Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou this week made his first-ever trip to the Far East Film Festival in Italy’s Udine, and appeared to fall in love with the theatrical and festival experience all over again.
At a masterclass on Thursday morning, Zhang spoke of his filmmaking techniques and priorities, his enduring quest for the human touch and why not all films need to be masterpieces.
“Nobody has pure talent. Success also comes from hard work and the kind of luck that pull together an optimal crew and a cast that gels. I don’t believe that all films can be masterpieces and I doubt that I’ve made my best possible film yet. I’m still on the way,” he told a packed audience at Udine’s Teatro Nuovo, most of which had moments earlier watched a screening of his sensational “Raise the Red Lantern,” which had been restored to 4K.
At a masterclass on Thursday morning, Zhang spoke of his filmmaking techniques and priorities, his enduring quest for the human touch and why not all films need to be masterpieces.
“Nobody has pure talent. Success also comes from hard work and the kind of luck that pull together an optimal crew and a cast that gels. I don’t believe that all films can be masterpieces and I doubt that I’ve made my best possible film yet. I’m still on the way,” he told a packed audience at Udine’s Teatro Nuovo, most of which had moments earlier watched a screening of his sensational “Raise the Red Lantern,” which had been restored to 4K.
- 5/2/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Zhang Zhao, the former CEO and chairman of Le Chuang Entertainment, previously known as Le Vision Pictures, died of cancer on Wednesday. He was 58.
Known as a businessman with an artist’s temperament, Zhang was one of the most film influential execs thanks to a storied career in which he laid the foundation for much of China’s industry as it stands today. He successively founded Enlight Pictures in 2006 and Le Vision Pictures in 2011, going on to sign a roster of big-name directors to the latter that included Zhang Yimou, Lu Chuan, Tsui Hark and Guo Jingming.
As a producer, he was best known for his work on Zhang Yimou’s Matt Damon-starring US-China co-production “The Great Wall,” family drama “Coming Home,” and arthouse actioner “Shadow,” as well as Guo’s infamous, lucrative saga of the young and beautiful, “Tiny Times.”
“In his life and his career, Zhang Zhao embodied,...
Known as a businessman with an artist’s temperament, Zhang was one of the most film influential execs thanks to a storied career in which he laid the foundation for much of China’s industry as it stands today. He successively founded Enlight Pictures in 2006 and Le Vision Pictures in 2011, going on to sign a roster of big-name directors to the latter that included Zhang Yimou, Lu Chuan, Tsui Hark and Guo Jingming.
As a producer, he was best known for his work on Zhang Yimou’s Matt Damon-starring US-China co-production “The Great Wall,” family drama “Coming Home,” and arthouse actioner “Shadow,” as well as Guo’s infamous, lucrative saga of the young and beautiful, “Tiny Times.”
“In his life and his career, Zhang Zhao embodied,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Legendary Entertainment has hired Sirena Liu as the CEO of its China subsidiary, Legendary East. Legendary is the studio behind the “Pacific Rim,” “Jurassic World” and the “Godzilla” movie franchises.
Liu was most recently managing director for Twentieth Century Fox’s China office, a post she’d held since October 2015 until mid 2019. The post became redundant following Fox’s acquisition by Disney.
After a stumbling start in 2011, Legendary East was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary based in China. Its mission was to produce large-scale local films using Hollywood expertise and globally-targeted co-productions that would avoid China’s film import restrictions in their home market.
In 2016, Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda spent the eye-watering sum of $3.5 billion to acquire the Burbank-based parent company, in one of the largest cross-border deals of its kind in the cultural sector. The mega deal caught the attention of Chinese authorities, which moved in mid-2017 to...
Liu was most recently managing director for Twentieth Century Fox’s China office, a post she’d held since October 2015 until mid 2019. The post became redundant following Fox’s acquisition by Disney.
After a stumbling start in 2011, Legendary East was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary based in China. Its mission was to produce large-scale local films using Hollywood expertise and globally-targeted co-productions that would avoid China’s film import restrictions in their home market.
In 2016, Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda spent the eye-watering sum of $3.5 billion to acquire the Burbank-based parent company, in one of the largest cross-border deals of its kind in the cultural sector. The mega deal caught the attention of Chinese authorities, which moved in mid-2017 to...
- 4/16/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Friends recall fun-loving cinephile with big heart.
The international community paid tribute at a celebration of life on Thursday (28) to the late producer and independent film titan Sammy Hadida, who was remembered as a great friend, ferocious businessman, and karaoke-lover.
Hadida’s brother Victor summed up so much of the evening at Tiato in the Lionsgate complex in Santa Monica when he spoke of his deep bond and friendship with his brother, who died unexpectedly last November at the age of 64.
Etchie Stroh of Moonstone Entertainment emceed the emotional and often very funny celebration and set the tone when he...
The international community paid tribute at a celebration of life on Thursday (28) to the late producer and independent film titan Sammy Hadida, who was remembered as a great friend, ferocious businessman, and karaoke-lover.
Hadida’s brother Victor summed up so much of the evening at Tiato in the Lionsgate complex in Santa Monica when he spoke of his deep bond and friendship with his brother, who died unexpectedly last November at the age of 64.
Etchie Stroh of Moonstone Entertainment emceed the emotional and often very funny celebration and set the tone when he...
- 3/1/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Festival closer will be Emil Heradi’s Indonesian war thriller Night Bus on April 28.
Celebrating its 20th edition, the Far East Film Festival (Feff) in Udine, Italy is set to open with Korean espionage thriller Steel Rain and the world premiere of Nam Ron’s Malaysian crime drama Crossroads: One Two Jaga on April 20.
Directed by Yang Woo-seok, Jung Woo-sung-starrer Steel Rain was released in South Korea last December where it clocked up more than 4.45 million admissions according to the Korean Film Council (Kofic). It was released worldwide on Netflix last month, but this will be the film’s “world...
Celebrating its 20th edition, the Far East Film Festival (Feff) in Udine, Italy is set to open with Korean espionage thriller Steel Rain and the world premiere of Nam Ron’s Malaysian crime drama Crossroads: One Two Jaga on April 20.
Directed by Yang Woo-seok, Jung Woo-sung-starrer Steel Rain was released in South Korea last December where it clocked up more than 4.45 million admissions according to the Korean Film Council (Kofic). It was released worldwide on Netflix last month, but this will be the film’s “world...
- 4/11/2018
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
After seven years as head of CAA China, consummate Beijing insider Jonah Greenberg is branching out on his own.
Greenberg exited CAA in February to launch the Beijing-based boutique development and production company Salty Pictures. The transition from agent to producer is something of a homecoming for the 42-year-old executive. A fluent Mandarin speaker, Greenberg got his start in the Chinese industry producing local-language projects for Chinese film company Ming Productions in the early 2000s.
