2016 Billboard Awards held in Las Vegas

May 23, 2016, 7:24 am

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Madonna paid tribute to Prince, Kesha earned a standing ovation for her stirring rendition of "It Ain't Me, Babe" honoring Bob Dylan, and Celine Dion dedicated her Icon award to her late husband at Sunday night's emotion-packed Billboard Music Awards.

Canadian singer The Weeknd dedicated the first award to Prince, the Grammy-winning pop superstar best known for such hits as "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy," who died at his Minnesota home in April aged 57.

"I want to dedicate this award to the late great Prince," The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye), said in accepting the Top Hot 100 Artist award.

Kesha performs "It Ain't Me Babe" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22.

Dion, making her first televised singing performance since the death of her husband, Rene Angelil, tearfully accepted the Icon Award for lifetime achievement, which in a surprise was presented by her son, Rene-Charles.

"I'm so sorry, I don't want to cry in front of you," Dion told the audience. She ended by holding her award aloft and declaring, "Rene, this one's for you, the show must go on," echoing the title of the Queen song she had just performed.

Ariana Grande performs "Dangerous Woman" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Joe Jonas and Dnce perform "Cake By The Ocean" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Singer Demi Lovato performs "Cool For The Summer" on stage at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Justin Bieber accepts the award for Top Male Artist at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Pink performs "Just Like Fire" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Thomas Rhett accepts the award for Top Country Song for "Die A Happy Man" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Billboard Icon Award recipient Celine Dion reacts as her son Rene Charles presents the award to her at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Rihanna bows after performing "Love On The Brain" at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Millennium Award recipient Britney Spears performs a medley of songs at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Singer Ariana Grande arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Actor Ashton Kutcher arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Actress Jessica Alba arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Actress Kate Beckinsale arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Singer Ciara arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Singer Idina Menzel arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Musician Steven Tyler arrives at the 2016 Billboard Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2016.

Source: China Daily

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"I Love That Little Crazy Thing" Due for Release on August 5

May 23, 2016, 7:26 am

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(CRI) A romantic comedy, which stars Hong Kong singer and actor William Chan Wai-ting and the young K-pop singer and actress Jessica Jung, is due for release on August 5th.

Zou Xian, who directed But Always (Yi Sheng Yi Shi) in 2014, is the director for the film "I Love That Little Crazy Thing".

"In this film, Chan Wai-ting will sing with Jessica in a duet." 

In "I Love That Little Crazy Thing" or Na Jian Feng Kuang De Xiao Shi Jiao Ai Qing (那件疯狂的小事叫爱情), William Chan plays the leading role of Jiang Yang, who dreams to become a film director.

However in the path to realize his dream, he experiences numerous hardships, which pushed him on a crazy journey. William Chan takes joy to explain his part: 

"I did a lot of crazy things in the film. But in my real life, I would probably do the same. So audiences may discover another perspective of mine in the film." 

In addition, Hong Kong pop star Nicholas Tse, who has recently captured huge public attention for his reunion with pop diva Faye Wong, also stars in this romantic comedy.

Source: CRI

China Box Office: 'Angry Birds' Flies to $29M Opening Weekend

May 23, 2016, 7:28 am

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(THR) Feathering its nest for future franchise success, Angry Birds debuted at No. 1 at the Chinese box office over the weekend with a healthy $29.2 million.

The Sony and Rovio animated film overcame last week's box-office slump in the Middle Kingdom to score the third-best opening weekend ever for an animated film, behind only Kung Fu Panda 3 ($51.3 million) and Stand by Me Doraemon ($38.4 million).

Family-friendly animated fare has been a red-hot genre in China in the first half of 2016. Zootopia debuted to a relatively modest $23.6 million in March but steadily expanded and ultimately reached $236 million, Disney's biggest gross ever in China.

