Cartoonist Tsai Chih Chung (Shi Yanyi) and the Shaolin Temple 3D cartoon

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3-D Animation Film of Shaolin Kung Fu in Pipeline
2014-05-05 10:36:54 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Fei

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Director of the cartoon "Shaolin Temple" Tsai Chih Chung (R) and Shaolin abbot Shi Yongxin (L) attend the press conference of the film on May 4, 2014, at the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan province. [Photo: Xinhua]

A recently-proposed film is in the works that will feature Shaolin kung fu, but this time, the martial art will be showcased in the world of animation.

Renowned Taiwan-born director, cartoonist and script-writer, Tsai Chih Chung, said the cartoon "Shaolin Temple" is expected to be finished within 15 to 18 months, during a press conference held on May 4, 2014, at the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan province.

Tsai Chih Chung began drafting a script for the film in 2006. Best know for his graphical works on Chinese philosophy and history, Tsai also said he will make a cartoon that focuses on Zen and Buddhist philosophy.

Three main characters from the planned animated kung fu feature were revealed at the conference: Bodhidharma, the monk that is said to have invented the training that goes into Shaolin kung fu, and his two disciples, who study kung fu and zen Buddhism at the Shaolin Temple.

Tsai guaranteed that the film will be "funny and worth-watching."

Animation in the 85-minute cartoon will be based on traditional Chinese ink and wash paintings to give the production an authentic feel.

Corresponding videogames are planned to be released at same time as the film.

In support of the film, Shaolin abbot Shi Yongxin spoke at the press conference, as well.

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Director of the cartoon "Shaolin Temple" Tsai Chih Chung (2nd R) and Shaolin abbot Shi Yongxin (2nd L) attend the press conference of the film on May 4, 2014, at the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan province. [Photo: Xinhua]

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Director of the cartoon "Shaolin Temple" Tsai Chih Chung (front center) signs cooperation agreements on May 4, 2014, at the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan province. [Photo: Xinhua]

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Tsai Chih Chung is known for his Asiapac series on Buddhism (mentioned here) and Journey to the West (mentioned here), among others.

There's a vid here.

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Well-known Taiwanese cartoonist turns Shaolin monk
12020-11-20 15:44:16 Ecns.cn Editor : Liu Xian ECNS

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(ECNS)--72-year-old Tsai Chih Chung, a famous Taiwanese cartoonist, was tonsured at Shaolin Temple on Wednesday.

He was granted the Buddhist name "Shi Yanyi."

Tsai was said to have grown attached to Shaolin culture via the movie Shaolin Temple shot in 1982.

Tsai used to visit Shaolin Temple and participated in cultural activities there, hoping to become a Buddhist monk one day.

He has created many Shaolin-related comics, such as Legend of the White Snake and Shaolin Temple.

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This article provide more info

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Renowned cartoon master from Taiwan becomes a Buddhist monk in Shaolin Temple
12020-11-19 09:01:39 Global Times Editor : Li Yan ECNS

Tsai Chih-chung, the 72-year-old cartoon master from Taiwan, became a Buddhist monk on Tuesday in the famed Shaolin Temple of Henan Province on the Chinese mainland, according to media reports.

Shi Yongxin, the current abbot of the temple, hosted the ordination ceremony for Tsai, granting him the Buddhist name Shi Yanyi, Henan media The Moment reported.

Tsai was ordained as a novice monk, subject to 10 Buddhist principles, instead of a Bhikkhu, who are subject to all Buddhist principles, because of his advanced age.

Tsai dropped out of school and started his professional cartooning career at the age of 15. As one of China's most successful cartoonists, Tsai is famous for creating cartoon stories based on traditional Chinese sinology and classic tales, making his stories relatable and easy to understand.

He has created more than 100 classic comics such as Zhuangzi Speaks and Old Master Q, over 50 million copies of which have been published in multiple languages in more than 30 countries and regions.

He also drew a four-panel cartoon of the Shaolin Temple in the 1980s, according to media reports.

Tsai began to publish four-panel cartoons in magazines from 1983, which were serialized in newspapers in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and China's Hong Kong for a long time.

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I'm updating the title of this thread. Never did see that cartoon.