Fortissimo Films and Wong Kar Wai’s Jet Tone Films have announced that Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner has boarded Wong’s The Grandmasters as associate producer.
Fortissimo will also handle select territories on the film retained by Jet Tone, including Japan, Korea and India, amongst others.
The deal expands the long-term relationship between Jet Tone and Fortissimo which has sold several of Wong’s previous films.
Jet Tone’s Jacky Pang Yee Wah and Werner also announced that Fortissimo’s deal to handle films in the Jet Tone library, such as Chungking Express, Fallen Angels and Ashes Of Time Redux, has been expanded and extended.
In his role as associate producer Werner will work closely with Pang to advise on the worldwide roll-out marketing and release strategy for The Grandmasters.
“We have always seen Michael as a member of our team and we are very happy to have him physically on board The Grandmasters utilising his background and knowledge of Asian cinema and his expertise in international sales, marketing and distribution,” said Pang.
Starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Ziyi Zhang and Chang Chen, the $25m martial arts picture is currently shooting in China. Hong Kong-based Mei Ah Entertainment previously acquired a slew of South-East Asian rights to the film, including TV and home entertainment rights in Hong Kong. Sil-Metropole, one of the investors in the film, has Hong Kong theatrical rights.
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