In 2005, Greenberg and fellow indie producer Peter Loehr were hired by CAA to establish Hollywood's first talent agency office in China with full-time representation....
Greenberg exited CAA in February to launch the Beijing-based boutique development and production company Salty Pictures. The transition from agent to producer is something of a homecoming for the 42-year-old executive. A fluent Mandarin speaker, Greenberg got his start in the Chinese industry producing local-language projects for Chinese film company Ming Productions in the early 2000s.
In 2005, Greenberg and fellow indie producer Peter Loehr were hired by CAA to establish Hollywood's first talent agency office in China with full-time representation....
- 3/21/2018
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Legendary Entertainment is in the throes of more executive changes. The company’s CFO Marlin Prager, who has been with the company since 2005 and has been in that post for six years, has exited. Also leaving is chief legal counsel Martin Willhite, who has had the job since 2011. This is the third top executive that has left following Peter Loehr, the CEO of Legendary Pictures' China subsidary Legendary East who is leaving at the end of this month. Loehr had…...
- 5/16/2017
- Deadline
Loehr has been at Legendary East since 2012 and will leave in June.
Veteran Beijing-based film executive Peter Loehr is leaving his position as CEO of Legendary East, the Chinese subsidiary of Legendary Entertainment.
Loehr (right), who has been in the post since 2012, will leave the company on June 1, 2017. His departure comes around four months after Legendary Entertainment founder and chairman Thomas Tull left the company, which was acquired by China’s Dalian Wanda Group for $3.5bn in early 2016.
Jack Gao, Wanda’s senior vice president of international investments and operations, has held the position of acting CEO of Legendary Entertainment since Tull’s departure. Legendary head of production Mary Parent has remained and is currently overseeing the company’s upcoming slate.
“We are grateful to Peter for his contributions and service building out a platform and awareness for Legendary’s brand in China and wish him great success in all future endeavors,” said Gao in...
Veteran Beijing-based film executive Peter Loehr is leaving his position as CEO of Legendary East, the Chinese subsidiary of Legendary Entertainment.
Loehr (right), who has been in the post since 2012, will leave the company on June 1, 2017. His departure comes around four months after Legendary Entertainment founder and chairman Thomas Tull left the company, which was acquired by China’s Dalian Wanda Group for $3.5bn in early 2016.
Jack Gao, Wanda’s senior vice president of international investments and operations, has held the position of acting CEO of Legendary Entertainment since Tull’s departure. Legendary head of production Mary Parent has remained and is currently overseeing the company’s upcoming slate.
“We are grateful to Peter for his contributions and service building out a platform and awareness for Legendary’s brand in China and wish him great success in all future endeavors,” said Gao in...
- 5/12/2017
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Veteran Beijing-based producer Peter Loehr is leaving Legendary Entertainment.
Since 2012, Loehr had served as Legendary's top American executive in China, holding the position of CEO of Legendary East, the Burbank-based entertainment company's Chinese subsidiary, which handles marketing Legendary’s films in the Middle Kingdom and developing strategic partnerships and co-productions.
Loehr's exit comes about four months after the departure of Legendary Entertainment's founder and chairman Thomas Tull. Tull's resignation was a dramatic shift for Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, which acquired Legendary for a reported $3.5 billion in early 2016 — the largest purchase to date of a...
Since 2012, Loehr had served as Legendary's top American executive in China, holding the position of CEO of Legendary East, the Burbank-based entertainment company's Chinese subsidiary, which handles marketing Legendary’s films in the Middle Kingdom and developing strategic partnerships and co-productions.
Loehr's exit comes about four months after the departure of Legendary Entertainment's founder and chairman Thomas Tull. Tull's resignation was a dramatic shift for Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, which acquired Legendary for a reported $3.5 billion in early 2016 — the largest purchase to date of a...
- 5/12/2017
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr is stepping down, a person close to the project told TheWrap. The executive will resign his post as of June 1, according to Jack Gao, a top-ranking executive at the company’s corporate owner Dalian Wanda. “We are grateful to Peter for his contributions and service building out a platform and awareness for Legendary’s brand in China and wish him great success in all future endeavors,” Gao, an Svp of International Investments and Operations for Wanda Cultural Industry Group, said in a statement late Thursday. Loehr’s replacement will be announced imminently, Gao added. Also...
- 5/12/2017
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Peter Loehr, the CEO of Legendary Pictures’ China subsidary Legendary East since May 2012, is departing the company at month’s end. Wanda’s Jack Gao, Legendary’s interim CEO, just made the announcement. Wanda acquired Legendary in 2006 for $3.5 billion last year, among a slew of mega-deals to position itself in the entertainment industry that included acquired exhibitor AMC Entertainment. Legendary founder and CEO Thomas Tull exited the company in January. Legendary East…...
- 5/12/2017
- Deadline TV
Peter Loehr, the CEO of Legendary Pictures’ China subsidary Legendary East since May 2012, is departing the company at month’s end. Wanda’s Jack Gao, Legendary’s interim CEO, just made the announcement. Wanda acquired Legendary in 2006 for $3.5 billion last year, among a slew of mega-deals to position itself in the entertainment industry that included acquired exhibitor AMC Entertainment. Legendary founder and CEO Thomas Tull exited the company in January. Legendary East…...
- 5/12/2017
- Deadline
Two Lovers And A Bear producer Roger Frappier of Max Films has received the Canadian Media Producers Association’s (Cmpa) Established Producer Award at the Feature Film Producer Awards on Thursday.
The film receives its North American premiere in the Toronto International Film Festival’s (Tiff) Special Presentations section on September 13.
Hany Ouichou of Art & Essai received the Cmpa’s inaugural Emerging Producer Award and produced Those Who Make Revolution Halfway Only Dig Their Own Graves. That receives its world premiere at Tiff in Platform on September 13.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the work of these two remarkable producers and congratulate both Roger and Hany for their terrific films and their meaningful contributions to independent Canadian cinema,” said Cmpa president and CEO Reynolds Mastin.
Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr will deliver the Visual Effects Society keynote at the 8th annual Summit What is Real? on October 29.The Master Cleanse, Trash Fire and The Crucifixion are among the line-up...
The film receives its North American premiere in the Toronto International Film Festival’s (Tiff) Special Presentations section on September 13.
Hany Ouichou of Art & Essai received the Cmpa’s inaugural Emerging Producer Award and produced Those Who Make Revolution Halfway Only Dig Their Own Graves. That receives its world premiere at Tiff in Platform on September 13.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the work of these two remarkable producers and congratulate both Roger and Hany for their terrific films and their meaningful contributions to independent Canadian cinema,” said Cmpa president and CEO Reynolds Mastin.
Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr will deliver the Visual Effects Society keynote at the 8th annual Summit What is Real? on October 29.The Master Cleanse, Trash Fire and The Crucifixion are among the line-up...
- 9/8/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The new trailer for Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures’ The Great Wall has just debuted online.
