Bruce Lee Museums and Gallery Exhibits

[GeneChing]

Madame Tussaud's wax museum. Click for ET vid.

Bruce Lee Immortalized in Wax

The late Bruce Lee's wax figure was recently unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and the martial arts icon's daughter was on hand for the festivities.

"It's really an honor to be here today to launch this figure," said Shannon Lee, who helped unveil her father's wax double. "I think it's really wonderful that they've included my father here in Madame Tussauds. … I feel really proud that he is getting that recognition."

The 'Enter the Dragon' star, who died at the age of 32 in 1973, received the honor in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

[GeneChing]

Some one from here must go to Shunde when they complete that statue, don't you think?

A slower legacy for Bruce Lee in Chinese ancestral town
James Pomfret
SHUNDE, China
Thu Mar 25, 2010 4:28am EDT

SHUNDE, China (Reuters) - In the sleepy town of Xiacun in southern China, elders doze and children play along "little dragon" alley, which winds its way to the ancestral home of kung fu star Bruce Lee.

The small, grey-brick courtyard house contains old photos of Lee on the walls, an altar, a musty bedroom and a wooden dummy used for martial arts training, but visitors are few and far between, and other efforts by the town's council to commemorate their most famous son are also off the tourist radar.

While Lee is renowned the world over as a martial arts legend with a slew of action flicks to his name, back in his father's Chinese hometown, where many share the Lee name, his legacy remains low-key, even in 2010, the 70th anniversary of his birth.

"We don't really think about it that much," said a young woman sitting on the threshold of a home next door.

Local officials, however, have been trying to change that.

Millions have been invested in a park filled with lakes and rare birds, and called Bruce Lee Paradise, that authorities in Shunde and nearby Foshan hope will become a major tourist draw.

"Lee's image and reputation are becoming more and more familiar now in Foshan," said Chen Xian, the administration manager of Bruce Lee Paradise. "The Bruce Lee brand is something we've been trying actively to promote ... he's someone the Chinese people should be proud of."

The motivation is part cultural, part commercial. But the park, nearly 90 minutes by car from Guangzhou along dusty highways, remains largely off the beaten tourist track.

During a recent visit, a 12-meter (39 ft 4.4 in) high bronze statue of Lee remained half-finished and under scaffolding. A museum filled with Lee's weapons, books, posters and other memorabilia was virtually deserted.

While Lee was been born and raised in San Francisco, later forging his movie career in Hong Kong, Lee's family originates from Shunde, one of several southern Chinese towns that were home to much of the Chinese diaspora that immigrated in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

While popular overseas, restrictions on Western cultural imports during China's Cultural Revolution meant Lee was unknown inside China during his cinematic heyday in the late 60s and 70s.

Chairman Mao Zedong, who launched the Cultural Revolution, is said to have been a fan, according to Chen of Bruce Lee paradise, who says Mao once requested a screen reel of Lee's hit film "Fist of Fury" for private viewing in Beijing.

CULTURAL ICON, MOVIE STAR

For some modern martial arts practitioners like Wang Hongxin, who is a master of nunchuka sticks, a martial arts weapon which Bruce Lee excelled at, the star continues to embody China's need to stand up to the West.

"There are now a lot of kung fu masters. But in those days, foreigners really bullied the Chinese. And Bruce Lee back then, used his fists to survive abroad," said Wang, who runs the Guangdong Bison Wushu Club in a factory in the Pearl River Delta.

Lee, who died in mysterious circumstances in 1973 aged 32, starred in kung fu classics such as "Fist of Fury," "Game of Death" and "Enter the Dragon.

Revered both by martial arts adherents and movie buffs the world over for popularizing the kung fu cinematic genre, Lee also helped usher in a golden age of Hong Kong film in the 1960s.

This year, the Hong Kong International Film Festival is planning a retrospective, while authorities in Hong Kong are planning to convert one of Lee's former residences, a motel, into a commemoration site and museum.

"He's a part of Hong Kong," says Sam Ho, a film critic who works at Hong Kong's public film archive. "He helped the world know about Hong Kong cinema, though his films represent a small part of Hong Kong cinema."

Several upcoming films will also touch upon the life of Bruce Lee, including "Ip Man 2," chronicling the life of his teacher, the grandmaster of the of the fluid "Wing Chun" martial arts style. Hong Kong arthouse director Wong Kar-wai also has a movie on Ip Man in the works.

"Bruce Lee is already a standard. He's like Confucius ... he's part of our culture that we will embrace," Donnie Yen, who plays Ip Man in the movie, told Reuters.

"He (Lee) never stopped progressing as a martial artist. He was in search of a higher level all the way till his death."

[GeneChing]

...when you got an iPhone app?

