Director Hu Mei (photo:
sina.com.cn)
The year-long talent show to cast the TV series remake, "A Dream
of Red Mansions," ended in June with two main actresses emerging
and the leading actor role vacant. Now, three months later, the
buzz surrounding the production is still going on.
One of China's most talented female Director Hu Mei, who had
been slated to remake the ancient drama, declared Saturday she
would not join the production, according to The Beijing
Times.
"I'm disappointed at the cast members selected from the show.
They do not fit the roles. I have left the production, and my
company will shoot another 'Red Mansions' independently," Hu Mei
told the press.
Hu said she will stick to her principles and choose professional
actors for her series, which is scheduled to start shooting next
year.
However, Hualu Baina Company, one of the producers, said the
split with the director will not derail their original plan.
The three producers include China Film Group, Beijing Television
Station, and Hualu Baina. Hualu Baina's president Luo Liping told
the Oriental Morning Post that they have obtained a
shooting license for their upcoming "Red Mansions" version. "The
50-episode TV series is set to start shooting at the end of next
year. The talent-show competitors will form the entire cast, which
will receive a training course in October next year", Luo said.
Luo also confirms another renowned female director, Li Shaohong,
will succeed Hu Mei. But Li Shaodong told the press that she is
still considering whether her timing would be proper to take over
the the job.
(CRI.cn September 17, 2007)
