Screenwriter James V Hart will write Tiger 62 Media’s 3D action-adventure Chinese Odyssey that Rob Minkoff is directing.

Minkoff and his Tiger 62 partner Pietro Ventani are producing in partnership with the China Film Group and Beijing Galloping Horse Film & TV.

Shooting is schedule to commence in China at the start of 2011 and the project marks the first time a major US feature is being developed with Chinese financing.

Hart’s credits include Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Contact.

“To be able to work with him to fashion one of the great original Chinese legends into a grand adventure for the Western audience is a rare opportunity in today’s changing film industry and I am thrilled to be part of this project,” Hart said.

“I’ve been a fan of Jim’s work for a long time and am thrilled to finally have the opportunity to work together on this exciting project,” Minkoff, who previously directed The Lion King, added.

Hart is currently in production on his first animated feature, The Legend Of The Leafmen.