All Press Releases for May 24, 2010
New Game Brings Bruce Lee’s Martial Arts to Apple® iPad®, IPHONE® & IPOD TOUCH®

The new Bruce Lee martial arts fighting game, Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, available from Apple's App Store is the first and only game at the Store to bear his name, and features motion captures from those who studied Lee's style, bringing a level of detail and 3D graphics never before seen in the genre.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 24, 2010 -- Bruce Lee’s teachings and martial arts mastery are legendary. His spirit remains an inspiration to an untold number of people around the world. Now the powerful name of the icon comes to the iTunes®, App Store with Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, developed for the iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch®. The game, which brings Bruce Lee’s history and legacy to life, is available worldwide for $4.99, and is the first and only fighting game in the iTunes®, App Store to bear his name.

The input from those who best know Bruce Lee’s teachings was invaluable during the development of Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior
The game is co-published and co-developed in partnership with Universal Partnerships & Licensing by two of the top mobile game companies in the industry, Indiagames and Digital Legends Entertainment. The Bruce Lee Estate contributed guidance and support through Bruce Lee Enterprises, the licensing company helmed by Bruce’s daughter, Shannon Lee.

A masterpiece of the 3D martial arts genre, the game uses motion-capture technology and features players fighting in historical locations around the world in an attempt to become the Master of Martial Arts. Customizable fighting styles make Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior highly user-friendly and the game also boasts the most realistic fighting game environment possible on these devices. Loosely based on the events of Bruce Lee's career, the game honors the martial arts legacy left by one of its greatest masters. Players follow Lee's journey as he trains with a Kung Fu master, then fights in tournaments and later faces his worst enemies.

There are many fighting games on the market, but Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior is the only one in the iTunes®, App Store with the Bruce Lee heritage, as well as the most authentic and realistic graphics and game play. Designed for casual players and hardcore gamers alike, it is easy to pick up and play, but more difficult to master. The game features motion capture from those who studied Lee's style, as well as facial animations, environmental animations and a custom soundtrack.

The primary motion capture subject for Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior was Joaquin Marcelo, a student of Ted Wong, a board member of the Bruce Lee Foundation. Wong was a private pupil of Bruce Lee himself, and teaches the martial arts style and philosophy he learned from the master.

“I was thrilled with how the game turned out,” said Shannon Lee. “It surpassed my highest expectations.”

“The input from those who best know Bruce Lee’s teachings was invaluable during the development of Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior,” said Vishal Gondal, CEO of Indiagames. “Their mastery of Lee’s style of martial arts style has helped us make the most authentic game possible.”

“Their mastery of Bruce Lee’s style and technique has enabled us to create the premier mobile game in the fighting genre," said Xavier Carrillo, CEO of Digital Legends. “Working on this international project from Barcelona, Mumbai and Los Angeles, has been tremendously gratifying, and we have taken full advantage of our previous experience on fighting games as well as our cutting-edge 3D technology."

“This game highlights Bruce Lee’s everlasting impact on our culture,” said Calvin Lim, Director of Mobile Sales, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. “Capturing the essence of his spirit for these digital platforms will beget new generations of Bruce Lee fans.”

Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior was designed specifically for the iPad®, iPod touch®, & iPhone®, but will also be available for play on other mobile phones.

For more information on Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, go to the following URLs:
iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bruce...364676826?mt=8
iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bruce...372377860?mt=8

About Bruce Lee Enterprises
Bruce Lee Enterprises owns, controls and licenses intellectual property related to Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.brucelee.com.

About Indiagames
Indiagames Ltd. is India's largest games company and a pioneer in mobile and online games. The company has established relationships with more than 80 telecom operators across 67 countries around the world, including Vodafone, Verizon, T mobile, AT&T, Hutch, Airtel and many more. Indiagames also has relationships with all major game publishers and media companies in the world, including EA, Disney, THQ, Atari, Universal, Fox, Warner brothers, Sony, MTV, 2K and others. Indiagames has developed and published mobile games such as Bioshock, Garfield, Flavor Of love, Godzilla, Bruce Lee, The Office, Scorpion King, Cricket 20-20, Movin Maze, and others. The company also runs the only subscription-based games on demand service for PC games across all major broadband operators in India. For more information on Indiagames, please visit http://www.indiagames.com.

About DLE
Digital Legends Entertainment (DLE) is Barcelona’s international games development studio, distinguished worldwide by award-winning 3D iPhone and smartphone games powered by in-house cutting-edge technology across native platforms.

