Kung Fu Girl

[GeneChing]

Film News Roundup: ‘Kung Fu Girl’ Set for Chinese Shoot With Kenny Gage, Devon Downs (https://variety.com/2018/film/news/kung-fu-girl-chinese-shoot-kenny-gage-devon-downs-1202832943/)
By Dave McNary @Variety_DMcNary Film Reporter

https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/gage-downs-photo2.jpg?w=1000&h=563&crop=1
CREDIT: COURTESY GAGE/DOWNS

CHINA PROJECT

China’s SinoLicensing Media has signed the directing team of Kenny Gage and Devon Downs to direct their upcoming feature, “Kung Fu Girl,” Variety has learned exclusively.

The film will be shot on location in China later this year. Gage/Downs’ credits include the recent BET Digital series “The Last One” and the indie feature “Cynthia.” This is their eighth feature film.

Set for Chinese theatrical release in 2019, “Kung Fu girl” centers around a 12-year-old female martial artist and includes a strong anti-bullying message. Hongbin Liao wrote the script.

The producer is Chuan “Melody” Bi and Michael Fang is the executive producer. Gage/Downs are represented by manager/producer Judy Fox.

A random reference. We shall see if anything becomes of it.

[GeneChing]

The Exchange heads to AFM with ‘Kung Fu Girl’ (exclusive) (https://www.screendaily.com/news/the-exchange-heads-to-afm-with-kung-fu-girl-exclusive/5144343.article)
BY JEREMY KAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

https://d1nslcd7m2225b.cloudfront.net/Pictures/480xAny/9/7/3/1312973_kungfugirl_520633.jpg
SOURCE: SINOLICENSING MEDIA CO., LTD.
KUNG FU GIRL

Brian O’Shea’s The Exchange has come on board to handle the completed family fantasy action-adventure Kung Fu Girl and will launch talks with worldwide buyers at AFM this week.

Chinese rights are available and The Exchange said the film is approved for theatrical distribution in China.

Kenny Gage and Devon Downs directed the film about a 12-year old student who challenges the school bully, and in her journey through real and virtual worlds learns to strengthen a fractured bond with her father.

Adam Liao, Sun Yanying and Chuan “Melody” Bi co-wrote the screenplay. Shaun Redick and Yvette Yates Redick of Impossible Dream Entertainment are consultants for producer Bi and are producing the English-language remake.

The Exchange’s last two films to get Chinese theatrical distribution were Patrick and A Street Cat Named Bob. According to The Exchange, the latter grossed close to $8m at the Chinese box office.

“Audiences love an underdog who won’t back down,” said says Nat McCormick of The Exchange. “Kung Fu Girl is going to inspire the next generation of young ladies to do just that. I can’t wait for families to enjoy this film together, the same way audiences experienced The Karate Kid.”

The Exchange’s AFM line-up includes Anna Faris in twin comedy Summer Madness; Zoe Saldana in Keyhole Garden; Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall in Mrs Lowry & Son; Drew Barrymore comedy The Stand-In; and John Chester’s documentary The Biggest Little Farm.
The bully story is a bit hackneyed (remember the New Karate Kid with Hilary Swank?) but maybe the virtual world and estranged father arcs will add novelty.