Check it out here:
Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by one of the most breathtaking visual stylists of our time, Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), Legendary’s The Great Wall tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou is the largest film ever shot entirely in China.
The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.
The film will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on February 17.
Genre: 3D Action-Thriller
Cast: Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, Hanyu Zhang, Eddie Peng, Lu Han, Kenny Lin, Junkai Wang, Zheng Kai, Cheney Chen, Xuan Huang and Andy Lau
Directed by: Zhang Yimou
Story by: Max Brooks...
Check it out here:
Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by one of the most breathtaking visual stylists of our time, Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), Legendary’s The Great Wall tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou is the largest film ever shot entirely in China.
The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.
The film will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on February 17.
Genre: 3D Action-Thriller
Cast: Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, Hanyu Zhang, Eddie Peng, Lu Han, Kenny Lin, Junkai Wang, Zheng Kai, Cheney Chen, Xuan Huang and Andy Lau
Directed by: Zhang Yimou
Story by: Max Brooks...
- 7/28/2016
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
China’s Dalian Wanda Group is reportedly in talks to acquire a majority stake in Legendary Entertainment.
The deal, which values Legendary at $3bn-$4bn, would give Wanda just over half of the company, with Japan’s Softbank Corp and investment firm Waddell & Reed Inc selling their shares. Softbank invested $250m in Legendary in 2014.
Wanda, founded by Wang Jianling, acquired Us exhibitor AMC Entertainment for $2.6bn in 2012 and bought Australian exhibitor Hoyts in June last year. The company owns China’s largest cinema circuit, Wanda Cinema Line, and is also involved in production, financing and distribution. It recently bankrolled Antoine Fuqua’s Southpaw.
Legendary already has a presence in China through its Legendary East outpost, headed by Peter Loehr, which has a co-financing deal with China Film Group and is currently in post-production on Zhang Yimou’s English-language tentpole The Great Wall.
Legendary productions such as Godzilla and Pacific Rim have been huge hits in China. Its upcoming...
The deal, which values Legendary at $3bn-$4bn, would give Wanda just over half of the company, with Japan’s Softbank Corp and investment firm Waddell & Reed Inc selling their shares. Softbank invested $250m in Legendary in 2014.
Wanda, founded by Wang Jianling, acquired Us exhibitor AMC Entertainment for $2.6bn in 2012 and bought Australian exhibitor Hoyts in June last year. The company owns China’s largest cinema circuit, Wanda Cinema Line, and is also involved in production, financing and distribution. It recently bankrolled Antoine Fuqua’s Southpaw.
Legendary already has a presence in China through its Legendary East outpost, headed by Peter Loehr, which has a co-financing deal with China Film Group and is currently in post-production on Zhang Yimou’s English-language tentpole The Great Wall.
Legendary productions such as Godzilla and Pacific Rim have been huge hits in China. Its upcoming...
- 1/5/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Legendary Pictures has revealed the full supporting cast for Zhang Yimou's upcoming fantasy epic "The Great Wall," the largest film ever shot completely in China.
The film's confirmed leads are Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Dafoe whilst Chinese stars for the film include Andy Lau ("Infernal Affairs"), Tian Jing ("New Police Story"), Hanyu Zhang ("Taking Tiger Mountain"), Eddie Peng ("Fleet of Time"), Lu Han ("Miss Granny"), Gengxin Lin ("Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon"), Zheng Kai ("Fleet of Time"), Chen Xuedong ("Tiny Times 3"), Xuan Huang ("The Golden Era"), pop star Wang Junkai in his film debut, and newcomers Yu Xintian and Liu Qiong.
Set in the 15th Century, the story follows soldiers who go out in search of gunpowder and come across the construction of The Great Wall of China. They learn that the Chinese are not only building the Wall to keep out invading Mongolian forces,...
The film's confirmed leads are Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Dafoe whilst Chinese stars for the film include Andy Lau ("Infernal Affairs"), Tian Jing ("New Police Story"), Hanyu Zhang ("Taking Tiger Mountain"), Eddie Peng ("Fleet of Time"), Lu Han ("Miss Granny"), Gengxin Lin ("Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon"), Zheng Kai ("Fleet of Time"), Chen Xuedong ("Tiny Times 3"), Xuan Huang ("The Golden Era"), pop star Wang Junkai in his film debut, and newcomers Yu Xintian and Liu Qiong.
Set in the 15th Century, the story follows soldiers who go out in search of gunpowder and come across the construction of The Great Wall of China. They learn that the Chinese are not only building the Wall to keep out invading Mongolian forces,...
- 3/12/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Infernal Affairs actor among final additions of cast on Us-China co-production, set to go into production at the end of the month.
Andy Lau has joined the cast of Legendary Entertainment’s The Great Wall, directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers).
The Infernal Affairs actor is among the final additions to the Us-China co-production, alongside Eddie Peng, Jian Tian, Zhang Hanyu and Lu Han.
Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Defoe are among the previously announced cast members.
The Great Wall is set to go into production at the end of the month and centres on an elite force making a last stand on the eponymous structure.
Universal has set a Nov 23, 2016 release. Le Vision and China Film Co. Ltd will distribute in China during the 2016 holiday period.
Producers are Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni and Peter Loehr, with Er Yong, Alex Hedlund and Eric Hedayat co-producing.
Executive producers...
Andy Lau has joined the cast of Legendary Entertainment’s The Great Wall, directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers).
The Infernal Affairs actor is among the final additions to the Us-China co-production, alongside Eddie Peng, Jian Tian, Zhang Hanyu and Lu Han.
Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Defoe are among the previously announced cast members.
The Great Wall is set to go into production at the end of the month and centres on an elite force making a last stand on the eponymous structure.
Universal has set a Nov 23, 2016 release. Le Vision and China Film Co. Ltd will distribute in China during the 2016 holiday period.
Producers are Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni and Peter Loehr, with Er Yong, Alex Hedlund and Eric Hedayat co-producing.
Executive producers...
- 3/12/2015
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Infernal Affairs actor among final additions of cast on Us-China co-production, set to go into production at the end of the month.
Andy Lau has joined the cast of Legendary Entertainment’s The Great Wall.
The Infernal Affairs actor is among the final additions to the Us-China co-production, alongside Eddie Peng, Jian Tian, Zhang Hanyu and Lu Han. Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Defoe are among the previously announced cast members.
It is set to go into production at the end of the month.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, the film centres on an elite force making a last stand on the eponymous structure.
Universal has set a Nov 23, 2016 release, while Le Vision and China Film Co. Ltd will distribute in China during the 2016 holiday period.
The Great Wall is produced by Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni and Peter Loehr, with Er Yong, Alex Hedlund and Eric Hedayat co-producing. Jillian Share, [link...
Andy Lau has joined the cast of Legendary Entertainment’s The Great Wall.