DLE origins in 2001 were on PC and console games, and since 2006 its exclusive focus is on mobile native platforms envisioning a convergence between mobile and handheld digital consumption and technologies. DLE has won nominations from 1up.com as “Best E3 Mobile Game” “Best Cell Game of the Year” for the fighting game “ONE” in 2005. Also has been winner of “Excellence in 3D” by International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA) in 2008 for “ONE” sequel and includes other honours like “Best Gameplay” nominee by IMGA in 2009 for the music game “Dance Fabulous” and winner of the “People’s Choice Award” by IMGA in 2009 and 2010. Its B2B customers include major game Publishers, market leading OEM’s like Nokia and Samsung and also technology suppliers. For more information on Digital Legends Entertainment, please visit http://www.digital-legends.com.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
UP&L oversees Universal's consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal's theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio's vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

[GeneChing]

Action disappoints Dragon's fans
Mary Ma
Thursday, July 22, 2010

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of kung fu superstar Bruce Lee.

As a fan of the Hong Kong legend, I'm sad and disappointed - like millions of his admirers - that there's still no sight of a museum in the city where he rose to fame.

We've been patient, but there's still only one statue of Hong Kong's most famous son in the Avenue of Stars.

About two years ago, following a long struggle to save Lee's former home, the green light was finally given for the property to become a museum.

Located at 41 Cumberland Road in Kowloon Tong, the 5,700-square-foot mansion was where Little Dragon spent the last years of his life, before his untimely death 37 years ago on Tuesday at age 32. The building had been converted into a love motel, with rooms rented by the hour, before billionaire Yu Pang-lin bought the property and later handed it over to the Hong Kong government to convert into a museum.

Although no time frame was set, I'd have thought once those plans were put in place, it would take shape quickly and, in no time, Mr Fist of Fury would finally have his own museum here.

But despite the generosity of philanthropist Yu's HK$100 million donation, and the government's efforts through a public contest to select a tailor-made design for the museum, the building remains off-limits to visitors. On any given day, it's become common to see scores of tourists snapping pictures just outside the locked premises.

So, why the delay? In this case, I can hardly blame red tape or government bureaucracy. The holdup is procedural wrangling, as the land donation has yet to be processed since Yu wanted to preserve the two-story structure.

Under a recommended plan, the museum would include an exhibition hall, video room, kung fu room, library and souvenir shop. The master plan calls for building a basement, designated to be Yu's charity fund office.

All this posed no problem until a suggestion was made that the basement should be three floors, which would have to be built underground since the two-story building must be preserved.

This poses more than a headache for the authorities, since buildings in Kowloon Tong usually only have one underground floor, mainly for parking and air-conditioning facilities.

So if one wants to build three underground floors, it requires approval from the Town Planning Board. Besides this, problems such as whether the construction will affect the structures of nearby buildings, the environment, and traffic must also be carefully addressed.

According to the plan that won the design contest, it was recommended to build one floor underground. So why insist on the "three-floor" concept?

In fact, the government also reckoned that using the basement as a private office posed a problem. For while it is for charitable purposes, the money would come from taxpayers - setting a bad precedent.

We can only hope both Yu and the government can cooperate despite the constraints, and use their imagination to make the museum possible.

Otherwise, Lee fans will be highly disappointed.

Wonder if it would be cheaper to buy the neighboring building and convert it instead of digging an underground level. Then again, real estate in HK is very expensive.

[GeneChing]

"China's Statue of Liberty" under way
English.news.cn 2010-08-18 10:14:15

BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Artists in Foshan, a city in Guangdong province that bills itself as the home of Chinese kungfu, are creating a 30-meter-tall sculpture of Bruce Lee which they hope will one day become a landmark on the scale of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

The red-painted ceramic statue depicts an eight-legged Bruce Lee, known as Li Xiaolong in Chinese, balancing world famous monuments on each foot. These include The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Bird's Nest, or National Olympic Stadium, in Beijing.

Over 100 smaller sculptures of China's most iconic martial arts fighter will form the centerpiece of Foshan Week, which opens to the public at the Expo on Tuesday afternoon.

Identical, except for the monuments they balance on their feet, the sculptures took 100 people six months to complete, due to the complexity and size of the ceramics.

The Enter the Dragon star was born in San Francisco of Hong Kong heritage but has ancestral links to Foshan. Recently, the series of Yip Man movies have celebrated his teacher Ye Wan, who was born to affluent parents in Foshan.

In reality, the city competes with several Chinese towns and provinces for kungfu bragging rights, notably the Shaolin Monastery in Henan province. But Foshan locals claim more responsibility for promoting the art internationally over the last century.

The towering sculpture, which looks like a stop-motion capture of Lee doing one of his explosive high kicks, will not be ready for another year, according to artist Shu Yong.

"We hope it can compete with the Statue of Liberty. But our sculpture, The Kungfu God of 1,000 Legs, is meant to symbolize Chinese wisdom, creativity and health," he said.

"We are taking it to the Guggenheim Museum (in Manhattan) next year as part of a grand world tour," he said.

While the neoclassical Statue of Liberty was an international gift of friendship from France, Shu and cohorts hope an epic 10-year world tour will suffice.