Angry Birds, directed by Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly, easily topped Disney and Marvel's Captain America: Civil War in its third weekend, which pulled in an estimated $12.1 million. After 17 days in cinemas, the Russo brothers-directed superhero film has earned $177.3 million in China, compared to $347.4 million in North America. Worldwide, the blockbuster crossed the $1 billion mark Friday, becoming Disney's tenth billion-dollar movie.

Divergent Series: Allegiant came in third for the weekend with $9.6 million, slightly more than its franchise predecessor Divergent Series: Insurgent, which opened to $9.2 million, according to Beijing-based box-office monitor Ent Group. The Lionsgate and Summit movie stalled at $66 million in North America earlier this month, putting pressure on the forthcoming final film in the franchise, Ascendant, which is scheduled to debut in June 2017.  

Further down the charts, Shanghai Media Group's romantic drama Night Peacock led a pack of Chinese new releases with $3.86 million, followed by Edko Films' romantic comedy Book of Love, starring Tang Wei, at $2.15 million.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter by Patrick Brzeski

Jackie Chan: I almost died during new film production

May 23, 2016, 7:30 am

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(china.org) Kung fu star Jackie Chan revealed on Sunday in Beijing that his life was at stake at one point during the filming of his new movie "Skiptrace."

"I tried my best this time, and I almost died during filming," Chan said, remembering an incident in Guangxi when he was shooting the new film. "I met a torrent, fell out of a raft and was sent rolling in the water. I'm not a good swimmer, so I was really screaming for help. But the staff could not get close enough to rescue me. Later, the raft was turned back by the torrent and I got my life back. Life is so vulnerable. It is horrifying."

The film has always been associated with a tragedy. On Dec. 17, 2014, cinematographer Chan Kwok-Hung drowned while on a shoot for the film.

Chan was joined by another veteran martial arts movie actor Yuen Biao on stage at the press conference. The two have collaborated on and off since 1976. Chan shared a few memories with him and said, "Whenever we meet in life, we actually have one less meeting for the rest of our lives. Life and friends are all so precious."

"Skiptrace" is an upcoming action comedy film directed by Renny Harlin, produced by, starring and based on a story by Jackie Chan. The story tells of a retired detective from Hong Kong who teams up with an American gambler to battle against a notorious criminal boss. The film also co-stars Chinese mainland actress Fan Bingbing, Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang and American actor Johnny Knoxville.

"I had this script in my mind for 25 years," Chan said, "I have always dreamt of a runaway and chase story, to show both the Chinese landscape and culture along the roadside to the world.”

Chan added that he still maintains real kung fu in the film, instead of seeking help from CGI special effects. "Everybody works with a green screen now, but the hardest thing to do is to create real action," Chan said, "I'm not a fan of high-tech effects, I just like raw and simple things."

"Skiptrace" will hit Chinese theaters on July 22, 2016.

Source: china.org by zhang rui

Fan Bingbing attends activity in NW China

May 23, 2016, 7:31 am

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Actress Fan Bingbing


Source: Xinhua

Stills of Zhang Jingchu in ‘For a Few Bullets’

May 24, 2016, 6:42 am

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 Stills from "For a few bullets" released


Source: Xinhua

Actress Jill Hsu poses for photo shoot

May 24, 2016, 6:44 am

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Actress Jill Hsu


Source: Xinhua

Zhang Yuqi at event

May 24, 2016, 6:53 am

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Actress Zhang Yuqi


Source: Xinhua

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New photos of Li Xiaolu

May 24, 2016, 7:01 am

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Actress Li Xiaolu


Source: Xinhua

Yuan Shanshan covers fashion magazine

May 24, 2016, 7:03 am

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Actress Yuan Shanshan


Source: Xinhua

Zhang Yuqi graces fashion magazine

May 24, 2016, 7:06 am

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Actress Zhang Yuqi


Source: Xinhua

'Tetris' game gets China-US co-produced film

May 25, 2016, 6:26 am

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(china.org) Chinese and American producers have announced a new film trilogy based on the iconic "Tetris" video game.

