Tomson International Entertainment Distribution, the new outfit established by veteran producer Hsu Feng, has entered into first-look deals with John Woo and Terence Chang’s Lion Rock Productions, and Abundance Pictures, established by Chang and Laura Fu.

The two deals enable Tomson to have a first look at distribution rights for Hong and Taiwan to projects initiated by the two companies, as well as first negotiation rights for other Asian territories. Tomson has agreed to take no less than four titles a year. Woo’s upcoming Flying Tigers project is not included in the deals.

Abundance is a new company established by Chang and Fu, a producer based between Hong Kong and Beijing, to produce projects from hot up-and-coming directors. A renowned actress in the 1970s and 1980s, Hsu Feng produced films such as Chen Kaige’s Farewell To My Concubine and Yim Ho’s Red Dust in the 1990s.

“We are excited that we share a similar vision in the entertainment business with John, Terence and Laura and I look forward to a meaningful and successful collaboration in various areas with the team,” said Tomson senior vice-president & general manager Yvonne Chuang.

Chang added: “I have long admired the achievements of Hsu Feng as an actress and producer. Her Tomson Films has produced some of the best Chinese-language films in history. It is an honour to be associated with Tomson and hopefully more quality films will come out from this alliance.”

In addition to the first-look deals with Chang, Tomson is also co-producing Tom Lin’s Starry Starry Night with Beijing-based Huayi Brothers and Taiwan’s Atom Cinema. To be executive produced by Chen Kuo-fu, the film is based on a picture book by Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao. Lin previously directed Taiwanese youth drama Winds Of September.

Tomson has also acquired Hong Kong rights to three movies which it plans to release later this year and 2012, including JC Chandor’s Margin Call, Stephen Sommers’ Odd Thomas and Hilary Brougher’s Innocence.

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