John Woo hopes new film Hollywood-style blockbuster
(AP)
Updated: 2006-08-29 12:51 Director John Woo says he
hopes his upcoming film set in ancient China, "Battle of Red Cliff," will prove
that Chinese can produce Hollywood-style blockbusters.
Hong Kong film
director John Woo waves to photographers after receiving an honorary
degree of Doctor of Social Sciences at a ceremony at the Baptist
University campus in Hong Kong.
[AFP] |
"Chinese film has made great strides
in technical skill, creativity and many areas. I want to prove that we can make
a Hollywood-style big production in China, to allow our technical talent to show
their skills in all areas," Woo said at a cooperation signing ceremony with
China's state-run China Film Group in Beijing.
Footage of Monday's ceremony was posted on the Chinese news Web site Sina.com
Tuesday.
China has gradually deregulated its film industry in recent years as its
moviegoing audience grows, allowing private companies, instead of state-run
movie studios to shoot films. Production budgets have risen. Famed director Chen
Kaige's mythology "The Promise" cost US$35 million (euro27.3 million).
Woo's business partner Terence Chang said in April he hopes to keep the
budget of "Battle of Red Cliff" under US$50 million (euro39.1 million).
Woo also said Monday he wants to use the film to educate foreign audiences
about Chinese culture.
"As a Chinese who has worked abroad for so many years ... I want to use a
different angle to deepen foreigners' understanding of the Chinese people," he
said.
Woo made his name in Hong Kong with films like "A Better Tomorrow" before
moving on to Hollywood, where his credits include "Broken Arrow," "Face/Off" and
"Mission: Impossible II."
The Battle of Red Cliff is a key war in 208 that determined the geography of
the "Three Kingdoms" period, when China had three separate rulers.
"I think this battle can best reflect how wise and united Chinese people
are," Woo said.
Producer Chang said earlier the Chinese government views "Battle of Red
Cliff" as a showcase for Chinese history and wants it to be released in the
leadup to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Woo said confirmed cast members of "Battle of Red Cliff" include Chow
Yun-fat, Cannes winner Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Taiwanese model Lin Chi-ling.
Chang said in April shooting is due to start in March in China's northern Hebei
province.
Woo said Tim Yip, an Oscar winner for his work on "Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Dragon" will design the production and famed Chinese cinematographer Gu
Changwei, a frequent collaborator with Chinese directors Chen and Zhang Yimou,
will helm the camera.
He said he plans to choose U.S. companies to handle special
effects.
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