The Infernal Affairs actor is among the final additions to the Us-China co-production, alongside Eddie Peng, Jian Tian, Zhang Hanyu and Lu Han. Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Defoe are among the previously announced cast members.
It is set to go into production at the end of the month.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, the film centres on an elite force making a last stand on the eponymous structure.
Universal has set a Nov 23, 2016 release, while Le Vision and China Film Co. Ltd will distribute in China during the 2016 holiday period.
The Great Wall is produced by Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni and Peter Loehr, with Er Yong, Alex Hedlund and Eric Hedayat co-producing. Jillian Share, [link...
- 3/12/2015
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
LeVision Pictures CEO Zhang Zhao is currently collaborating with Legendary East on the $135 million Great Wall, which is being seen as a template both for co-productions between Hollywood and China and a symbol of how China can be a great revenue source for independent studios. Directed by LeVision artistic director Zhang Yimou, Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr and Zhang are right now casting the movie. Global distribution will take place through Universal Pictures and through China Film Group in China. The screenplay is finished, and they are moving towards production beginning next year. He sat down with The Hollywood Reporter
read more...
read more...
- 11/10/2014
- by Clifford Coonan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Speakers at the Summit included Us Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin [pictured].
The ups and downs of cross-border film finance and production was the central theme at the Fifth Annual Us-China Film Summit in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday (Nov 5).
Us Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin said at the event that co-operation between the Us and Chinese film industries “can be an economic force for good, bringing prosperity and growth to both sides of the Pacific.”
“America and China each have the chance to maximise those benefits,” said Rivkin, a former CEO of the Jim Henson Company, “if we can both operate with the certainty and security that comes from strong enforcement of intellectual property rights and protection of investor interests.”
Referring to talks at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation trade forum that began this week in Beijing, Rivkin stressed the “importance of completing our negotiations...
The ups and downs of cross-border film finance and production was the central theme at the Fifth Annual Us-China Film Summit in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday (Nov 5).
Us Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin said at the event that co-operation between the Us and Chinese film industries “can be an economic force for good, bringing prosperity and growth to both sides of the Pacific.”
“America and China each have the chance to maximise those benefits,” said Rivkin, a former CEO of the Jim Henson Company, “if we can both operate with the certainty and security that comes from strong enforcement of intellectual property rights and protection of investor interests.”
Referring to talks at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation trade forum that began this week in Beijing, Rivkin stressed the “importance of completing our negotiations...
- 11/6/2014
- ScreenDaily
Guo Guangchang, chairman of Studio 8 backer Fosun International, will deliver a keynote speech on the future of Chinese capital in Hollywood at the fifth annual Us-China Film Summit in Los Angeles on November 5.
Panellists at the flagship event of the Asia Society’s Entertainment And Media In Asia series are expected to include Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, as well as Liu Chun-ning, president of Alibaba’s film investment fund Yulebao, and Larry Namer of the Metan Development Group.
The summit will take place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles and features five panels on topics such as finance and co-production in film and TV, culminating in a gala dinner.
Charles Rivkin, assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs and former CEO of Jim Henson Company, will deliver opening remarks, while China Film Co-Production Corporation president Miao Xiaotian will participate in a luncheon conversation.
“Our broad programme scope, roster of top-flight...
Panellists at the flagship event of the Asia Society’s Entertainment And Media In Asia series are expected to include Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, as well as Liu Chun-ning, president of Alibaba’s film investment fund Yulebao, and Larry Namer of the Metan Development Group.
The summit will take place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles and features five panels on topics such as finance and co-production in film and TV, culminating in a gala dinner.
Charles Rivkin, assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs and former CEO of Jim Henson Company, will deliver opening remarks, while China Film Co-Production Corporation president Miao Xiaotian will participate in a luncheon conversation.
“Our broad programme scope, roster of top-flight...
- 9/25/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
According to Deadline, Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston is in early discussions with Legendary to co-star in their upcoming epic, The Great Wall. No word on who the actor may be in line to portray, but today’s announcement comes hot on the heels of Saturday’s news that Matt Damon is in talks with Chinese director Zhang Yimou – inked to direct – for a role. Damon’s slate is already starting to get crowded, but the pair are reportedly trying to arrange a time in his busy schedule so he can snag the other lead.
Based on a script by Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro, the film will be produced by Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni, Richard Suckle and Peter Loehr. In development for quite some time now, the project originally had Ed Zwick attached to direct. Man Of Steel Henry Cavill, True Blood‘s Alexander Skarsgaard, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter...
Based on a script by Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro, the film will be produced by Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni, Richard Suckle and Peter Loehr. In development for quite some time now, the project originally had Ed Zwick attached to direct. Man Of Steel Henry Cavill, True Blood‘s Alexander Skarsgaard, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter...
- 9/22/2014
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
"Breaking Bad" and "Godzilla" star Bryan Cranston is in early talks to co-star in Zhang Yimou's "The Great Wall" at Legendary Pictures.
The news follows reports over the weekend that Matt Damon is currently sorting out his schedule to try and play the lead in the China-set epic.
Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro's script deals with British soldiers traveling through 15th century China who witness the construction of the massive edifice that will one day be known as the Great Wall of China. They soon discover that its intended purpose is not to keep out human beings, but terrifying otherworldly creatures.
Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni, Richard Suckle and Peter Loehr will produce.
Source: Deadline...
The news follows reports over the weekend that Matt Damon is currently sorting out his schedule to try and play the lead in the China-set epic.
Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro's script deals with British soldiers traveling through 15th century China who witness the construction of the massive edifice that will one day be known as the Great Wall of China. They soon discover that its intended purpose is not to keep out human beings, but terrifying otherworldly creatures.
Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni, Richard Suckle and Peter Loehr will produce.
Source: Deadline...
- 9/22/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Heisenberg, on the Great Wall of China? Bryan Cranston is in early talks to co-star in The Great Wall, the Legendary Pictures film the great Chinese helmer Zhang Yimou signed on to direct. This development closely follows Deadline’s Saturday scoop that Legendary and Matt Damon are trying to see if they can work out his busy schedule (he shoots Ridley Scott’s The Martian and likely follows with the Paul Greengrass-directed Bourne Identity sequel) so that he can play the lead in the China-set epic. Damon is keen on working with Zhang, and nearly did so on Flowers Of War, the picture that Christian Bale starred in. The Bourne Identity‘s Tony Gilroy wrote the most recent draft of the adventure film. Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro did the earlier draft.
The Great Wall will be produced by Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni, Richard Suckle and Peter Loehr; Alex Gartner,...
The Great Wall will be produced by Thomas Tull, Charles Roven, Jon Jashni, Richard Suckle and Peter Loehr; Alex Gartner,...
