Hong Kong 's Hippopotamus Films has concluded a financing deal with Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), which will help arrange gap finance on its upcoming martial arts drama Wushu.

SCB has pledged to lend up to 25% of the required funds for the $1.5m film once pre-conditions are met. The bank is also looking at providing further funds from any pre-sales against the film, which is being represented by Golden Network Asia.

Wushu producer Colette Koo is also in final negotiations for private equity and is working with major brands for commercial tie-in deals. Antony Szeto will direct the contemporary coming-of-age martial arts story, set to star award-winning martial arts graduate Wang Wenjie.