Arclight opens China office

The office will focus on film and television sales rights for China and all Asian territories and new acquisitions, and act as liaison between Chinese films, productions and co-productions.

Tong is a graduate of the NYU Film School and Beijing Film Academy and has worked extensively with major names in China, from Jackie Chan to Stanley Tong, Stephen Chow and Andy Lau.

He played an instrumental role in the success of Chinese productions and co-productions including China’s first 3D Stereoscopic animated feature Legend Of A Rabbit, which was distributed to more than 80 territories and won a number of Chinese animation awards.

Arclight Films handled world sales on Bait 3D, which in 2012 became the number one grossing Australian film in China on $30m.

Hamilton and his team have represented The Assassins [pictured] starring Chow Yun Fat, Dangerous Liaisons with Zhang Ziyi, Badges Of Fury starring Jet Li and the upcoming Donnie Yen vehicle Special ID.

“We are fully committed to expanding our operations in China to meet the industry’s increasing needs and demands in the region,” said Arclight managing director Gary Hamilton.

“Our library of Asian films under the Easternlight label is already the largest of any non Asian-based independent film sales company and is growing at an exponential rate. We are fortunate to have engaged Elliot Tong to run the new Beijing office.”

“Chinese films from Hong Kong have long been a special favorite among many buyers in the region, but we have witnessed enormous growth in artistic and commercial quality films coming from the Mainland in recent years,” said Tong.

“Arclight Films has been riding on the forefront of bringing these great films to international audiences as well as having real knowledge of how to co-produce with China. I am so thrilled to come aboard the Arclight Films team at such an exciting time.”