Xinhua Media Entertainment (XME), a subsidiary of Chinese media group XFMedia, has announced a slate of five China-US co-productions to be made over the next three years.

The slate, which aims to showcase Chinese culture and top talents through collaboration with US directors, writers and producers, includes the previously announced live-action version of Chinese classic Mulan and four thrillers.

All the projects will be made as official co-productions between Chinese companies, including China Film Group Corporation, and producers in the US.

Among the leading US producers attached to the slate are Casey Silver, who produced The Forbidden Kingdom with XME managing director David Lee; Jon Shestack (Air Force One), Matthew Rhodes (Southland Tales) and Steve Waterman (Casper, Alvin And The Chipmunks).

All films will be produced in accordance with the requirements ofChinese regulators including the State Administration Radio Film and Television (SARFT).

'We are thrilled to announce our film slate, which differentiates us from our competitors as each film has the potential to become a global blockbuster. This is consistent with our focus on expanding our sports and entertainment programming,' said Fredy Bush, CEO of XFMedia.

XME managing director David Lee said: 'We want to show the mainstream global audience that the Chinese film industry can do more than just period martial art films.'

The slate includes:

Bullet Run - an international action thriller from producers Jon Shestack (Air Force One, Firewall), Max Wong and Karen Firestone, to be shot in exotic and never-before-seen Chinese locations.

The Cage - a martial arts action thriller from producer Casey Silver and writer John Fusco who previously teamed on The Forbidden Kingdom.

The Hunted - a suspense thriller from producer Steve Squillante (Shanghai), action and thriller director David R. Ellis (Snakes On A Plane, Cellular) and veteran suspense writers The Hayes Brothers (Whiteout, The Reaping), which will be the first ever China-US co-production shot in 3D.

High Stakes - a high-concept action thriller from producers Matthew Rhodes (Southland Tales), Keri Selig (The Stepford Wives) and Kia Jam (Lucky Number Slevin) to be filmed in Las Vegas, Macau and the Guangdong region.

Mulan - a live-action epic based on the Chinese classic tale, from producer Steve Waterman (Casper, Alvin And The Chipmunks) to be shot entirely in China.

Arclight Films' Easternlight label is handling international sales on Mulan which XME is co-producing with China Film and Canada's Movie Plus.

XFMedia, the parent company of XME which has interests spanning broadcast, print and advertising, is headquartered in Beijing and has offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

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