As part of the Pusan International Film Festival's Asian Film Market, Star Summit Asia has selected 14 actors to participate in the second year of the talent showcase (Oct 8 -11).

Launched last year with the aim of invigorating pan-Asian co-productions by supporting talent management and actor exchanges, the Summit incorporates Curtain Call, which presents established stars from across Asia, and Casting Board, a showcase for Asia's up-and-coming actors.

Curtain Call stars are selected on the basis of their overall career achievements, their achievement and/or potential in international co-productions, with the condition that their most recent films are being screened at PIFF or the Asian Film Market.

This year's six Curtain Call actors include Ananda Everingham from Thailand, Yu Nan from China and Zo In-sung from Korea (see full list below).

Casting Board stars are selected upon recommendations from PIFF and Asian Film Market selection committee members and participating talent management companies, based on their potential to rise onto the international stage. This year's eight up-and-coming actors include Baek Sung-hyun from Korea, Sei Ashina from Japan and Tong Dawei from China.

Star Summit Asia stated: 'Curtain Call and Casting Board participants will share their experiences and visions and enjoy unrestricted exposure to international media and industry professionals through various programmes including press conferences, special screenings, official parties, showcases and press interviews.'

In cooperation with Co-production PRO, Pusan's new initiative to support pan-Asian co-productions, the Summit will also hold seminars with panels of casting directors active in Hollywood.

Co-production PRO will also name the Star Summit Asia participant with the most talent and co-production potential as 'Co-production PRO Member's Choice'.

Also, for the first time this year, Screen International as Star Summit Asia's media partner will present the 'Screen International Star Summit Asia Award for Best New Actor 2007' to the one Casting Board participant who is seen to have the greatest potential to attract audiences and film financing in the pan-Asian film industry and to promote Asian cinema at an international level.

The jury will comprise international film critics and senior Screen International editors.

Curtain Call - actor / country / film screening at Pusan

John CHO (US) West 32nd

Ananda EVERINGHAM (Thailand) Pleasure Factory

Tatsuya FUJIWARA (Japan) Death Note: The Last Name

LIM Soo-jung (Korea) Happiness

YU Nan (China) Tuya's Marriage

ZO In-sung (Korea) A Dirty Carnival

Casting Board - actor / country / agency

Sei ASHINA (Japan, HoriPro)

BAEK Sung-hyun (Korea, Star-K Entertainment)

KIM Ki- bum (Korea, SM Entertainment)

KIM Jae-seung (Korea, Yedang Entertainment)

Haruma MIURA (Japan, Amuse)

Sa Hee (Korea, Oracle Entertainment)

TONG Da-wei (China, Cheng-Tian)

YANG Jin-woo (Korea, Sidus HQ)

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