Producer Larry Kasanoff's Threshold Entertainment Group and Chinese investor Bruno Wu's Seven Star Works recently announced that they would develop and finance film projects for "Tetris," which is going to be an epic, sci-fi thriller with an US$80 million budget attached.

This will be one of the biggest U.S.-China co-produced films with plans to film in China. The film will feature a Chinese cast, more than one third of the ensemble. The film franchise will have at least three installments.

The team has been working with The Tetris Company for over a year. Financing has been secured, the story has been created, and now Wu and Kasanoff will co-produce the first installment, which is set to start production in first quarter of 2017.

Kasanoff, the first producer to develop a hit movie based on a video game, with two "Mortal Kombat" films to his credit, said in a statement that "Tetris," one of the most recognized video game franchises of all time, is the perfect inaugural effort for them to begin cooperation with their Chinese partner.

"Today, there are so many great sources on which to build a movie blockbuster and video games are certainly an amazing category with their huge international following. So, to have this legacy brand 'Tetris,' is a great first project for us with Larry, who knows his way around the landscape," said Wu, who is the founder, Co-Chairman and CEO of Sun Seven Stars Media Group, one of the biggest private media and entertainment investment companies in China with some 60 film production companies in its portfolio.

Threshold's Jimmy Ienner is executive producer with The Tetris Company and Seven Stars.

Kasanoff also said they would plan to make a "Tetris" beyond game and film, as they would also make other merchandise and create theme park based on it.

The "Tetris" brand is one of the leading and most distinctive video game brands in the world, with over half a billion mobile downloads and billions of games played online per year. In the game's 32-year history, hundreds of millions of players have experienced the "Tetris Effect.""Tetris" is loved globally by people of all ages and all cultures. Working with Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Sega, and many others, the "Tetris" game continues to be one of the most widely recognized video games of all time.

In addition to "Tetris," the video game "Fruit Ninja" and new "Tomb Raider" reboot film adaptations were also announced recently in plan for future development.

Film adaptations of video games haven't performed well in the market for years. In the past two decades, films such as "Super Mario Bros" and "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" didn't generate box offices rewards or critical applause, and were disastrous flops. In this genre, the biggest film was and still is "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001), which grossed US$131 million in North America and is the only video game film adaptation that passed the US$100 million mark.

However, things may change. Sony's "The Angry Birds Movie" flew to victory at the North American box office over the weekend, taking in an estimated US$39 million, becoming the second-best debut weekend ever for a video game adaptation, behind the US$47 million debut of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Its international grosses came in at US$112 million, including the Chinese film market's US$29.2 million.

Two other highly anticipated video game film adaptations, namely, "Warcraft: The Beginning" from Duncan Jones and "Assassin's Creed" from Justin Kurzel will also hit theaters this year.

Source: china.org by zhang rui

CBA star Marbury makes film debut

May 25, 2016, 6:29 am

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(CRI) CBA star Stephon Marbury is to star in a movie about his life in China.

The 38-year-old American is a former New York Knicks player.

In 2010, he reinvented himself in China and has become a major figure in Beijing by leading the city's basketball team to three championships.

Marbury will make his cinematic debut as the lead character in "My Other Home," a Chinese film that will tell his life story.

The film follows a string of honors Marbury has received in Beijing, all of which are rare for a foreign athlete in China.

They include a statue near a major sports venue in the city, a museum named "Marbury's Home", a postage stamp issued in his honor and most recently, a Chinese green card.

However, before Marbury's success in China, he had a difficult time struggling on the court as a player for the Knicks and the Celtics during his last few years in the NBA. With the death of his father in 2007, he was plunged into depression.

Marbury has said, through his social media Weibo account, that the movie is about love, pain, passion, faith, glory, redemption and a culture that changed a man inside of him.

Retired NBA star Allen Iverson and Baron Davis will also appear in the film, playing at a game with Marbury.