- 9/22/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Exclusive: While all the buzz this week about Matt Damon focused on Deadline’s reveal that he’ll reteam with Paul Greengrass in their third Bourne Identity film, there’s another very exotic international film that Damon is also flirting with. That is the lead role in The Great Wall, the Legendary Pictures film the great Chinese helmer Zhang Yimou signed on to direct. Legendary Pictures principal Thomas Tull has been trying to mount the China-set epic for several years now. Script is by Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro, but the most recent draft is by Tony Gilroy, who is familiar to Damon in that he scripted those terrific Bourne Identity films. The Great Wall was going to shoot last year and give Legendary a foothold into the China market, with Ed Zwick helming. While Zwick went as far as casting Henry Cavill and Benjamin Walker, it just didn’t...
- 9/20/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Experts at the Asia Film Summit in Toronto discussed the growth and current issues in Asia and finding the key to cracking the East-West conundrum.
Peter Loehr, CEO of Legendary East, speaking of the Chinese theatrical market said: “This year, China will be the first market outside the Us to ever cross $5bn.
“So it’s the second largest market in the world, but more importantly, it’s expanding at a tremendous, tremendous pace. And I think that expansion will continue for years to come, and I think there are a lot of macro-economic reasons for that.
“If you look at a market like China where there’s now about 22,000 screens for 1.3 billion people versus the Us where there’s 39,000 screens for 300 million plus people, the per-screen average speaks a lot. In China you’re looking at a screen for 68,000 people and in the Us about 8,000. If China ever achieved the screen saturation the Us has, there...
Peter Loehr, CEO of Legendary East, speaking of the Chinese theatrical market said: “This year, China will be the first market outside the Us to ever cross $5bn.
“So it’s the second largest market in the world, but more importantly, it’s expanding at a tremendous, tremendous pace. And I think that expansion will continue for years to come, and I think there are a lot of macro-economic reasons for that.
“If you look at a market like China where there’s now about 22,000 screens for 1.3 billion people versus the Us where there’s 39,000 screens for 300 million plus people, the per-screen average speaks a lot. In China you’re looking at a screen for 68,000 people and in the Us about 8,000. If China ever achieved the screen saturation the Us has, there...
- 9/11/2014
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
Experts at the Asia Film Summit in Toronto discussed the growth and current issues in Asia and finding the key to cracking the East-West conundrum.
Peter Loehr, CEO of Legendary East, speaking of the Chinese theatrical market said: “This year, China will be the first market outside the Us to ever cross $5bn.
“So it’s the second largest market in the world, but more importantly, it’s expanding at a tremendous, tremendous pace. And I think that expansion will continue for years to come, and I think there are a lot of macro-economic reasons for that.
“If you look at a market like China where there’s now about 22,000 screens for 1.3 billion people versus the Us where there’s 39,000 screens for 300 million plus people, the per-screen average speaks a lot. In China you’re looking at a screen for 68,000 people and in the Us about 8,000. If China ever achieved the screen saturation the Us has, there...
Peter Loehr, CEO of Legendary East, speaking of the Chinese theatrical market said: “This year, China will be the first market outside the Us to ever cross $5bn.
“So it’s the second largest market in the world, but more importantly, it’s expanding at a tremendous, tremendous pace. And I think that expansion will continue for years to come, and I think there are a lot of macro-economic reasons for that.
“If you look at a market like China where there’s now about 22,000 screens for 1.3 billion people versus the Us where there’s 39,000 screens for 300 million plus people, the per-screen average speaks a lot. In China you’re looking at a screen for 68,000 people and in the Us about 8,000. If China ever achieved the screen saturation the Us has, there...
- 9/11/2014
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
The Chinese film market is set to expand massively in the coming years, with ever more theater screens and more major companies entering the industry, Legendary East chief Peter Loehr told a panel at the Toronto International Film Festival. “Even at a low penetration, China should have about 70,000 screens. Screens are being built every single day. The audience is demanding the screens and the audience is going up,” said Loehr, who was in conversation with Tiff’s artistic director, Cameron Bailey, at the Asian Film Summit section of the festival. Loehr is a 19-year veteran of the
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- 9/9/2014
- by Clifford Coonan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As the lineup shakes out, the 39th Toronto Film Festival is making way for what looks to be its most global program yet. Earlier this week, Tiff Artistic Director Cameron Bailey unveiled his Spotlight on Seoul program featuring a new wave of films out of South Korea. As announced today, the festival will sharpen its focus on Asian cinema with the third annual Asian Film Summit on September 9 at Toronto's swanky Shangri-La Hotel. Veterans flocking to this summit -- a major fulcrum for East-West industry relations -- include Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, UniJapan's Kenta Fudesaka (a heavyweight at the Cannes market), directors Andrew Lau ("Revenge of the Green Dragons," coming soon to DirecTV) and Wang Xiaoshuai ("Red Amnesia"), who are bringing world premieres to the fest, and Welsh "The Raid" helmer Gareth Evans. “The Asian Film Summit has grown just as the region has become a more prominent part...
- 8/14/2014
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Toronto top brass have unveiled details of the Asia Film Summit, Moguls panel and Doc Conference.
Asia Film Summit
The third annual Asia Film Summit is set for September 9 at the Shangri-La Hotel and features Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, The Raid franchise director Gareth Evans, directors Andrew Lau and Wang Xiaoshuai, UniJapan’s Kenta Fudesaka and senior vp of Cj Entertainment Kini Kim.
The programme includes a headline conversation between Loehr and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) artistic director Cameron Bailey and a conversation on Asian art-house and vanguard cinema with Xiaoshuai, Evans, Xyz Films partner Nate Bolotin and Chinese Shadows’ Isabelle Glachant.
This year’s Case Study will profile Revenge Of The Green Dragons, the Tiff world premiere screening directed by Lau, who will be joined on stage by co-director and writer Andrew Loo and one of the film’s stars, Justin Chon.
A panel on global storytelling will feature Canadian director Richie Mehta, Well...
Asia Film Summit
The third annual Asia Film Summit is set for September 9 at the Shangri-La Hotel and features Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, The Raid franchise director Gareth Evans, directors Andrew Lau and Wang Xiaoshuai, UniJapan’s Kenta Fudesaka and senior vp of Cj Entertainment Kini Kim.
The programme includes a headline conversation between Loehr and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) artistic director Cameron Bailey and a conversation on Asian art-house and vanguard cinema with Xiaoshuai, Evans, Xyz Films partner Nate Bolotin and Chinese Shadows’ Isabelle Glachant.
This year’s Case Study will profile Revenge Of The Green Dragons, the Tiff world premiere screening directed by Lau, who will be joined on stage by co-director and writer Andrew Loo and one of the film’s stars, Justin Chon.
A panel on global storytelling will feature Canadian director Richie Mehta, Well...
- 8/14/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Toronto top brass have unveiled details of the Asia Film Summit, Moguls panel and Doc Conference.
Asia Film Summit
The third annual Asia Film Summit is set for September 9 at the Shangri-La Hotel and features Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, The Raid franchise director Gareth Evans, directors Andrew Lau and Wang Xiaoshuai, UniJapan’s Kenta Fudesaka and senior vp of Cj Entertainment Kini Kim.
