Oriental Movie Metropolis
Oriental Movie Metropolis is an upcoming major Chinese studio, combining film and television production and a theme park. The Metropolis has been funded by Wang Jianlin, China's wealthiest man and head of the Dalian Wanda Group. The Metropolis is based in Qingdao, China.[1] Plans call for it to have the world's largest studio pavilion (10,000 square meters) including a permanent underwater stage.[2]
Background
In May 2012, the Wanda Group bought the AMC Theaters for $2.6 billion.[3] Overall, the Wanda Group is investing $4.9 billion to build the studios and the recreational activities.[4]
Description
The studio is planned to be fully operational in August 2018[5] It will cover 376 hectares. The Oriental Movie Metropolis will also be the home for a celebrity wax museum, a film museum, an Imax research lab, and movie theaters. The Metropolis will have its own international film festival.[1]
130 films are planned for production each year, including 30 foreign movies.[4]
The goal of the Oriental Movie Metropolis is to become an industry powerhouse.[6] According to Wang Jianlin, China's film box office revenue will surpass North America's by 2018 and double it by 2023.[7]
Grand opening
A handful of movie stars and executives from the film industry attended the grand opening of the Metropolis on September 22, 2013, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Christoph Waltz, Kate Beckinsale, Ewan McGregor, John Travolta, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Harvey Weinstein, Rob Friedman, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Zhang Ziyi, Jet Li, Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, Huang Xiaoming, and Zhao Wei, amongst others.[1][4]
References
- ^ a b c Mark Johanson, Introducing Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, China’s Plan To Outdo Hollywood, IBTimes, September 22, 2013
- ^ http://rt.com/business/movie-metropolis-china-film-250/
- ^ Zachary R. Mider, China’s Wanda to Buy AMC Cinema Chain for $2.6 Billion, Bloomberg, May 21, 2012
- ^ a b c Patrick Frater, China’s Wanda Unveils Global Domination Plans, Variety, September 22, 2013
- ^ [1], "Bloomberg", January 28, 2016
- ^ Russell Flannery, China's Richest Man Makes $8 Bln Statement Of Ambition For Global Film Industry Clout, Forbes, September 22, 2013
- ^ Keith Bradsher, Chinese Titan Takes Aim at Hollywood, NYTimes, September 22, 2013