The production house has also invited non-athlete guest stars from other countries and parts of China including South Korean A-list celebrity Jessica Jung, who will play Marbury's agent.

The film, which has a 10-15 million dollar production budget, is expected to be released in China during the CBA game season toward the end of this year.

Source: CRI

China Box Office: ‘Angry Birds’ Leads, but Fails to Gain Altitude in Slower Q2

May 25, 2016, 6:30 am

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(CFI) Sony Pictures’ and Rovio Entertainment’s The Angry Birds Movie fluttered rather than soared to a first place finish at the Chinese box office this past weekend, taking off with RMB 197 million ($30 million).

The debut came right in line with CFI’s predictions, but despite achieving the third-highest China opening for an animated film behind Kung Fu Panda 3 (RMB 339 million in three days) and Stand by Me Doraemon (RMB 238 million in four days), Angry Birds was unable to re-energize a relatively stagnant market.

On Saturday, China’s 2016 annual box office total hit RMB 20 billion ($3.05 billion), achieving that milestone 37 days quicker than last year. However, after a blistering first quarter nearly 50% bigger than 2015, the market’s blistering growth has slowed to 23% over the same point in the calendar one year earlier.

Domestic Chinese films currently account for 63.5% of box office revenue so far this year, but with Hollywood’s Alice Through The Looking Glass (May 27), X-Men Apocalypse (June 3), Warcraft (June 8), Finding Dory (June 17), Independence Day: Resurrection (June 24) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (July 2) all set for release over the next six weeks, the scales will tip in favor of imported films before the State Administration of Print Publications Radio Film and Television (SAPPRFT) imposes its annual import blackout period during July and August.

In second place, ticket sales for Captain America: Civil War fell 62% from the week before to RMB 79 million ($12M). Disney’s tentpole superhero film has grossed a respectable $178.3 million in 17 days in Chinese theaters, but its final tally still will come in behind many analysts’ expectations. The film was unable to break out with a general audience despite positive word of mouth, signaling Marvel may have difficulty expanding beyond its existing fanbase with future installments.

In third place, Lionsgate’s The Divergent Series: Allegiant scored a disappointing RMB 64.4 million ($9.9M) debut, slightly exceeding its predecessor’s $9.2 million opening last year. The young adult franchise has a tiny, but steady fanbase in China when compared with North America, where the once popular series continues to bleed money. One more installment is planned for July 2017.

Source: China Film Insider by Jonathan Papish

Hollywood Heads for Crowded June in Chinese Theaters

May 25, 2016, 6:34 am

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(Variety) “The Angry Birds Movie” opened well in China over the past weekend with a cute $30 million. But it stands to have its wings clipped by a flock of Hollywood new releases in the Middle Kingdom.

Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass” will release on May 27 in China. Its opening should top the Chinese box office charts and finish off the theatrical run of “Captain America: Civil War.”

The early summer releasing calendar in China is a squeeze that reflects a combination of Hollywood’s own summer blockbuster season as well as the anticipated “blackout period.” The blackout usually starts in July when major imported films are not allowed fresh releases, though holdovers can continue.

Observers are unclear if the restrictions on the Hollywood imports to last as long as they did last year, when they ran some six weeks. Chinese-made films got off to a powerful start in 2016, boosted by a spectacular Chinese New Year period in February. But with box office overall soft in April, the Hollywood market share has rebounded.

The well-established “X-Men” franchise launches its next episode “X-Men: Apocalypse” on June 3. 

Playing to a similar demographic segment and also coming with high awareness, game adaptation “Warcraft” will compete for Chinese screens just five days later on June 8.

“Warcraft” has a pack of significant Chinese investors and its handlers are confident that, despite the crowded month, it will open strongly. It has a nine day window before the release of more family skewing “Finding Dory” on June 17.

