A consortium of three South Korean effects houses - Macrograph Inc, Digital Tetra Inc (DTI) and Footage - has been assembled specifically to work on the big-budget action epic. It marks the first time that a non-Korean film of this scale, with complex special effects requirements, will undergo post-production work in the territory.
Korea has seen a rapid expansion of its special effects capabilities in recent years producing CGI-laden monster movies such as D-War and The Host, using a combination of local and US expertise.
'For a film that has crossed so many boundaries and set numerous precedents, it was only fitting to have a top-notch Korean visual effects team come on board,' said the film's producer Casey Silver. 'We've been fortunate to assemble the best and brightest from Macrograph, DTI and Footage, and I believe they will bring the film to another level.'
The Forbidden Kingdom filmed for 17 weeks at various locations in China including Anji, Dunhuang, Fangyan, Xianju, Wuyi Mountain and Hengdian World Studios.
Directed by Rob Minkoff, the film is produced by Casey Silver Productions in association with Relativity Media and co-produced by Beijing-based Huayi Brothers. The cast also includes Michael Angarano, Collin Chou and Chinese actresses Liu Yifei and Li Bingbing.
Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company will co-release the film in the US in spring 2008 and are also splitting distribution in select international territories. Lionsgate UK will self-distribute the film in the UK; The Weinstein Company will handle distribution in Spain, France and Latin America, and Relativity Media is handling sales in other territories.
No comments yet