Los Angeles, CA – February 23, 2018 –
“Chinese Director Tan Bing Lifts The Lid On Bai Ling Drama & Future of Chinese Film Business – Berlin,” reports Peter White, Deadline.
TriCoast Worldwide has brought Director Tan Bing’s new Chinese murder-mystery thriller, ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’, to Berlinale 2018 with worldwide entertainment platforms spotlighting Bing’s choice to feature the controversial Chinese-American actress, Bai Ling.
Produced by Jiang Xiao Yu in association with Shandong Cienyuan Culture Media Company, ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ follows a young policeman and local bartender (Bai Ling) on their discovery of a local painter’s mangled body found in a bathtub.
As the two become enthralled by the mysterious murder and desire to solve the crime, the two get caught in the middle of a dangerous police investigation full of secrets, scandals, and sudden plot twists.
Bing said, “I happened to know a painter a couple of years ago. This guy got famous by drawing dead people. I was inspired by his story and had the urge to do this. After years of preparation, I finally made a film, which describes a painter, who had to make a choice between life and death, drew himself and his lover into deep waters,” wrote White, citing Bing’s inspiration for ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’.
Ling began her early career with Chinese films until her first major American role in ‘The Crow’, with following work alongside prestigious filmmakers including, Oliver Stone (‘Nixon’), Spike Lee (‘She Hates Me’), and George Lucas (‘Star Wars III’). ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ will be Ling’s first Chinese feature since she was banned from the country for openly criticizing government officials.
“Bing says that it was a “dream” to work with Ling. However, he said he wasn’t worried about her controversial past. “There was a moment when she caused a controversy, but that was long time ago. It is wide open in China now, and she has done many movies in China. Her talent has been well recognized and accepted by Chinese and international audiences,” wrote White.
White and Nancy Taraglione featured ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ in Deadline’s “Hot 2018 Berlin Titles: What Buyers Are Buzzing About At The EFM”.
David Hudson from The Criterion Collection featured the film as a “hot” Berlin title, citing, “From Deadline: ‘Entourage’ and ‘Lost’ star Bai Ling is back and set to star in Chinese murder mystery ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ — her first Chinese feature since she was banned from the country for openly criticizing government officials.” Ling will play a bartender who teams up with a young policeman to investigate the murder of an artist.”
Entertainment headlines have captured the Chinese-film breakout in Hollywood’s box office, resulting in growing opportunities for Chinese directors and successful collaborations between the Western and Chinese cultures. White emphasized China’s rapidly growing box office, citing reports of its 35% growth over the last five years.
Bing said, “Since the economy beefs up in China, our filmmakers have more and more opportunities to get the budgets to make movies. I believe, in the next ten years, Chinese films will be advancing in leaps and bounds, and also a wider variety of movies will thrive. Chinese films will move up to a higher position and win more respect,” wrote White.
Photo: Director Tan Bing.
Though, Bing weighed in with improvements for Chinese films, saying, “In order to let more audiences from more countries to watch Chinese films, our filmmakers still need to keep trying hard. Obviously, we have a long way to go,” reported White.
White concluded with Bing’s upcoming project about China’s high-speed rail network. With hopes to start shooting later this year, Hollywood can continue to expect big things from Chinese director Tan Bing.
Next to Bai Ling’s daring performance, ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ stars a talented cast, including Xuan Miao (‘China Salesman’), Tao Hong (‘Life Show’, ‘Death Dowry’), and Zhao Yan Guo Zhang (‘Cool Young’, ‘The Emperor and The Assassin’). Watch ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ trailer here: https://vimeo.com/240219225.
TriCoast Worldwide is representing Bing’s ‘THE FATAL CONTRACT’ at EFM’s Berlinale 2018 as well as Bing’s $20 million USD action-packed film, ‘CHINA SALESMAN’, featuring the highly anticipated fight scene between Aikido sensation, Steven Seagal and former heavyweight champ, Mike Tyson.
Special thanks: Peter White, Deadline
Produced by: Jiang Xiao Yu.
In association with: Shandong Cienyuan Culture Media Company.
About TriCoast Worldwide:
TriCoast Worldwide is a premium international sales agent, representing the best of US and international films at all the major film markets. Sister company to TriCoast Entertainment and TriCoast Studios, the company is located at the Studio facility in Culver City, Los Angeles.
Founded by: Strathford Hamilton and Marcy Levitas Hamilton.
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