One of the criticisms of Expo 2010 Shanghai is that it has not celebrated the debut of any breakthrough monuments like the Statue of Liberty, parts of which appeared at two World Expos in the late 20th century. In their place, the Shanghai-hosted event offers dazzling pavilions, many designed by world-famous architects such as the UK's Thomas Heatherwick.

Qiu Dailun, director of the exhibition commemorating Foshan Week, said the Bruce Lee sculpture was designed to "help China communicate with the world on an artistic level".

"During China's recent development, much has been made of our shortcomings and problems, but our strengths and skills have been largely forgotten by the rest of the world," he said. "We hope, through cultural exchanges like these, to restore a sense of balance."

The sculpture also shows how it is "possible to use the least amount of resources during the act of construction for the benefit of all", he said. Foshan produces 25 percent of the world's construction ceramics, 60 percent of which is used in China, officials said.

The exhibition, located inside the Urban Best Practices Area in Puxi, also features a replica of one of the world's oldest ceramics kilns. It was built in Foshan in 1506.

As such, organizers said they plan to give away 100 prizes of 1,506 yuan ($220) to visitors who can best emulate Lee's martial arts prowess by assuming difficult poses over the course of the week.

The little dragon in bright CCCP red (and a clown shoe?)

China creating eight-legged Bruce Lee sculpture to compete with Statue of Liberty

Beijing, Aug 18 (ANI): Chinese artists in Foshan, a city in Guangdong province, are creating a red painted 30-meter-tall and eight-legged sculpture of legend Bruce Lee, which they hope would eventually be recognised as a landmark very much like the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour.

According to China Daily, the ceramic statue depicts an eight-legged Bruce Lee, known as Li Xiaolong in Chinese, balancing world famous monuments on each foot. These include The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Bird's Nest, or National Olympic Stadium, in Beijing.


"We hope it can compete with the Statue of Liberty. But our sculpture, The Kungfu God of 1,000 Legs, is meant to symbolize Chinese wisdom, creativity and health," an artist Shu Yong, said.

It took 100 people six months to complete the sculpture, because of its complexity and size of the ceramics.

Lee, the Enter the Dragon star, was born in San Francisco but has ancestral links to Foshan.

The towering sculpture, which looks like a stop-motion capture of Lee doing one of his explosive high kicks, is expected to be ready by next year.

"We are taking it to the Guggenheim Museum (in Manhattan) next year as part of a grand world tour," Yong added. (ANI)

[GeneChing]

I'd love to visit this someday....

Giant Bruce Lee statue welcomes kungfu fans
English.news.cn 2010-10-27 10:17:28


The statue in Bruce Lee Paradise is a new landmark of Jun'an, hometown of the kungfu master.(Source: China Daily)

BEIJING, Oct. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- At 18.8 meters tall, the world's biggest Bruce Lee statue is ready to greet global kungfu lovers in the master's hometown in Jun'an town, Foshan in Guangdong province.

Created at a cost of nearly 2 million yuan and requiring about two years of effort, the bronze is the latest masterpiece of Cao Chongen, one of the nation's top sculptors.

It is likely to become a superstar itself at Bruce Lee Paradise after it is inaugurated on Nov 28, the day after the 70th anniversary of Lee's birth.

The title King of Kungfu is carved in the towering statue's foundation along with a summary of Lee's life and the list of donors and sponsors.

While Lee is renowned around the world as a martial arts star in action movies and the one who brought the word kungfu into English dictionaries, his legacy remained low key back in his hometown in China until the local government recently invested millions to build his namesake park.

The government hopes it will become a major tourist draw and further promote kungfu culture.

The area now home to Bruce Lee Paradise, which began operation in 2005, was first developed as an ecological park in 1998.

It has about 2 square kilometers of scenic beauty with lakes, mountains and rare birds.

The park is also home to a museum filled with Lee's weapons and books, posters and other memorabilia related to him.

Bruce Lee Ancestor's House less than a 1 km from the park is another stopover for Lee's fans despite its humbleness and sparse furnishings.

Built by his grandfather, Lee lived in the house for only a short time.

The residence is typical of the local style with gray bricks and black roofing tiles. A bedroom, hall, kitchen and yard together cover only 51 square meters.

More hotels and a convention center are also planned. "We are ready to welcome more friends from around the world to pay a visit here," said a tour guide at the Bruce Lee Paradise.

[GeneChing]

He reminded me about the event below. GM Al Novak was on our 2010 January/February cover - see Great American Great Grandmaster. Al is a guest of honor at the banquet and will be receiving some special recognition plaque (as if he doesn't have enough of those already).

Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday Celebration - Nov. 27, 2010
Date : 27-Nov-2010 Saturday
Time : All day
Type : Fundraisers


The Bruce Lee Foundation Presents:
Bruce Lee’s 70th Birthday Celebration!

