These two NBA stars might be in a movie together
The slogan of the National Basketball Association — “where amazing happens” — might be going international, as the Shanghai Film Group Corporation is planning to film a basketball movie starring Yao Ming and other NBA stars. Backed by NBA commissioner David Stern, the movie is reportedly named Amazing, a name suggested by Stern and inspired by the NBA slogan. The Chinese name is Shen Qi (神奇).
The movie, to be directed by mainland director Hu Xuehua, will be about American basketball stars training in China, but apart from the name and general plot, not much else has been revealed. When telephoned by reporters yesterday, the chairman of the Shanghai Film Group Corporation, Ren Zhonglun, stated, “At the present time, it can only be said that the name of the movie has been determined. The actors, investors, and other details and problems will have to wait until after we sign the contract to be revealed.”
Nevertheless, thanks to the support of the NBA, the possibility that NBA stars will participate is enormous. Apart from Yao Ming, there are hopes that Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant and the retired Magic Johnson will join the film. According to reports, Yao Ming and Johnson have already agreed to act, and the company is currently in contact with Kobe. In reply to this, Ren Zhonglun only admitted that they really were in contact with Yao Ming, Johnson, and other NBA stars, but that before signing the contract, it was not convenient to say more.
Filming will begin in August, exactly during the NBA off-season, and must finish before October to match with the start of the new season. Insiders revealed that the most important film roles will be the master and apprentice, played respectively by Yao Ming and mainland star Huang Xiaoming. Hong Kong actor-singer Shawn Yue may also be appearing.
Shawn Yue, who had once been on the Hong Kong youth basketball team, said to the Hong Kong media yesterday that it was true that both sides had been in contact, and that he hoped to participate if his schedule fit. Huang Xiaoming’s manager, Zhou Siwei, confirmed that they were in the middle of discussion with the company.
translation by Jo
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