Fox, STAR, Huayi Brothers line up China rom-com Hot Summer Days

Fruit Chan and veteran film-maker Paul Cheng are producing and shooting is underway in Beijing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong on the six intertwined stories that unfold during a summer of record-breaking temperatures.

Cinematographer and fashion photographer Wing Shya and screenwriter Tony Chan make their feature directorial debuts on the Chinese-language film, which will be released in early 2010 through Huayi Brothers in China and FIP everywhere else outside mainland China. STAR holds pay-TV rights throughout Asia excluding China.

Nicholas Tse, Daniel Wu, Rene Liu, Vivian Hsu, Barbie Hsu, Angelababy, Jing Boran, Duan Yihong, Fu Xinbo and Gordon Liu round out the key cast and the film-makers plan several special surprise cameos.

“We are very excited to be making our first Chinese film, Hot Summer Days,” FIP president Sanford Panitch said. “China is undoubtedly one of the most exciting markets in the world today and we hope this is just the beginning for Fox to make movies in the region.”

“We are thrilled to be part of this joint film production featuring the hottest talent across Greater China,” STAR director Daniel Cheung said. “As a media company that owns the largest contemporary Chinese movie library and two popular Chinese movie channels, STAR is a strong supporter of the Chinese film industry. Our participation in this film production is further testament of our commitment.”

Huayi Brothers president James Wang said: “Huayi Brothers highly values the partnership with Fox. We admire Fox’s courage and decision in going into a mainstream romantic comedy. With a superb story, high production values and star-studded cast from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Hot Summer Days will sure become the hottest movie for the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day period.”