A multi-media musical, the Song of Movies, has been shot to mark the centenary of the Chinese movie industry this year, according to an official with the State Administration of Radio, Television and Film.
The musical, combining 22 original songs, 20 dances and a 90-minute multi-media presentation and a review of 80 classic Chinese movies, presents great changes in the history of Chinese cinema over the past 100 years, via the narration of a legendary life story of a filmmaker.
The Song of Movies also puts together a number of renowned artists in its making: Hong kong Film Awards winner director Zhang Wanting, Taiwan-based pop music producer Li Zongsheng, Oscar-winning artist Ye Jingtian and renowned Chinese choreographer Cao Chengyuan.
To mark the centenary of the Chinese movie industry, the musical is set to include a digital deluxe copy of China's first movie Ding Jun Shan.
The big-budget musical, which debuted at Beijing's Poly Theater Friday, is expected to impress the audience with its 33 set changes, given that even Broadway musicals normally don't use more than 25.
(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2005)
