After years as a co-investor or distributor, Korean major, CJ Entertainment has begun production on its first fully financed picture.

Filming started this week on comedy The Greatest Expectation, by first time director Oh Sang-hoon. Production is handled through CJ's new production division, which is headed by Seok Dong-jun, senior vice president of film production and finance. Producer credit on the picture goes to Song Chang-Yong.

Edison Jeon, CJ's senior vice president of sales and acquisitions, said: 'We are experiencing a new level of involvement on the production side of movie making, which is something we have been working towards for some time.'

Written by Lee Won-hyung The Greatest Expectation is a crime caper about the accidental death of a big-shot businessman, and has tinges of romantic comedy. It features stars Yim Chang-Jung and Kim Sun-Ah.

CJ, which is Korea's largest exhibitor and one of the country's leading distributors, is currently enjoying the fruits of My Tutor Friend which has already grossed more than $25m. The company is forecasting similar success for Memories Of Murder, a thriller which currently tops the box office.