The programme includes a headline conversation between Loehr and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) artistic director Cameron Bailey and a conversation on Asian art-house and vanguard cinema with Xiaoshuai, Evans, Xyz Films partner Nate Bolotin and Chinese Shadows’ Isabelle Glachant.
This year’s Case Study will profile Revenge Of The Green Dragons, the Tiff world premiere screening directed by Lau, who will be joined on stage by co-director and writer Andrew Loo and one of the film’s stars, Justin Chon.
A panel on global storytelling will feature Canadian director Richie Mehta, Well...
Asia Film Summit
The third annual Asia Film Summit is set for September 9 at the Shangri-La Hotel and features Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, The Raid franchise director Gareth Evans, directors Andrew Lau and Wang Xiaoshuai, UniJapan’s Kenta Fudesaka and senior vp of Cj Entertainment Kini Kim.
The programme includes a headline conversation between Loehr and Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) artistic director Cameron Bailey and a conversation on Asian art-house and vanguard cinema with Xiaoshuai, Evans, Xyz Films partner Nate Bolotin and Chinese Shadows’ Isabelle Glachant.
This year’s Case Study will profile Revenge Of The Green Dragons, the Tiff world premiere screening directed by Lau, who will be joined on stage by co-director and writer Andrew Loo and one of the film’s stars, Justin Chon.
A panel on global storytelling will feature Canadian director Richie Mehta, Well...
- 8/14/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto International Film Festival is rounding up some 180 speakers from 80 countries for its annual industry conference and global summit (September 5 to 11). The headliner is cinema technology visionary Douglas Trumbull ("2001: A Space Odyssey"), the opening keynote speaker for the annual Asian Film Summit (September 9) is Legendary East’s Peter Loehr. Filmmaker Michael Moore ("Fahrenheit 911") will do a keynote conversation at the Doc Conference moderated by Tiff Docs programmer Thom Powers. The Doc Conference (September 9 and 10) offers an in-depth series of keynote sessions, panels and presentations on the current landscape of documentary production, financing and distribution. Moore is attending the Festival for the 25th anniversary of "Roger & Me." New this year, programming on Thursday, September 11 will be dedicated to the future of cinema. In addition to Trumbull, confirmed Conference speakers to...
- 7/23/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The tech pioneer Douglas Trumbull headlines the Industry Conference, while Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr will give the opening address at the Asian Film Summit and Michael Moore will take part in a keynote conversation at Doc Conference.
The Asian Film Summit returns to the Shangri-La Hotel on September 9.
The Industry Conference takes place from September 5-11 and will introduce a focus on the future of cinema on the final day.
Apart from Trumbull, a director and effects pioneer who worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey, confirmed Conference speakers include Im Global CEO Stuart Ford, Silver Reel managing partner Claudia Bluemhuber, Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall and Eurimages director Roberto Olla.
The Doc Conference on September 9 and 10 will feature Moore in attendance to mark the 25th anniversary of Roger & Me. The film-maker will kick off the event in a conversation with Tiff Docs programmer Thom Powers.
This year’s Talent Lab will provide a focus for emerging...
The Asian Film Summit returns to the Shangri-La Hotel on September 9.
The Industry Conference takes place from September 5-11 and will introduce a focus on the future of cinema on the final day.
Apart from Trumbull, a director and effects pioneer who worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey, confirmed Conference speakers include Im Global CEO Stuart Ford, Silver Reel managing partner Claudia Bluemhuber, Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall and Eurimages director Roberto Olla.
The Doc Conference on September 9 and 10 will feature Moore in attendance to mark the 25th anniversary of Roger & Me. The film-maker will kick off the event in a conversation with Tiff Docs programmer Thom Powers.
This year’s Talent Lab will provide a focus for emerging...
- 7/15/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The tech pioneer Douglas Trumbull headlines the Industry Conference, while Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr will give the opening address at the Asian Film Summit and Michael Moore will take part in a keynote conversation at Doc Conference.
The Asian Film Summit returns to the Shangri-La Hotel on September 9.
The Industry Conference takes place from September 5-11 and will introduce a focus on the future of cinema on the final day.
Apart from Trumbull, a director and effects pioneer who worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey, confirmed Conference speakers include Im Global CEO Stuart Ford, Silver Reel managing partner Claudia Bluemhuber, Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall and Eurimages director Roberto Olla.
The Doc Conference on September 9 and 10 will feature Moore in attendance to mark the 25th anniversary of Roger & Me. The film-maker will kick off the event in a conversation with Tiff Docs programmer Thom Powers.
This year’s Talent Lab will provide a focus for emerging...
The Asian Film Summit returns to the Shangri-La Hotel on September 9.
The Industry Conference takes place from September 5-11 and will introduce a focus on the future of cinema on the final day.
Apart from Trumbull, a director and effects pioneer who worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey, confirmed Conference speakers include Im Global CEO Stuart Ford, Silver Reel managing partner Claudia Bluemhuber, Secret Cinema founder Fabien Riggall and Eurimages director Roberto Olla.
The Doc Conference on September 9 and 10 will feature Moore in attendance to mark the 25th anniversary of Roger & Me. The film-maker will kick off the event in a conversation with Tiff Docs programmer Thom Powers.
This year’s Talent Lab will provide a focus for emerging...
- 7/15/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto International Film Festival, and with it the busy rush of Oscar season, is almost upon us. The festival begins September 4 in Toronto and runs through September 14, and while we await the full lineup of films making an appearance, Tiff has announced a handful of the keynote presentations at this year’s festival.
Documentarian Michael Moore will have a panel discussion as part of the Doc Conference, sharing “his experiences in muckraking and his hopes for the future of documentary”, according to a press release. Moore will also be hosting a special screening of his film Roger & Me for its 25th anniversary, which actually first premiered at Tiff 25 years ago and won the festival’s People’s Choice Award.
Also on hand for the Industry Conference is visual effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull, who started his special effects work on the landmark 2001: A Space Odyssey and later received Oscar nominations for Blade Runner,...
Documentarian Michael Moore will have a panel discussion as part of the Doc Conference, sharing “his experiences in muckraking and his hopes for the future of documentary”, according to a press release. Moore will also be hosting a special screening of his film Roger & Me for its 25th anniversary, which actually first premiered at Tiff 25 years ago and won the festival’s People’s Choice Award.
Also on hand for the Industry Conference is visual effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull, who started his special effects work on the landmark 2001: A Space Odyssey and later received Oscar nominations for Blade Runner,...
- 7/15/2014
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
The Toronto Film Festival has announced the initial lineup of speakers joining this year's Tiff Industry events as part of its 39th year. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore is set to participate in a keynote conversation at Doc Conference. Cinema technology pioneer and visionary Douglas Trumbull is also speaking, and the opening keynote speaker for Asian Film Summit is Legendary East's Peter Loehr.
