At film expo, director Wong Jing lectures web streaming firms
After listening to presentations by executives from iQiyi and Qi Shu Youyu, an enraged Wong Jing accused the platforms of streaming Hong Kong movies without permission.
HONG KONG: Multi- accolade director Wong Jing has accused web streaming companies of using Hong Kong movies without permission.
The tirade came during a discussion of intellectual property rights during the Hong Kong FilMart.
Top executives from Chinese video streaming sites were present as part of the panel discussion.
After listening to presentations by executives from iQiyi and Qi Shu Youyu, an enraged Wong Jing accused the platforms of streaming Hong Kong movies without permission.
Jaws dropped among members of the audience during the panel discussion. It was an awkward situation, but some applauded Wong’s no-holds-barred criticism.
Notably, a Wong Jing-founded company is providing hits to pay TV outlets for streaming. Streaming rights that have been sold include those for the From Vegas to Macau trilogy and Chasing the Dragon starring Donnie Yen and Andy Lau.
It has been reported that Asian TV operator Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE) and film studio Mega-Vision Project Workshop ( MVPW) have renewed their exclusive multiyear output deal.
Wong Jing’s blockbuster comedy franchise From Vegas to Macau had grossed over US$ 470 million in China and Hong Kong, and the crime thriller Chasing the Dragon, starring Donnie Yen and Andy Lau, had raked in US$ 87 million in China.
CTE, a joint venture of Saban Capital Group, Celestial Pictures and Lionsgate, runs the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels for Asia entertainment. Apart from MVPW, CTE has deals with Hong Kong film companies Distribution Workshop, Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia and Universe Entertainment.