DreamWorks to make bestseller Tibet Code into film

By Zhang Rui: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, April 20, 2013

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DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation will partner with China Film Group Corp to make the bestselling Chinese epic "Tibet Code" into a movie, Jeffrey Katzenberg announced Friday during the 3rd Beijing International Film Festival.

Katzenberg, the chief executive of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.signedan agreement with Han Sanping, the chairman of China Film Group Corp; Li Ruigang, the CEO of Oriental DreamWorks; Wang Guowei, National Film Capital's president to make a movie series of the Tibet Code.

According to Han and Katzenberg, the film will be shot in China and use Chinese actors. The series will become an oriental Indiana Jones-type of adventure movies.

"Tibet Code has all the makings of a world-class, quality, blockbuster franchise. I feel it will become China's Indiana Jones," Katzenberg said at the press conference.

The Tibet Code, by Chinese writer He Ma, is one of the most popular works of Chinese fiction inrecent times. The book follows the story of an expert on the Tibetan mastiff, searching for ancient Buddhist treasure with his team.

The book is based on the events of 839 AD, when Lang Darma ascended to the Tibetan throne and began to persecute Buddhists, destroying many Buddhist artifacts, including the sacred Pagbala Temple. With it supposedly went all of the treasures hidden below the palace in a secret crypt. They have never been recovered andhave been the subject for many treasure hunters throughout history, including Hitler.

The bestseller book series have published 10 volumes and sold 5 million copies thus far.

"When I read the books I thought 'wow! This is just a blockbuster story,' " Katzenberg said. As he explained, it was Han Sanping who recommended the book to him.

Katzenberg said he felt that it is a great story and has great characters, which can easily appeal to international audiences, so he decided to take Oriental DreamWorks, Katzenberg's China venture, andcollaborate with China Film Group Corp and National Film Capital to co-produce the film. Now they are seeking directors and scriptwriters from all over the world.

Han Sanping, the chairman of China Film Group Corp,said it is a vehicle to portray "Chinese values" to the world as well as its history, culture and landscape.

"This story is about various Chinese heroes' exploration, expedition and seeking history's roots. The characters represent traditional Chinese culture and Chinese morality. We will collaborate with Mr. Katzenberg and his DreamWorks Animation to use high definition technology and the most advanced digital technology to producethe film," Han said.

"It will be the perfect combination of content and form," he added.

Han Sanping has great confidence in the film, noting that the Chinese party will oversee the overall content and will select famous Chinese and American directors to co-direct the film.

The first installment of the Tibet Code series will likely be released in 2015. In additionthe movie project, the three parties will collaborate on a Tibet Code theme park.

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