Chinese film director and actor Xiao Yang speaks on stage as he promote his new movie “Old Boys: The Way of the Dragon” in Beijing Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. An online microfilm that was watched by millions and helped to establish a genre in China is to be made into a feature-length movie and shown in the country’s cinemas. The planned debut of “Old Boys” in China’s cinemas in May after ratcheting up almost 70 million views on a video website demonstrates how online films are influencing the traditional film industry. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
January 09, 2014 - 2:24 AM
BEIJING, China - A pivotal online microfilm, "Old Boys," which was watched by tens of millions and helped to establish the genre in China, is being made into a feature-length movie.
The filmmakers presented a trailer for the film at a news conference Thursday in Beijing and said it would be shown in Chinese cinemas in May.
The project's genesis as a 43-minute microfilm that netted nearly 70 million views on a video website demonstrates how online films are influencing the traditional film industry.
The original, funny but poignant film is about a wedding host and a barber who reminiscence about their childhood dreams of making it big in music. They decide to team up for a talent show, but their hopes are dashed when they're rejected.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014