"We are excited to announce the participation of these visionary filmmakers in our industry programming," said Justin Cutler, Director, Industry Office. "Our programmes will connect 180 top-calibre speakers with an extensive industry audience of filmmakers from over 80 countries, making this year's programming a true global film summit. We aim to attract the best and brightest industry professionals to inspire, motivate and transform the way our attendees think about the art and business of content creation."
Doc Conference is an in-depth series of keynote sessions, panels and presentations...
"We are excited to announce the participation of these visionary filmmakers in our industry programming," said Justin Cutler, Director, Industry Office. "Our programmes will connect 180 top-calibre speakers with an extensive industry audience of filmmakers from over 80 countries, making this year's programming a true global film summit. We aim to attract the best and brightest industry professionals to inspire, motivate and transform the way our attendees think about the art and business of content creation."
Doc Conference is an in-depth series of keynote sessions, panels and presentations...
- 7/15/2014
- by Chris Jancelewicz
- Moviefone
China Film Co has put money into its first Hollywood films, paying what is believed to be in excess of an eight-figure equity investment in the pair of Legendary projects.
The deal is pursuant to the May 2013 framework agreement between Legendary East and China Film Co outlining the partners’ vision of producing commercial films for the global market.
Should the films get approval from state censors, China Film Co will distribute in China with distribution and marketing support from Legendary East and global distribution partner Universal Pictures.
China Film Co will be credited on the films and its equity recouped on a worldwide basis. China Film Co is the largest producer and distributor of Chinese content.
“These investments are an important step in the evolution of our partnership with China Film Co, Ltd,” said Legendary Entertainment founder and CEO Thomas Tull.
“China Film Co, Ltd has been paying close attention and great devotion to expanding its overseas...
The deal is pursuant to the May 2013 framework agreement between Legendary East and China Film Co outlining the partners’ vision of producing commercial films for the global market.
Should the films get approval from state censors, China Film Co will distribute in China with distribution and marketing support from Legendary East and global distribution partner Universal Pictures.
China Film Co will be credited on the films and its equity recouped on a worldwide basis. China Film Co is the largest producer and distributor of Chinese content.
“These investments are an important step in the evolution of our partnership with China Film Co, Ltd,” said Legendary Entertainment founder and CEO Thomas Tull.
“China Film Co, Ltd has been paying close attention and great devotion to expanding its overseas...
- 4/14/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Legendary East and China Film Co. Ltd, have signed a multiyear deal to produce tentpole films. The development slate for the three-year deal will be announced within months. "Partnering with China Film Co. Ltd. allows us to collaborate on projects from the earliest stages, and create true co-productions with unique worlds, elements and stories that universally speak to audiences," said Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr in a statement. Story: China's Surprise Tax Prompts Hollywood Standoff The agreement was signed in Beijing on Thursday with Legendary CEO Thomas Tull, and Han Sanping, chairman of China Film Co. Ltd, present.
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- 5/30/2013
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Breaking … Ed Zwick has fallen off The Great Wall, the epic-sized film meant to be the first major film to kick off Legendary East that got postponed earlier this year, partly because of weather and partly because funding was still coming together. Even though Zwick is out, the film is expected to happen next year. Legendary Pictures set Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter star Benjamin Walker to join Man of Steel‘s Henry Cavill, and Zhang Ziyi and other Chinese talent were also being courted for the film when the decision was made to postpone. Related: CAA China’s Peter Loehr Hired As Legendary East CEO Set in 15th century China, Great Wall is about British warriors who happen upon the hurried construction of the massive wall. As night falls, the warriors realize that the haste in building the wall isn’t just to keep out the Mongols — there is something inhuman and more dangerous.
- 9/24/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Exclusive: While Legendary Pictures just set Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter star Benjamin Walker on Friday to join Man of Steel‘s Henry Cavill in the Ed Zwick-directed The Great Wall, a decision has just been made to push from a fall start date until next spring. Rumors have been racing this weekend that The Great Wall might be crumbling but I’m told that is not the case. In fact, casting on the film continues with Zhang Ziyi (pictured) and other Chinese talent is also being courted for the film. Related: CAA China’s Peter Loehr Hired As Legendary East CEO The issue is weather. The film will shoot in locations in China and New Zealand, and logistically it will be easier to do this in the spring than if the picture keeps its fall start date. Insiders tell me the film will happen, even though a domestic distributor hasn’t yet been secured.
- 6/10/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Peter Loehr today sent out an email with his new Legendary East contact information and his new title as CEO. But there has been no Legendary East announcement, which indicates to me that this deal is imminent but not yet done. Interesting timing for Loehr considering the SEC’s interest in China and Hollywood. Deadline first announced back in March he was leaving CAA’s Beijing office and that there were talks between Loehr and Chinese entrepreneur Bruno Wu’s new film fund which is being advised by CAA. The agency really wanted Loehr to take that job. But then Deadline scooped how Legendary Entertainment’s Thomas Tull made Loehr an offer he coudn’t refuse. Tull is about to relaunch Legendary East with a new structure and new financing after its proposed partner Paul Y Engineering put its $220.5 million investment in the venture on hold in late December 2011. Related:...
- 5/3/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Exclusive: The exodus from CAA just keeps continuing. Recent months have seen the departures of CAA agents Rand Holston, Mike Nilon, Jessica Matthews and Shari Smiley in November. Then Dan Aloni’s firing in February. Peter Loehr’s announced departure in March along with Ara Keshisian’s quiet leaving and landing a job at Inferno Entertainment. And Byrdie Lifson Pompan’s life change last week. Now sources tell me that talent agents Isabella Brewster (younger sister of actress Jordana Brewster) and Jeff Speich (Antonio Banderas, Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Robin Wright Penn) are leaving CAA. Meanwhile I can tell you to expect more terminations soon. What’s happening is a combination of overhead reductions, investor pressures, and morale problems — most of which are affecting every major agency right now. It’s not easy being a tenpercenter in this do-more-with-less Hollywood economy. CAA used to be able to place its outgoing agents in cushy industry jobs.
- 4/19/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: The exodus from CAA just keeps continuing. Recent months have seen the departures of CAA agents Rand Holston, Mike Nilon, Jessica Matthews and Shari Smiley in November. Then Dan Aloni’s firing in February. Peter Loehr’s announced departure in March along with Ara Keshisian’s quiet leaving and landing a job at Inferno Entertainment. And Byrdie Lifson Pompan’s life change last week. Now sources tell me that talent agents Isabella Brewster (younger sister of actress Jordana Brewster) and Jeff Speich (Antonio Banderas, Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Robin Wright Penn) are leaving CAA. Meanwhile I can tell you to expect more terminations soon. What’s happening is a combination of overhead reductions, investor pressures, and morale problems — most of which are affecting every major agency right now. It’s not easy being a tenpercenter in this do-more-with-less Hollywood economy. CAA used to be able to place its outgoing agents in cushy industry jobs.
