Movie makers struggle to find mainland locations
Finding locations for large-scale movies can be a headache for filmmakers because of environmental issues, unless there is government support.
Speaking at the Global Chinese Film Finance and Management Forum, a veteran producer and John Woo's long-time associate, Terence Chang, admitted that environmental protection was a big problem when searching for the right locations for Woo's upcoming mainland co-production, Battle of Red Cliff.
It is the most expensive Chinese-language film made and will be launched as part of the pre-Olympics promotion of China.
Chang said the US$50 million film, based on events that took place during the era of the Three Kingdoms (around 208 AD), would feature battles on water.
Chang said the crew had been to 14 provinces seeking a location.
'Initially we planned to film at a reservoir, but we can't use reservoirs for drinking water. Luckily, we found one for irrigation purposes in Hebei province ,' he said.
Filmmakers have in the past been criticised for allegedly harming the environment, with the crew of Chen Kaige's fantasy epic The Promise accused of damaging a scenic spot in Yunnan by not cleaning up after filming.
'But this film has a lot of government support and they have high regard for the film, demanding we release it before the Olympics. Thus it was more convenient when looking for suitable filming locations,' Chang said.
Chang said that while banks in Hong Kong had only just begun to show interest in investing in movies, such financing was well established overseas.
