Film projects at risk due to Chan, Ko drug case

By Zhang Rui: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, August 22, 2014

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Taiwan-born actor Kai Ko (R) and Jaycee Chan, son of kungfu megastar Jackie Chan [File photo]

Four film projects will be affected by Jaycee Chan and Kai Ko's drug case, the 21st Century Business Herald reported.

The films are "The Monk" by Chinese director Chen Kaige, "Tiny Times 4" by writer-turned-director Guo Jingmin, "A Choo" by Kevin Ko and Peter Tsi and "Monster Hunt" by Raman Hui, co-director of "Shrek The Third." Jaycee Chan made a cameo appearance in "The Monk," while Ko is starring in the other three.

The Chinese 3D martial arts action film "The Monk" has an all-star cast including Aaron Kwok, Wang Baoqiang, Lin Chiling, Fan Wei, Wang Xueqi, Li Xuejian, Vannessa Wu, Jaycee Chan, Lam Suet and Danny Chan. The film, co-produced by New Classics Media and Columbia Pictures, is scheduled for release in summer 2015.

Sources close to New Classics Media told the 21st Century Business Herald that this film has many cameo appearances by several movie stars, including Chan. "The movie is still filming, so we don't think the drug case will affect it too much. In the post-production, we don't yet know how much time Jaycee Chan's role will still have, but New Classics Media will adjust it when looking at the following development of the case."

Since the movie is not finished filming, Jaycee Chan didn't have time to complete his role, and the production company will have to find a substitute.

The scandal involving kung fu megastar Jackie Chan's son is also a big setback in New Classics Media’s preparations for an Initial Public Offering.

Previously, singer Li Daimo's drug case caused a Zhejiang-listed company to lose 4.1 billion yuan in the stock market after his arrest. At the time, the company had just announced that they intended to acquire 20 percent of the operating company behind the popular Voice of China singing contest where Li becomes famous.

"A Choo," which is based on Giddens Ko's best-selling love story, is one of the most anticipated productions of 2014. Kai Ko played the leading role in the film alongside actress Ariel Lin. He previously starred in Giddens Ko's highest-grossing movie so far, "You Are the Apple of My Eye." "A Choo" is produced by Enlight Media and Star Ritz Productions Co. Ltd., and it is scheduled for an October 2014 release. As promotions for the film start, Kai Ko's absence from various press conferences, TV shows and fan meet-and-greets will undoubtedly affect box office results.

"Tiny Times 4" and "Monster Hunt" are scheduled for release during the Spring Festival season in 2015. The producer of "Tiny Times 4," Zhejiang Huace Film & TV, also said it is hard to predict the effects of Kai Ko’s arrest since the already controversial "Tiny Times" franchise relies significantly on fans and social networking for promotion.

Not long before Ko and Chan’s arrest, 42 artist management agencies signed an anti-drug agreement with local police in Beijing on August 13 to not represent artists with known drug use problems. This will also affect the actors’ participation in promotional activities for the films in question.

Part of Kai Ko's endorsement.

Ko's drug scandal is also a nightmare for advertisers. According to public records, Ko has endorsed 19 brands including Kentucky Fried Chicken, L'Oreal/Maybelline, Cadbury's Stride chewing gum and more. KFC’s parent company Yum! Brands Inc. said Ko's collaboration with KFC has ended, while L'Oreal and Cadbury both released statements saying they deeply regret the case and are contacting Ko's management for further resolution. According to media reports, more than 10 advertisers may seek damages from Ko.

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