Filming has begun for a 180-episode sitcom that aims to chronicle the lives of everyday people as the Olympics makes its way to Beijing.

Cast members, including entertainers Lin Yilun and Qu Ying and talk show host Liu Yiwei, began working on Monday on a set near the Bird's Nest Olympic venue in northern Beijing, Web portal Sohu.com reported.

Cast members Lin Yilun (L) and Liu Yiwei are seen in a recent photo filming "Olympics in My Home," a sitcom that aims to chronicle the lives of everyday people as the Olympics makes its way to Beijing. (photo: bjd.com.cn)

The show, "Olympics in My Home," revolves around a group of urban people living in the same neighborhood. As the story develops, various stars are set to make guest appearance on the show. The stars include several Olympic champions, Andy Lau, Jackie Chan, and Zhang Yimou, the director of the opening ceremony of the upcoming Olympics.

The comedy will begin airing nationwide on February 28, as filming continues simultaneously, the report says.

Its running time will span until the end of the Games in late August. When the Games open on August 8, the show will shift its focus to highlighting each day's competitions.

(CRI January 23, 2008)