Lai Man Wai (China)
Director: Wai Ming Cheng, William
Producer: Wai Ho Ma, Joe Si Kan Chan Production: That's Productions £¨Asia£©Ltd.
Screenplay: Yaoyao Zhuang
Genre: Feature Shooting Materia: 35mm Length: 120 min
Stage of script: Finished
Language: China Mandarin
Production Budget: 20 million RMB
Seeking: Co-investor, Territory Buyer, Ads Sponsor
Synopsis:
Lai Man Wai was one of the earliest filmmakers in China. He established Min Xin Film Company during the 1920s. With a perfect dream, Lai devoted most of his efforts to film a historic epic Mulan. However, another company duplicated a similar film and released days before Lai's epic. Lai encountered complete failure. Min Xin was trapped into financial crisis and forced to close. Lai entered the darkest period.
Lin Chu Chu, Lai's second wife, was an independent modern woman and well known actress of Min Xin. She and Lo Ming You, a friend of Lai's with a dream of Eastern Hollywood, tried to encourage Lai to get back to film industry. Lai decided to make another attempt, and started a new company with Lo called Lian Hua.
When the Japanese forced Lai to make films, Lai refused, gave up Lian Hua, and left Shanghai. After the war, Lai encountered sickness and poorness. His friends supported him by offering a job. But he still did not give up his dream. He tried to gain support and re-launch his film career until the last minute of his life.
Director's Statement:
Lai Man Wai was the pioneer of China film industry. His devotion to film industry has long been treasures to filmmakers today. He was successful with so many films throughout his career life. It is high time to make a film to pay tribute to this legend in Chinese cinema. Unlike the traditional biography films, the script is executed in a dramatic way to emphasize the harshness of film making in those days as well as his persistence in his career. I hope this film can do justice to the pioneer of Chinese cinema in righteous, positive way.
Director's Biography:
Since 1985, William Wai Ming Cheng worked for Stanley Tong as Associate Director in many films starring Jacky Chan including Who Am I, Rumble in the Bronx, Police Story and Rush Hour, etc. William also worked for John Woo as Associate Director in All the Invisible Children in 2005. Being a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), William has been involved in many film productions in China and America, including The White Countess. He was the 2nd Unit Director for the TV series Martial Law (starring Sammo Hung).
Producer:
Joe Ma
Joe Ma is one of the most well known film director/writer/producer in Hong Kong. His previous directing credits include Feel 100%, Jobless King and Fighting For Love. His previous credits as producer include Three of a Kind, The Mummy Age 19, Funeral March, The War Named Desired, Love Paradox, etc.
Chan Si Kan
Chan Si Kan was enrolled in American Film Institute (AFI) Production Design Program in 2000. His credits include Rush Hour 2 (2001) directed by Brent Ratner, The Touch (2002) directed by Oscar Winner Peter Pau, Kung Fu Hustle (2004) directed by Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan's Who Am I? (1998) and Police Story 4 First Strike, as well as feature Push (2007) directed by Paul McGuigan.
Contact:
Chan Si Kan
Tel:(852)61974660
Add:15A03, No.18, Lane 39, Chang Bei Road, Shanghai
Postcode:200443
Tel:021-33874283
Email:secondchan@yahoo.com
