For those of you looking for some Zhang Ziyi news - and even if you're not you really are - apparently I can help - even if the news is from a little earlier in the month (because that's the just the way I roll):
Worldscreen.com
National Geographic Channel in Asia is set to premiere a new travel series featuring Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, known for her roles in House of Flying Daggers and Memoirs of a Geisha. Zhang Ziyi Travel Series premieres on National Geographic Channel in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan on November 14. It sees the movie star journeying through Oman and Inner Mongolia with the help of local guides and famous friends such as photographer Yu Tsai. The show was originally created by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, which is co-producing it with Nat Geo, and puts a spotlight on local people as they protect their heritage, culture, history, music, art and environment. Ziyi is the global brand ambassador for the Shangri-La. "National Geographic Channel and Shangri-La share a commitment to showcasing and preserving the natural beauty of the world," said Choylin Mok, supervising producer at National Geographic Channel Asia. "This unique documentary series is a result of this joint aim. In these documentaries, Ziyi is more of a central character than a traditional host by opening her heart as she takes us from glittering metropolises to the very edge of the world."The Hollywood Reporter
Although it would be Zhang's second feature as producer, "Flower" would be the first in partnership with Murdoch, the China-born wife of News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch. Sloan, who is Malaysian-Chinese, is married to MGM chairman Harry Sloan. The nascent partnership appears to have Zhang -- perhaps China's most exportable female star -- following the practice of big Hollywood talent: establishing her own production company to pull in projects for herself and control a greater share of revenue.
The "Snow Flower" script, based on the novel by Lisa See, was penned by Wang and screenwriter Michael Ray, collaborators on Wang's 2007 film "The Princess of Nebraska." Shooting is expected to begin early next year in China. "My greatest hope -- and belief -- is that the film will be very true to the original story, while at the same time embracing Wayne Wang's vision," See said in an e-mail from Los Angeles. "I am aware -- as are we all -- that books and movies have very different needs and requirements to make them successful, so I really look forward to seeing the film. I'm really excited about it!"
Zhang is coming off a Chinese boxofffice success with the contemporary urban romantic comedy "Sophie's Revenge," her first film as producer.