November 27, 2010
San Francisco, California

Come raise a glass to Bruce Lee on his 70th birthday in the city of his birth and join his family and friends in celebrating and supporting the legacy of Bruce Lee! There are a number of exciting activities planned for this extraordinary fundraising event (see below) which makes this birthday party a can’t-miss event for all Bruce Lee fans.
All proceeds will go towards the Bruce Lee Foundation and Bruce Lee Action Museum. Come out and support the our biggest fundraising event of the year!

A Private Celebration with the Lees!!

Come spend an afternoon with the Lees. Shannon and Linda will accompany you on a private tour of San Francisco’s Chinese Hospital where Bruce was born, a private guided Bruce Lee themed walking tour of San Francisco Chinatown, an intimate dim sum lunch, memorable photo opportunities, early access to the Bruce Lee Exhibit and Birthday Dinner, and more! Guests will also receive an exclusive, original, limited edition Bruce Lee art print, an original Bruce Lee business card and many more rare and collectible gifts.

This special Bruce Lee Foundation fundraiser is limited to 16 participants. Reservations are on a first come first served basis. It is anticipated that these spots will fill up fast, so reserve your space now!

This remarkable opportunity will take place during the late morning of Saturday, November 27, 2010. Specific details to follow.

Price:
$1,000.00 per person.
(Limited to 16 participants)

Bruce Lee’s 70th Birthday Dinner!

This special night will bring together martial artists, fans, friends, and family of Bruce Lee in an entertaining fundraising event. The evening will include an authentic, family style Chinese dinner, a Bruce Lee Exhibit featuring rare memorabilia, special guest speakers, a night of performances and entertainment including a lion dance, traditional Chinese fortune telling, and a special musical performance by Shannon Lee, silent and live auctions, Bruce Lee Foundation merchandise, exclusive book signings and much, much more! The Birthday Dinner will take place Saturday, November 27, 2010 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm at:
Empress of China Restaurant
838 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108

****tail attire only.

Prices:
$125.00 per person (if purchased before September 15, 2010)
$150.00 per person (if purchased before October 15, 2010)
$175.00 per person (thereafter and at the door)
Special pricing for parties of 10 or more.

Hospital and Chinatown Walking Tours

Want more Bruce Lee? Attend a private tour of San Francisco’s Chinese Hospital where Bruce was born and a guided walking tour which will stop at several significant Bruce Lee related locations within San Francisco Chinatown. The tours are a great way to learn some new and fascinating information about Bruce Lee’s time and experiences in San Francisco. Participants will also gain early access to the Bruce Lee Exhibit and Birthday Dinner!

This charitable event will take place during the afternoon of Saturday, November 27, 2010. Specific details to follow.

Price:
$50.00 per person.
(Space is limited.)


TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Tammy at info@bruceleefoundation.com or Sydnie at 310-451-9990.

Please make all checks payable to Bruce Lee Foundation and mail to:
11693 San Vicente Blvd, Ste 918
Los Angeles, CA 90049

To pay by credit card call Sydnie at 310-451-9990.

With respect to the Birthday Dinner, all payments must be postmarked by the dates specified above for accurate pricing.

Please note that this event takes place over Thanksgiving Weekend, so please make your travel plans now.

[GeneChing]

* DECEMBER 1, 2010, 3:36 A.M. ET
Bruce Lee, My Father
By JASON CHOW

Shannon Lee was thrilled as government officials in Shunde, China, last week unveiled a giant statue of her father, the martial arts and movie icon Bruce Lee.

The likeness stands 18.8-meters (62 feet) tall, next to a plaque that declares "King of Kung Fu." It is the centerpiece of Bruce Lee Paradise, a 1.89 square kilometer park in this town just south of Guangzhou, China's third-largest city. The park is already home to a museum dedicated to Bruce Lee which opened in 2002.

In life, Bruce Lee was an actor and dedicated practitioner of martial arts. But in the decades since his death, Lee has become a bona fide cultural icon. View graphic.

"It was really quite impressive," she said of the statue. "We heard in the past that they were going to construct a theme park. But this isn't Disneyland. It honors my father."

While he was alive, and for years after his death in 1973, Lee's movies were banned in the country of his ancestry; the action star was actually born in San Francisco, and grew up partly in Hong Kong and partly in the U.S. As China opened up to the world from the 1980s, his films started to trickle into the country. The statue in Shunde is just the latest sign that Lee's legacy is growing within China. A park in the small town of Xiacun, not far from Gaungzhou, also has a statue of Bruce Lee, unveiled in 2008—some in the town claim the place was home to Lee's ancestors.

"I think it's great for the people to learn the legacy," said Ms. Lee, president of Bruce Lee Enterprises, the Los Angeles-based company that handles the licensing and merchandizing of her father's name and image. "It was a shame that China didn't have the benefit of that when he was alive, but it's exciting to see them embrace it now."

