Stephen Chow takes on modern twist of classic

Hong Kong - 3 Plus Animation Production will be handling post-production work for Stephen Chow’s latest film project, described as a CGI-heavy, big screen retelling of the classic Chinese story, “Journey to the West”.

The 100 million Yuan film ($15 million), which is as-yet-untitled, is written and produced by Chow and directed by Derek Kwok of “Gallants”, winner of Best Film at Hong Kong Film Awards 2011.

The Hong Kong-listed Bingo Group, of which Chow is a majority shareholder and executive director, takes up the main part of the cost, with co-producing partners China Film Group, Hong Kong’s Edko Films, and South Korea’s CJ Entertainment sharing the bill.

Production commenced in mid July in Hengdian, but is taking its time with preliminary blue screen shoots. Director Kwok recently revealed the slow progress on a micro-blog post.

The principal cast will only begin filming in mid August.