“Independence Day: Resurgence” and Lionsgate’s “Now You See Me 2” will both clamor for screens from 24 June.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” releases a week later, from July 2. That is roughly a week later than its stateside outing, but counts both Alibaba and Wanda’s Movie Media as investors. The presence of such heavyweight Chinese firms — Wanda Cinema Line is also the country’s largest private sector exhibition chain, and Alibaba one of the top ticketing platforms — as marketing partners should ensure a well-supported launch ahead of the blackout period.

One of the bigger Chinese films headed for a June release is “The Bombing,” a Chinese made war actioner featuring Bruce Willis, but its date is not locked down. Also the much-anticipated star-heavy Chinese action film “Bounty Hunters” has shifted from June to a July slot.

Upcoming Hollywood releases in China

“Alice Through The Looking Glass”  May 27, 2016

“X-Men Apocalypse” June 3, 2016

“Warcraft” June 8, 2016

“Finding Dory”  June 17, 2016

“Independence Day: Resurgence”  June 24, 2016

“Now You See Me 2” June 24, 2016

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”  July 2, 2016

• Chinese media are also reporting that the 3D converted version of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” has already been cleared for a release in October. The release is backed by DMG and will come some 25 years after the original film hit screens worldwide – excluding China. China has seen the success of other 3D conversions including “Titanic” ($140 million in 2012) and “Jurassic Park” ($56 million in 2013.)

Source: Variety by Patrick Frater

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Hannah Quinlivan Shares Love for Daughter and “Pet Son”

May 25, 2016, 6:40 am

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Hannah Quinlivan held a press conference at her café to present the photo book of her dog Maji.


Source: MSN

Amber An at press conference for her new movie

May 25, 2016, 6:44 am

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Amber An and “young hunk” Derek (Zhang) showed up at the presser to present their TV series “Prince of Wolf”.


Source: MSN

Bai Baihe poses for photo shoot

May 25, 2016, 6:45 am

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Actress Bai Baihe


Source: Xinhua

Sun Li covers ‘Bazaar’ magazine

May 25, 2016, 6:48 am

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Actress Sun Li


Source: Xinhua

Wanda Cinema's $5.7M Wanda Media Acquisition Questioned By Shenzhen Stock Exchange

May 25, 2016, 9:34 am

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(China Money Network) The Shenzhen Stock Exchange has made further disclosure requirements to Wanda Cinema Line Co., the movie theater arm of Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, on its planned US$5.72 billion acquisition of Wanda Media.

Concerned about high valuations of some recent public company-led deals, the exchange required Wanda Cinema Line to disclose the reasons behind the high valuation of the asset.

Identities of the investors participating in the deal and the operating conditions of Legendary Entertainment, a U.S. movie studio acquired by Wanda in January for US$3.5 billion and part of Wanda Media, are also part of the exchange's questions.

On May 12, Wanda Cinema Line revealed plans that it would issue new shares to 33 entities in exchange of acquiring the 100% interest in Wanda Media for approximately US$5.72 billion.

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange required Wanda Cinema to disclose the legal representatives, source of capital and partner identity of the 30 or so entities participating in the acquisition.

One central issue is that if the complete list of investors in the deal exceeds 200, Wanda Cinema would be required to meet additional criteria for conducting the transaction.

Wang Jianlin, chairman of the parent company Dalian Wanda Group, has plans to list the Wanda Media unit, as the parent company is in the middle of a US$4 billion privatization deal of its property unit in Hong Kong.

Earlier this year, Wanda Pictures, part of Wanda Media, was reportedly seeking to raise US$1.5 billion from Chinese investors at a US$5.3 billion valuation.

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange made similar inquiries on Leshi Internet Information & Technology Corp.'s plans to acquire its film production and distribution unit Le Vision Pictures, Ltd. for RMB9.8 billion (US$1.51 billion) earlier this month.

Leshi, also known as LeEco, originally planned to list its film unit separately.

Source: China Money Network by Nina Xiang