Though Lee's brand of kung fu films was once blocked in the land of his forefathers, the China of 2010—the year of Lee's 70th birthday which passed last week—is embracing its long-lost son, and his iconic image.

"He's so strong, so fit, such a star," said Huang Dechao, the local government bureaucrat behind the park. "He's our hero."

Lee has been lauded in far-flung corners of the world and Bruce Lee Enterprises says his image is worth about $2.5 million a year in revenue.

The movie star's face has adorned postage stamps in countries including Gambia, Madagascar and Tajikistan. A statue of him in Mostar, Bonsia became a rallying cry for peace when it was unveiled in 2005. In Los Angeles' Chinatown, officials are pondering a proposal to erect a statue of him as well, while film festivals dedicated to his work have been staged in Japan and Hong Kong.

Advertisers have long known the value of the particular brand of coolness that Lee personified. Last year, Nike created the Nike Zoom Kobe V Bruce Lee line of sneakers that was marketed with images of NBA star Kobe Bryant in kung fu poses. Nokia also launched a special edition phone using the martial arts master.

Kristopher Storti, general counsel of Bruce Lee Enterprises, says the company is targeting $5 million in annual revenues by 2012, which would put Lee's financial legacy in line with other well-known dead celebrities, such as Steve McQueen and James Dean.

It's likely the biggest financial rewards will be found in China, where authorities have embraced the concept of "soft power"—the spread of international influence through economic and cultural means.

The process of bringing Bruce Lee back home began to gather speed around the time his daughter Shannon bought back the rights to her father's image—though not his movies—to her father's image from Universal Studios in 2008.

The same year, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV approached her to work together on an epic 50-episode television series called "The Legend of Bruce Lee." The series was a hit—setting network records for viewership during its airing in 2008, with 12% of the national audience tuning in for the final episode—and helped foster a new generation of fans in China.

Ms. Lee, a 41-year-old former actor and singer, was only four years old when her father died of a brain edema. Born in Los Angeles, Ms. Lee and her family were living in Hong Kong when her father died. Afterward, her mother moved the family back to the U.S.

Ms. Lee has made four trips to China this year, mostly on business. One of her main objectives is to rein in unauthorized use of her father's image. While Bruce Lee Enterprises has endorsed numerous products in China, including toothpaste and Panasonic televisions, the star's unauthorized image also features widely too. Ms. Lee says officials she has met are supportive of her aims. But she also says it'll be difficult to enforce a ban on the use of her father's image in China.

Meanwhile, Chinese fans will see more of Lee—or people playing him—on the big screen and elsewhere. A new movie of his early life, "Bruce Lee, My Brother" starring Aarif Lee, has just been released—though it was made without Shannon Lee's blessing. New licensing deals, too, are in place in China—he's the main face in China for Panasonic's Viera 3-D televisions. Ms. Lee is also in talks with studios in both China and Hollywood to produce films in which her father would be brought to life via computer-generated graphics.

Ultimately, she says she hopes her father will prove a hit with China's new generation.

"I think he's such a strong figure, so vital, so powerful and graceful," she said. "And he really sticks up for the underdog and represents the Chinese people. There's a lot of pride in that."

Bruce Lee toothpaste?

[GeneChing]

Bruce Harrell is a Seattle City Councilmember.

Bruce Lee Action Museum May Call Seattle Home
Published by Bruce Harrell at 9:41 am under Featured

Very recently, I met with Ms. Shannon Lee, daughter of famed martial artist, Bruce Lee. Ms. Shannon Lee is the executive director of the Bruce Lee Foundation. She visited here from Los Angeles to discuss the possibility of establishing a Bruce Lee Action Museum here in Seattle. This has been a goal of mine since attending Garfield High School. In the policy work that I do, building an urban infrastructure where youth of all backgrounds can embrace discipline, hard work, self-esteem, and a love of life, is important. Seattle must maintain and establish creative institutions that perpetuate these values

After my meeting with Ms. Lee, I wrote her confirming my interest in helping her establish the Bruce Lee Action Museum in our community. Letter to Shannon Lee (attachment).

Each year in Seattle, thousands of people visit Bruce Lee’s burial site and marvel the fact that Bruce Lee’s home was in Seattle. We are also very fortunate to have some of the most experienced collectors of Bruce Lee paraphernalia reside in Seattle. Moreover, Ms. Shannon Lee made it clear that she would love the Bruce Lee Action Museum to be in Seattle. For these reasons, I will be engaging in exciting work to assist these efforts to benefit Seattle and those who visit our region.

[GeneChing]

Would it be worth the fee for renting a two-hour room at the love motel, just to snap a touristy pic? I think so.

Plan for Bruce Lee museum in Hong Kong stalls
Min Lee, Associated Press
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Now an hourly motel, the former Hong Kong home of Bruce Lee won't be turned into a tribute to the star.

