Zhang Ziyi, National Geographic, And Flower

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.

So Ji Sub, Zhang Ziyi, Peter Ho, OST, And Sophie's Revenge

Check out the above OST from the new Zhang ZiYi film Sophie's Revenge.

Zhang Ziyi And The Horsemen

I think this'll be interesting just to see how Zhang is going to be in the role - so far I like the style of the film - but Dennis Quaid?

Guess I'll just have to wait and see this summer.

If No One Was Listening: Zhang Ziyi

h/t Disgrasian

Lost For Words: Zhang Ziyi Goes Hugh Grant And I'll Be There To Watch It

I can't help it I'm drawn to these types of movies.

Sure, you can say I have no taste and depending when you call me on it I might actually agree - especially if this was the only type of movie I actually liked, but since it's not - I can just chalk it up to loving different genres of film.

And since - don't we all need a little romantic comedy in our lives? Don't we all love Zhang Ziyi? And Hugh Grant too (for the most part)?

Exactly. It's like a match made in heaven.

Kind of.

For the most part.

You know what I mean.

Reasons why I'm going to see it when it comes out - which is a ways away since the news is that it'll be shooting in September:

1. Zhang Ziyi
2. Hugh Grant
3. Romantic Comedy
4. My Wife Is A Gangster 3 (you can figure out that one yourself)
5. Curiosity in seeing if an aging Grant will actually be convincing in sweeping a too-good-for-him Zhang off her feet even in make-believe land.
6. If that cheeky girl from Love Actually can play opposite Hugh, why shouldn't Zhang get a crack at him?

I was going to do a list to ten, but really - that's all I could come up with.

* H/T channelAPA *

Hollywood sets to launch $285 million Asian film fund

According to information down at the International Herald Tribune, The Weinstein Company has initiated a fund that will directly invest in Asian-themed projects. While it is still unclear whether or not all the money has been raised and there is only limited information available, apparently some high-profile names have signed on already including:

• Zhang Ziyi who is signed on for Mulan and The Seven Samurai
• Tony Jaa for a yet to be titlted movie
• Andrew Lau and Tony Krantz
• Quentin Tarantino, who will help manage the Dragon Dynasty label of 10 movies released on DVD.