THERE seems to be much activity in the Wong Kar-wai camp these days as things get moving on his new film 2046.
Not least the budget, which looks likely to shoot to astronomical heights if the avant-garde director has his way.
Wong has reportedly signed on Japanese pop idol and Long Vacation star Takuya Kimura for a fat salary, and is now approaching none other than Seven Years In Tibet star Brad Pitt.
The movie will have plenty of star appeal, also featuring Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Rosamund Kwan Tsz-lam, but costs are said to be already at $200 million. How much more Pitt will add to that is anyone's guess.
Big in Japan WHILE Hong Kong girls have been swooning over Japanese heart-throbs, it is good to see some of Hong Kong's stars have been making headway in Japan.
The country has always been a strong market for Jackie Chan and lately Faye Wong has also been launched there quite successfully. But two names have also been quietly building a Japanese fan base by doing television work: Kelly Chen Wai-lam and Tsui Yeok-tung.
The latter's television series Semi-Double has been doing well and Tsui is planning to stay on and develop a career there.