Efforts to build a Bruce Lee museum in the late kung fu movie star's hometown of Hong Kong have been stalled again.

Fans have been calling for an official tribute to the screen icon for years. Their hopes appeared to be answered two years ago when the Hong Kong government and the owner of Lee's former home reached an agreement to convert the property - a two-story house currently used as an hourly love motel - into a museum.

But the Hong Kong government said Sunday that negotiations with the owner, businessman Yu Pang-lin, have broken down.

"Despite our efforts, we are unable to reach a consensus with the property owner over the scope of the restoration," the government said in a statement.

Wong Yiu-keung, president of the Hong Kong Bruce Lee Club, said Yu made unreasonable demands, such as wanting to set up his own offices in the museum.

The Hong Kong government said the Lee artifacts it had collected for the planned museum will be used for an exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum that is expected to open in late 2012.

Lee became a source of Chinese pride by portraying characters who defended the Chinese and the working class from oppressors in films like "Return of the Dragon." He died in Hong Kong in 1973 at age 32 from swelling of the brain.

The actor has been honored with a statue on Hong Kong's Avenue of Stars, a waterfront promenade featuring the hand prints of the southern Chinese territory's noted actors.

[GeneChing]

Bruce Lee memorabilia set for Hong Kong auction
By Natalie Robehmed, for CNN
August 3, 2011 -- Updated 0521 GMT (1321 HKT)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Bruce Lee memorabilia goes to auction August 6 in Hong Kong
13 items are sale, including costume jacket, membership cards, and letter written by Lee
The entire collection is expected to fetch U.S.$113,000

Hong Kong (CNN) -- Bruce Lee, the movie icon credited with bringing martial arts to the mainstream, has long been one of Hong Kong's proudest exports -- and come Saturday, Hong Kongers will have a chance to own a piece of history, when 13 pieces of Lee memorabilia go to auction.

The star of classics such as Fists of Fury and Enter the Dragon, Lee was raised in Hong Kong before moving to the United States in 1959 to teach kung fu.

Among the items to be auctioned by Phila China and U.S.-based Kelleher Auctions is a fur-lined, Chinese-style costume jacket, which was custom-made for Lee's follow-up film to Enter the Dragon. The coat was worn by the star in 1973, just before he died from a reaction to medication.

Other lots include signed student membership cards to Lee's kung fu schools, and a martial-arts book inscribed by the actor.

Anna Lee, spokeswoman for Phila China auction house, anticipates the auction will go very well. "It is the first time since 1993 -- when Lee's family auctioned 200 items in Los Angeles -- that lots of Lee items have gone on sale at once."

About 150 people are expected to attend the auction in person, with phone bidders dialing in from around the world.

Bidding is expected to focus on one particular item -- a three-page letter handwritten by Lee in 1966.

Written to Taky Kimura -- fellow kung fu instructor, friend and best man at Lee's 1964 wedding -- the note reveals Lee's hopes for the future: "I'm looking forward for the T.V. series of 'Green Hornet' to come out so that Gung Fu will catch on," he wrote in one excerpt.

The letter is estimated to sell for between U.S.$25,664 and U.S.$38,496. Phila China expects the 13 lots, which all came from the same American collector, to collectively fetch up to U.S.$113,000.

W. Wong Yiu-keung, chairman of the Bruce Lee Fan Club, says this is a momentous occasion for Bruce Lee fans.

"Those lots are meaningful and memorable that let us know more about Bruce Lee," he explained.

"Bruce Lee movies had a great impact on both Westerners and non-Westerners -- those movies strides across different countries, races and languages."

After plans to turn Lee's old home in Hong Kong into a museum fell through this year, this auction is one way for Hong Kongers to finally show Lee some love.

Wonder who that American collector is...

[BJJ-Blue]

"HONG KONG (Reuters) - Thirteen items belonging to the late kung fu legend Bruce Lee, including a hand-written letter and a fur-lined coat, are set to go under the hammer in Hong Kong at the weekend.

Among the items to be sold in what is thought to be the largest auction of Lee memorabilia in Hong Kong to date is the fur-lined costume jacket, which was made for Lee's film "Game of Death" and worn by him in 1973, just before he died of a reaction to medication.

Other items include a letter written in 1966 to Taky Kimura, a friend in Seattle and fellow kung fu instructor who was best man at Lee's 1964 wedding.

"Actually I think the most important, the best item, is the three-page hand written letter by Bruce Lee," said Anna Lee, spokesperson for Phila China Auctions, which with U.S.-based Kelleher Auctions is conducting the sale.

"It talked about his early days in Hollywood and how he taught megastars to do kung fu and all that. It's a letter written to his confidante in Seattle, his student, and his long-time friend."

The letter is estimated to go for up to $38,500 and all 13 lots -- which came from the same U.S. collector -- to fetch up to $113,000.