- 4/19/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Exclusive: Peter Loehr is in demand after Deadline first announced he’s leaving CAA’s Beijing office. Last week we reported that Loehr might be joining Bruno Wu’s new $800M film fund and that’s still possible. But the newest development is that Thomas Tull has made Loehr an offer to run Legendary East. Loehr had been head of CAA’s Beijing office since it opened in 2005. He has been in talks to join Bruno Wu, the Chinese entrepreneur who last month unveiled a plan to raise $800 million in equity financing to make English-language pictures under the banner of the Harvest Seven Stars Media Fund. The fund is being advised by CAA and I hear the agency really wants Loehr to take the job. Meanwhile, Thomas Tull who runs Legendary Pictures is about to relaunch Legendary East with a new structure and new financing after its proposed partner Paul...
- 3/24/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Related: Is Peter Loehr Joining Bruno Wu’s $800M Film Fund? Chinese Create $800M Entertainment Fund Beijing/Los Angeles, March 19th, 2012: Bruno Wu’s Seven Stars Film Studios has signed a joint venture with acclaimed director Justin Lin (‘Better Luck Tomorrow’, ‘Fast And Furious: Fast Five’) to form Perfect Storm Entertainment. Justin Lin will partner with Bruno Wu: Chairman of Seven Stars Global Entertainment (Ssge), the parent company of Seven Stars Film Studios; and CEO of Harvest Seven Stars Media Private Equity Ltd (Hssmpeg) to create a slate of films. This comes within weeks of the launch of the $800 million Hssmpeg which is looking to invest across two distinct areas: mergers and acquisitions; and content, and in addition will develop a marketing and distribution platform in all media. The creation of content is the purview of Seven Stars Film Studios with the resulting films, including those from Perfect Storm,...
- 3/19/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Updated at 8:35 p.m. Pt CAA is losing its top agent in China, TheWrap has learned. Peter Loehr has been managing director of CAA in China since 2005. Loehr's associate, Jonah Greenberg, will head the office, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Also read: Dan Aloni, Christopher Nolan's Agent, Fired From CAA CAA declined to comment, but another person close to the situation told TheWrap that although Loehr does plan to leave, he is still with the agency. That person also told TheWrap that the office would be run by a team of agents. Loehr,...
- 3/16/2012
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Peter Loehr, who has been head of CAA’s Beijing office since it opened in 2005, will be leaving the agency. I’m hearing that he’s in talks to join Bruno Wu, the Chinese entrepreneur who last month unveiled a plan to raise $800 million in equity financing to make English-language pictures, under the banner of the Harvest Seven Stars Media Fund. The fund is being advised by CAA so the transition ought to be an easy one. I’m assured that Loehr left on his own and wasn’t pushed. The office will be run by some of the agents he brought in when he opened the office seven years ago. Loehr is a rarity in that he’s an experienced film guy who lives in China and has been part of the production community for a long time. Loehr established the country’s first independent film studio, Imar Film,...
- 3/16/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Michael Lynton will speak at USC Law's Institute on Entertainment and Business Law on Saturday., >, > This year's conference titled "Connecting the Dots: New Entertainment Constructs" will examine such topics as video-on-demand, marketing, negotiating TV deals with media giants, litigation for transactional lawyers, trademarks and ethics., >, > The event is co-sponsored by the Beverly Hills Bar Assn. and the Gould School of Law., >, > Other featured speakers include David Carson, the General Counsel of the United States Copyright Office; Twitter's Tony Wang; Jordan McCollum of Disney Interactive; and Peter Loehr, CAA's managing director for China.
- 10/19/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paris -- Producer Emmanuel Benbihy's "Cities of Love" franchise will continue its world tour with a stop in the Holy Land for upcoming feature "Jerusalem, I Love You," producers confirmed in an interview.
Like its predecessors "Paris, Je t'Aime" and "New York, I Love You," "Jerusalem" will feature several short segments from well-known directors about the Israeli capital strung together by a cohesive narrative.
Scott Berrie's Impulse Creative Productions LLC has snagged the "Jerusalem" license and will co-produce with Israeli partners the Jerusalem Film and Television Fund and the Jerusalem Development Authority, with Benbihy on board as exec producer and discussions in place with Israeli co-producers.
"Jerusalem is just a trove of stories from which top directors can do what they do best, which is to tell stories about humanity," Berrie said in an interview.
The film will feature an A-list cast starring in unique stories set in Jerusalem's...
Like its predecessors "Paris, Je t'Aime" and "New York, I Love You," "Jerusalem" will feature several short segments from well-known directors about the Israeli capital strung together by a cohesive narrative.
Scott Berrie's Impulse Creative Productions LLC has snagged the "Jerusalem" license and will co-produce with Israeli partners the Jerusalem Film and Television Fund and the Jerusalem Development Authority, with Benbihy on board as exec producer and discussions in place with Israeli co-producers.
"Jerusalem is just a trove of stories from which top directors can do what they do best, which is to tell stories about humanity," Berrie said in an interview.
The film will feature an A-list cast starring in unique stories set in Jerusalem's...
- 9/11/2009
- by By Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Sony Pictures Classics has picked up all North American rights to The Children of Huang Shi, a fact-based war drama filmed in China starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Radha Mitchell, Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh.
Roger Spottiswoode's feature, which wrapped three months of shooting Friday in Shanghai, tells the story of a British reporter (Rhys Meyers) in China during the country's invasion by Japan in 1937. He rescues 60 war orphans by leading them on a thousand-mile journey to a village near the end of China's Great Wall with the help of a local political leader (Chow), an aristocrat (Yeoh) and the nurse he falls in love with (Mitchell).
Children was written by James MacManus and Jane Hawksley. The film is tentatively set for release in the fourth quarter.
Arthur Cohn and Wieland Schulz-Keil produced the film with Peter Loehr of Beijing's Ming Prods., Jonathan Shteinman of Sydney's Bluewater Pictures and Martin Hagemann of Berlin's Zero Fiction.
Roger Spottiswoode's feature, which wrapped three months of shooting Friday in Shanghai, tells the story of a British reporter (Rhys Meyers) in China during the country's invasion by Japan in 1937. He rescues 60 war orphans by leading them on a thousand-mile journey to a village near the end of China's Great Wall with the help of a local political leader (Chow), an aristocrat (Yeoh) and the nurse he falls in love with (Mitchell).
Children was written by James MacManus and Jane Hawksley. The film is tentatively set for release in the fourth quarter.
Arthur Cohn and Wieland Schulz-Keil produced the film with Peter Loehr of Beijing's Ming Prods., Jonathan Shteinman of Sydney's Bluewater Pictures and Martin Hagemann of Berlin's Zero Fiction.
- 2/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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