Even National Geographic has to use a few tricks to break into the Chinese market (maybe because Chinese National Geography has so much better pictures?). The Chinese version has launched a new section featuring celebrity photography of places around the world. Actor Hu Ge (Chinese Paladin, Legend of Condor Heroes, Young Warriors of the Yang Clan), being one of the best celeb photographers around, was invited to showcase his photos during his trip to Egypt earlier this year. Other than cute pictures of his best buds, a sample of Hu Ge’s photography since going to Egypt (aka his photography this year): (more…)
I bumped the list of nominations because the ceremony is today, and edited in the winners. This was a shocker because a certain film got shut out, winning none of its nominations. (Hint: it’s one of the above – both heavy favorites for the best picture award)
The whole thing was a lot more boring than last year, probably because the jury did not pick very big films, and completely had shut out Red Cliff 2 from nominations.
Although interestingly – this year was the first year purely Chinese films were allowed to compete. Before they had to be partially invested in by Taiwanese producers. And in a sign of better cross-strait relations China’s CCTV in tur broadcasted the awards.
That’s right! Two more singers are joining the December release bandwagon, and this time they’re of the zgf singer-songwriter variety, Hou Xian and Vae, probably China’s most popular. Vae, is a doctor-songwriter who had written and digitally released over 100 songs, and had gained a hardcore fanbase online before finally deciding to release an album last year.
For those of you who don’t know or don’t remember Vae from when I first posted on him, you can check out this song from his first album:
Usually there’s one or two hugs at a album release, but Yu Haoming’s release of his first album, “Hug” was filled with them, which made the whole affair very cute. It included those from Wei Chen and Zhu Zixiao, the supporting H2 of Meteor Shower, and from his two favorite girls – Zheng Shuang and Liu Xijun. Top Combine, whom he trained with in their early days was there to support him as well.
Going backwards from 2009, the the first 2009 Super Girl to release a MV was top 60 Luo Zhenhuan for her new EP. Zeng Yike will be the first to release her new album. See her album cover (with a sheep!) here. Meanwhile, Jiang Yingrong sings the new theme for Maybelline. You can hear the recorded version here, or you can watch the much superior live version:
Zhang Junning (L) and a supporting actor who I don't think is one of the six leads. (R) on the set of Chinese High School Musical
It’s not a joke. Disney has long been desperate to tap into China’s market, even going so far as to co-produce with China films like The Magic Gourd and The Forbidden Kingdom. Furthermore, Disney’s Chinese connections seem to be based in Shanghai, where a new themepark finally got the ok after years of Disney pushing for it. So perhaps it is not surprising that HSM, already popular in China, will be remade with funding from Shanghai-based megacorporations Hua Yi and SMG. The early reports said BOBO would be in this, and somehow, strangely, it changed to Zhang Junning who’s not even a actor under Hua Yi.
I wasn’t planning on posting on any dramas, but a new “photoshoot” of 33-year old actor Jing Dong was released and it’s not amazing, but it’s probably the first time he’s had one since he graduated Central Academy of Drama a decade ago. So to celebrate, how about a look at an obscure actor and an obscure drama? I need at least one representative of the many series, popular or not in China, that don’t get posted on outside of China and which I have no time to try to begin covering.
While Jing Dong’s acted extensively on stage, and doing bit parts in series, he’s never hit it big despite having leading man looks, and a rich deep voice. But recently he’s finally gotten lead roles, such as CCTV’s recent Te Shu Zheng Duo, but it’ll probably take a while before he actually achieves any fame.
Li Xijun and Yu Haoming on the set of Yu Haoming's new MV filming...not sure why, but they're so cute together
The bad news is that Xue Zhiqian‘s upcoming album is actually a compilation album. Which means Incomplete Song and My Athena are the only new tracks, whereas the 12 other tracks are old. But for him it’s probably better that he doesn’t put out all that effort into composing for an actual album.
Because there’s too many new releases and too much competition.
TC: Thanks Lu Hu...sorry you haven't gotten your own album yet. It's not our fault...we Love you dearly though. Ma Xueyang: Hey I composed a hit song for these guys too, don't look at me
Tian Yu/eeMedia really hit the jackpot when they signed on Superboy Lu Hu. Despite not having the best voice, he so far has composed hits for his fellow Wei Chen, Jiang Yingrong, and Zhang Jie, and has induced many members of the eeMedia family to also begin composing. Now for Top Combine’s comeback, he wrote their first single, “Qi Tian Da Cheng”, which alludes to the most internationally recognized of China’s Four Classics - Journey to the West, and the “Monkey King” choreography reflects that theme. In addition traditional Chinese instruments were used, such as the pipa.
Top Combine ‘s 1st Live Performance of new song “Qi Tian Da Cheng”
Lyrics below, and the original Journey to the West themesong for nostalgic reasons.
I knew I could count on GQ China! It went into its second issue by ditching the usual actors, instead opting for director Jiang Wenon its cover (nice pictures but there’s only 3) . His next project is the all-star, testosterone filled Let Bullets Fly.
GQ also did this photoshoot with Li Guangjie who has been getting more and more attention in China after doing few well-received roles ranging from military officials to doctors, and winning many “best actor” awards. He was also recently chosen by South Korea’s tourism board to do a commercial with Gao Yuanyuan, aimed at the Chinese market. Next he’ll be seen with rising actress Wang Luodan for “idol series” Du Lala’s Promotion, which just started production.
The photoshoot is supposed to convey a carefree “on-the-road” romance. Anyone recognize who the female model is? She’s gorgeous, and must be really tall since Li Guangjie is 1.83 m.