Other lots include signed student membership cards to Lee's kung fu schools, and a martial arts book inscribed by the actor.

Lee is credited with bringing martial arts into the mainstream and has long been one of Hong Kong's proudest exports. Even so, plans to turn his old home in Hong Kong into a museum fell through this year.

"Aside from little items here and there on Ebay, there hasn't been a major auction of his material. The last one we can recall is 1993 when the widow, Mrs. Linda Lee, sold like over 200 items in Los Angeles through an auction house," Lee said.

"Bruce Lee definitely is popular... I think the legend will continue, definitely.""

Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/possessions-ku...021620332.html

[GeneChing]

Bruce Lee gallery to be set up in Hong Kong
Posted: 12 October 2011 1559 hrs


File photo shows a man viewing an exhibition of the late kung fu legend and film star Bruce Lee. (AFP photo/file/Mike Clarke)

HONG KONG: A gallery in honour of Bruce Lee, who helped make martial arts mainstream with kung fu classics like "Fists of Fury" will be built in Hong Kong.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced in his annual policy address Wednesday that the government would set up a gallery in honour of the artist at the government-run Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

The legendary martial arts exponent and actor died in 1973 at the height of his career and his many fans have long demanded a tribute to the star.

The only memorial to the actor is in the town he was born in -- San Francisco -- and not Hong Kong where he grew up and brought martial arts film into the mainstream with his innovative martial arts choreography.

The actor who played Kato in the original Green Hornet TV series, fueled the Hong Kong film industry with his movies and is credited as an influence other actors such as Jacky Chan.

Fans were disappointed in June when the government said a plan to build a Bruce Lee museum in his old house was cancelled after negotiations with the property's current owner broke down.

No details were given by the Hong Kong government on the museum plans, which fans welcomed as better than nothing.

"Of course we're still hoping the government could find ways to turn his old home into a museum," Wong Yiu-keung, chairman of the Bruce Lee Fan Club in Hong Kong, told AFP.

Long after Lee's death, his old home was turned into a hotel with rooms rented by the hour at very cheap rates.

A Hong Kong auction in August sold 13 Lee items for a total US$227,000 smashing pre-sale estimates.

Wait, S.F. has the only memorial? Which memorial is that exactly?

[GeneChing]

I was also contacted about a meeting in Oakland about setting a plaque at the site of Bruce's first school. I think that meeting was last Monday, but unfortunately I was already booked.

Bruce Lee Action Museum gets a 'kick' start
Lee considered Seattle is hometown
Web Reporter Q13 FOX News Online
10:38 a.m. PDT, October 20, 2011
SEATTLE—

Martial arts legend Bruce Lee and his son Brandon are both buried in Seattle. Now a new push to honor their memories with a museum is gaining steam.

Bruce Lee went to school in Seattle, opened a martial arts school in Seattle, and considered Seattle to be his hometown. City councilman Bruce Harrell is holding a fundraiser with Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon this Friday as part of a capital campaign to raise $10 million dollars.

Harrell is also working with the city`s Office of Economic Development and its office of Arts & Cultural Affairs to try and make the project a reality.

The Bruce Lee Action Museum would include a place where people could do martial arts, as well as a theater, gift store and research library.

Bruce Lee moved to Seattle in the early 1960s where a family friend, Ruby Chow, had a restaurant and had promised Bruce a job and living quarters above the restaurant. He enrolled at Edison Technical School and later the University of Washington where he majored in philosophy and met his future wife.

The fundraiser is this Friday at the Imperial Garden restaurant.

[GeneChing]

Bruce Lee museum in Seattle gets consideration

Amid the wonky hashing of budgetary items in the Seattle City Council this week was a little glimmer of fun: a proposal to consider a Bruce Lee museum in Seattle.

Actually, it was a proposal (pdf) for a study on the feasibility of such a museum using city resources. But for martial arts fans, that’s progress, considering the idea has been in the works for years.

A 1970s icon, Lee lived in Seattle from 1959 to 1964, and is buried in Lake View Cemetery in Capitol Hill. He died in his prime in 1973, days after his movie “Enter the Dragon” was released.

His surviving family members have been developing a museum in his name through the California-based Bruce Lee Foundation. In June, the family ditched the idea of locating the museum in Hong Kong, where Lee had lived, and expressed interest in opening it in Seattle – preferably in Chinatown or the International District, the city said.

“It’s amazing how popular Bruce Lee is when you go to other countries,” Council president Richard Conlin said in a budget discussion Tuesday. “This is an astonishing opportunity for a great tourist attraction.”

The proposed study would be due next year. It would look at site availability and funding strategies. Says the proposal:

Council sees this as a unique opportunity for the City, one that could provide both a new cultural facility showcasing a figure in Seattle’s recent history, as well as a means for providing economic development opportunities for the Chinatown-International District.

If it happens, can they get Orange Caramel to play for the opening?