A new TV version of Dream of Red Mansions, the Qing-Dynasty novel by Cao Xueqin and Zhou E ranked as one of China's top four literary classics, will start shooting in March.

 

Producers ruled out the possibility that Chen Kaige, director of The Promise, would direct the TV drama. "Although Chen expressed his willingness to direct the series, we are not sure that he can fully devote two years' time to it. He hasn't signed any contract with us." said one of the producers, Luo Liping. Several other directors are currently considering the script.

 

According to mainland media, the screenplay and script for the new TV series have been developed over a four-year period, and the cast is now being selected.

 

Luo revealed that most of the talent will be newcomers. Not only Chinese but Japanese, Korean, Singaporean and Thai actors are in the running. Around 60 million yuan (US$7.42 million) will be invested in the dramatic series, making it the most expensive TV show ever produced in China.

 

(Shenzhen Daily February 9, 2006)