In the Pipeline

-- Li Feng's Directorial Debut --

Script writer Li Feng is currently preparing for his directorial debut, a modern day actioner that bears some comics book elements. A US studio has injected US$5m into the movie and will help distribute the film in US. The cast includes Tiger Chen, who will also work as the action director, Tong Yao and Yuan Quan.

Tiger Chen Hu, who was discovered by Yuen Wo Ping and worked under him in The Matrix series and Kill Bill, describes his role as a young man who is not only skilled in martial arts but highly intelligent. He is someone who has great tolerance, is cheerful, able to take hardships, and is really cool too. Tiger Chen will exchange fists against the two actresses Tong Yong and Yuan Quan. Tong Yong is undergoing three months of training in martial arts. Tiger Chen believes that she will be able to handle the demanding action in the movie since she has some foundations in dancing. Tiger Chen says they will try to portray grace and authenticity of martial arts, and there will be numerous demanding stunts and large-scale scenes. Tiger Chen believes that only actual martial artists are able to bring out the original flavour of kung fu films as as films today tend to rely to much on special effects, wires and doubles. The film will be shot on location in with Xinjiang, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong. Shooting is expected to begin in July and will take around 3 months.  Sina

-- J & J Project --

J & J Project, first collaboration between Jet Li and Jackie Chan that is based loosely on Journey to the West, now gets an official Chinese title 《功夫之王》 (which translates as King of Kung Fu). Movie would start production on May 7, says Huang Zhong Lei. Yuen Wo Ping would be on board as the martial arts director. One of the two lead actresses would be chosen from among Ruby Lin, Li Bing Bing and Fann Wong. Their suitability to the role, and their ability to handle English would be the main deciding factors. Liu Yi Fei is being considered for the other female lead.  Beijing Morning Post