Beijing-based film distributor Polybona Film Distribution has established an artist management wing - Polybona Artist Management - with actress Huang Yi as one of its first signings.

Huang stars in the current hit release Brothers, a gangster drama directed by Derek Chiu, and also starring Andy Lau and Eason Chan. Her next project is Yu Lik-wai's Plastic City.

The Polybona talent stable also includes actress Jiang Hongbo whose credits include Devils On The Doorstep and upcoming action epic Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon, which also stars Andy Lau and Maggie Q.

'Our biggest strength is in film distribution and investment and we hope that because of these connections we can arrange better opportunities for our artists,' said Polybona CEO Yu Dong.

'A lot of artists in China have plenty of opportunities in TV dramas but they actually hope to do more films,' Yu said. He added that Polybona Artist Management will seek more film opportunities for China's budding talent industry. So far, Huayi Bros and Chengtian Entertainment are the two local talent management firms with the most movie actors.

Polybona is one of the biggest private film distribution companies in China. Established in 1999, the company distributes around 18 Chinese and foreign films a year.

In 2007 Polybona invested in films such as Protege, Flash Point, Triangle and Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon. So far in 2007, Polybona has distributed 20 films with box office revenue nearing $53 million (RMB400m), according to Yu.

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