Zhang Yimou shares VR vision with SoReal, Levono

By Zhang Rui: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, November 17, 2016

Director Zhang Yimou (L-4), actor Zhang Guoli (L-5), singer Sha Baoliang (R-4), Danghong Qitian CEO Qi Xiao (L-3), Lenovo Group CEO Yang Yuanqing (R-3) and other executives pose for photo on the stage at a press conference held in Beijing to announce the VR alliance between Danghong Qitian and Lenovo, Nov. 15, 2016. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Chinese film director Zhang Yimou's business ambitions are taking one step further into the world of virtual reality technology through his collaboration with Danghong Qitian and China's computer giant Lenovo.

"I believe the VR technology will change people's lives," Zhang said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, admitting he is a fan of the British television anthology "Black Mirror" exploring the relationship between humans and new technologies.

The director said visual technology like movies, television and now the VR has always led the entertainment revolution. "I became very interested in the vision for the future as I'm also a visual worker," he added.

Zhang is also planning to produce some promotional VR programs for his new film "The Great Wall."

He announced his collaboration with Danghong Qitian, a company specializing in VR-related entertainment ecology, to create a new brand called SoReal in Beijing as early as last March. Now, Lenovo Group has been brought in as the biggest investor.

He Zhiqiang, senior vice president of Lenovo Group and president of Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group, said Danghong Qitian's technology and business plan impressed him, so he decided to cooperate with its founder, Qi Xiao.

Qi and his partners were involved in many landmark projects including the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony in 2008 and several films such as "Mojin: The Lost Legend."

He now hopes to make SoReal into a new leading cultural symbol and brand in China and in the world in the developing era of the virtual reality, a vision shared by Zhang and other collaborators. The brand currently already has some entertainment experience outlets in Beijing and plan to open more in Macao, Taiwan and other countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the United States.

Lenovo Group CEO Yang Yuanqing said VR is an indispensable part of the new era of smart and mobile internet. "This technology will form an industry to break through and connect hardware, software and services, and bring an ultimate experience to users."

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