Latest news with #HongKongFilMart
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Phoenix Waters, Studio Target Sign Tri-Regional Film-TV Partnership, Set ‘Shashou' (EXCLUSIVE)
Hong Kong's Phoenix Waters Productions and South Korea's Studio Target have inked a memorandum of understanding to bolster cross-border collaboration spanning Hong Kong, Korea and the U.K. The strategic alliance, revealed during Hong Kong FilMart, will focus on jointly developing, financing and producing films, series and microdramas — the latter being short-form digital content that has gained significant traction throughout Asia as vehicles for audience engagement and brand integration. More from Variety 'Drive My Car' Producer Backs First Feature From Sakamoto Yukari Isabel Sandoval Wraps 'Moonglow' Indonesian Actor Reza Rahadian Sets 'Pangku' Leading the partnership's initial slate is 'Shashou,' an international action thriller that pays homage to classic Hong Kong cinema while incorporating Western influences. Set to commence production later this year with a global cast, the project has already secured participation from Berkeley Media Group and Ostara Pictures, with SC Films International handling sales and MAD Solutions acquiring MENA rights. 'Amidst the various challenges facing the global film and media industry, I believe that our collaboration and innovation will be key to illuminating the future,' said Doyeon Julia Kim, CEO of Studio Target. 'Through this partnership, we will maximize diverse investment resources and production capabilities in each region, produce commercially successful content, and achieve global market expansion.' The alliance emerges against a backdrop of industry challenges. Hong Kong's film sector has been seeking new avenues for growth and international expansion, while Korea's industry grapples with sustainability issues amid escalating production costs and stagnant budgets. As part of the collaboration, Studio Target will handle the South Korean release of 'Tape' later this year, highlighting the growing synergy between the companies. Phoenix Waters Productions, recognized for East-West collaborations, has been instrumental in revitalizing Hong Kong cinema through projects like 'Tape,' 'Forensic Psychologist,' and 'The Audition.' Meanwhile, Studio Target has established itself as a powerhouse in South Korean film production, recently producing box office hit 'Hitman 2.' 'This partnership represents more than just a business deal — it's a commitment to building a sustainable future for Hong Kong and Korean cinema,' said Bizhan Tong, CEO of Phoenix Waters Productions. 'By combining our creative and production strengths, we aim to develop films and series that resonate on a global scale, showcasing the incredible talent and rich storytelling from these regions.' Both companies are inviting global investors, distributors, and industry leaders to participate in the initiative as they advance their slate of projects. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Visit Films Unveils Multiple Deals at Hong Kong FilMart (EXCLUSIVE)
New York-based Visit Films has revealed multiple international deals for its diverse slate of independent films at Hong Kong FilMart, ranging from sci-fi thrillers to music documentaries. Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson's Sundance and Rome drama 'Ghostlight' has secured deals with Nikkatsu (Japan), New Cinema (Israel), Cinobo (Greece, Cyprus), Eye Film (Benelux), Fabula Films (Turkey) and Sister Distribution (Switzerland). IFC previously acquired U.S. rights to the drama, which follows a grieving construction worker who joins a local production of 'Romeo and Juliet.' More from Variety Studio 100 Rides Animation Wave as Hong Kong Market Takes Aim at Booming Toons Hong Kong's FilMart Gets Animated as More Toons Join Project Market Lineup Aaron Kwok Drama 'IOU' Unveiled by Distribution Workshop at Hong Kong FilMart Simon Jaquemet's sci-fi thriller 'Electric Child,' which played at the Locarno and Sitges festivals, has been acquired by New People Film for CIS territories. The film follows a father's extreme measures to help his newborn son by repurposing high-level AI technology from his workplace. Tribeca comedy 'Adult Best Friends' from filmmaker Delaney Buffett has landed a worldwide airlines deal with Anuvu. The film, which centers on a woman taking her co-dependent best friend on a weekend trip to break marriage news, was released in the U.S. by Gravitas Ventures. Sundance and Cannes drama 'Good One,' directed by India Donaldson, has secured distribution with Madfer Films (Spain) and Fabula Films (Turkey). The coming-of-age story about a 17-year-old navigating a backpacking trip with her father and his oldest friend was released in the U.S. by Metrograph Pictures. SXSW music documentary 'Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound,' from director Antony Crook, has been picked up by Shemaroo Contentino Media for worldwide airline distribution. The film chronicles the influential Scottish post-rock band's 25-year journey. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
