Jackie Chan, China’s BaseFX making ‘Wish Dragon’ for Sony Animation
HONG KONG: Jackie Chan is making an animated feature for Sony Animation.
Production is now under way on Wish Dragon, a major animated feature being made in China for Sony’s Columbia Pictures Film Production.
The film is a first feature for Base Animation, the new animation studio that is part of Beijing-based VFX firm BaseFX, and for Jackie.
Jackie’s Sparkle Roll Media is a producer and co-investor, and Chan will voice characters in both the Chinese-and English language version soft he finished picture.
The family-oriented film is being directed by Chris Appelhans (illustrator on “Coraline”) from his own original screenplay.
The modern- day fairy tale picks up the moral challenges that emerge from the encounter between a boy and a dragon who is able to make wishes come true.
Most of the production is focused at Base’s new animation studio in Xiamen, southern China. The movie is targeting a 2019 cinematic release in China.
The US voice cast includes Fresh off the Boat star Constance Wu, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Jimmy Wong and Bobby Lee, alongside Chan.
“Our goal in developing the project and building the Xiamen studio was to make world class animation in China for China… and the world,” said producer, and Base principal Chris Bremble.
“From the start, Chris Appelhans wanted the fi lm made in China, with a strong Mainland China creative team, an international cast of talent, and a focus on the hopes and dreams of contemporary China.”
Wish Dragon marks a new focus on animated content for Sparkle Roll Media. Animation has been the fastest growing segment of the Chinese box office as local animated productions improving their creativity, craftsmanship, and technology. The company, is affi liated to state- owned Cultural Investment Holdings, and has some ten years’ experience of operating Jackie Chan-related brands.