vegh, is loosely based on a Chinese folk tale about an alien who crash-lands in China. It is planned to be released in 2018.
The financing for the first animated features are shouldered by China Film Animation (China Film Group's animation branch), Huhu Studios and Qi Tai Culture Development Group. China Film Group will also shoulder the bulk of the financing for the live-action movies.
"We're creating media and productions for global consumption," said Michael Cerenzie, the CEO of Toronto-based Stratagem Entertainment. He will serve as the lead producer of the live-action films.
Miao Xiotian, president of China Film Co-Productions Corp., on the other hand, sees this as an opportunity to connect the Chinese film market with the rest of the world.
"[The slate would] serve as both a cultural and economic bridge between the Chinese film market and our global partners for many years to come," Miao said.
