Zhang Yimou to Executive Produce First TV Series
China’s most enduring filmmaker, Zhang Yimou, is joining the worldwide shift by feature film directors into the streaming arena. He will executive produce “The First Shot,” a historical drama series that is currently in development.
The show is to be directed by Xing Lu and is backed by Tencent Video. It is set to air in 2025.
Zhang is known for his visually stunning films, such as “Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers.” He is also a successful director of TV series, having helmed the popular historical drama “The Story of Qiu Ju.”
Sakamoto Yuji to Partner with Netflix
Award-winning Japanese screenwriter Sakamoto Yuji has partnered with Netflix to develop a range of titles to premiere only on the streaming platform.
Sakamoto’s first project for Netflix will be “In Love and Deep Water,” a romantic mystery film set to be released later this year. The film stars Yoshizawa Ryo and Miyazaki Aoi.
Sakamoto is known for his work on films such as “Beautiful Bouquet,” “Tokyo Love Story,” and “Mother.” He won the screenplay award at the recent Cannes film festival for “Monster.”
Sideshow and Janus Acquire U.S. Rights to Wim Wenders’ “Anselm”
Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired all U.S. rights to Wim Wenders’ “Anselm,” a documentary on celebrated contemporary artist Anselm Kiefer.
The film had its world premiere as a special screening at this year’s Cannes film festival. It is shot at 6K resolution and returns to the 3D format that Wenders previously utilized in his Academy Award-nominated documentary “Pina.”
Sideshow and Janus Films are planning a theatrical release for “Anselm” following fall festivals.
Sales Agent HanWay Sets International Distribution for “Anselm”
Sales agent HanWay has set international distribution for “Anselm.” The film will be distributed in France by Films Du Losange, Germany by DCM, Benelux by Cherry Pickers, Greece by The Film Group, Italy by Lucky Red, Spain by A Contracorriente, Portugal by Alambique, Poland by New Horizons, Australia and New Zealand by Madman, China by DDDream, and NonStop will release in Scandinavia, Iceland, and the Baltics.
