Andy Lau’s Focus Films to Produce Hong Kong Hits

Originally Published: March 24, 2005

According to the The Hollywood Reporter, Focus Films, the Hong Kong film production and distribution company, is creating a joint venture with News Corp.’s Asian satellite broadcaster STAR to produce and distribute a package of six films by up-and-coming directors from across Hong Kong. It’s the first time such an deal has been attempted.

Making the announcement during the Asian TV and film trade show the Hong Kong Filmart, the companies said the films – which will come under the Focus: First Cuts banner – will be shot in high definition and aimed at HD theatrical distribution and home video release. STAR’s Chinese Movies Network will have the exclusive first-run broadcast rights in many parts of Asia.

Coming from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and China, the six films will start shooting in July of this year, with the first film due to premiere in October.

Andy Lau, who is considered one of Asia’s top actors and producers, is the head of the parent company Focus Group, which will oversee the films’ production. Lau is a veteran of big Asian films including House of Flying Daggers, the Infernal Affairs Trilogy and Fulltime Killer.