DEAL TO MAKE CHENG HO TV SERIES
Trillion Group entrusted to co-produce programme that may cost RM178m
MALAYSIA’S Trillion Film Group Ltd and Trillion Production have been entrusted by China International Culture and Artistic Centre to co-produce the Cheng Ho television series that is expected to cost around RM178 million.
The series, featuring biographical details of historial figure Cheng Ho, will be the first ever Malaysia-China large-scale epic series made since the establishment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago.
Trillion Film chief executive officer Ken Yuen said the partnership would strengthen bilateral relations between China and Malaysia. It is the first Asean country to establish diplomatic ties with China and among the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.
A memorandum of understanding was inked, here, last week between Trillion Film Group and counterparts from China.
“Cheng Ho’s expedition to Malaysia took place some 600 years ago but his story is still relevant today,” said Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen.
“When Cheng Ho came here with 200 ships and over a manpower of 20,000, he could’ve come to conquer our land, but he didn’t do that. He came here looking for trade and friendship. I think this concept of peace is still important to talk about today,” he added.
Yuen said the Cheng Ho series would air in 2021 with a total of 36 episodes.
About 60 per cent of the series will be filmed in Malaysia, particularly in Melaka and Johor Baru.
The rest of the series would be filmed in China, most likely in Hainan, said Yuen, adding that it reflected the strong bond between Malaysia and China.
Filming is expected to span eight months and will comprise cast and crew members from both countries.