'Irreversi' Takes Fresh Approach to Filmmaking With Dual Language Film and Cast

'Irreversi' Takes Fresh Approach to Filmmaking With Dual Language Film and Cast

Bigfoot Entertainment Began Filming in Hong Kong With International Cast and Crew on March 27

HONG KONG, March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Bigfoot Entertainment is taking an unusual approach with its next project, "Irreversi." Filming in both English and Mandarin, this feature film will have two versions made simultaneously with two sets of separate casts.

Bigfoot Entertainment CEO Kacy Andrews explains the rationale behind this move as "an out of the box approach to generating specific appeal to both Asian and Western audiences."

"We want to make films that genuinely respect their markets instead of just have them subtitled or dubbed," elaborates Andrews, who is also producing. "Furthermore, while filming in two languages presents logistical problems, our proper scheduling and planning -- together with the support of an experienced local Hong Kong team -- enables us to pull off something unique in making these two films at the same time."

Making his directing debut is German-born Michael Gleissner, who also wrote the screenplay and conceptualized the dual language film. As Executive Producer on Bigfoot-funded films such as "3 Needles" (Lucy Liu), "East Broadway" (Margaret Cho), "Shanghai Kiss"(Kelly Hu) and the recent "The Curiosity of Chance" (Tad Hilgenbrinck), the 36-year-old has decided to up his creative ante by helming both versions of the film.

Gleissner began his foray into directing with a series of music videos. He co-wrote another feature film, "Cockfight," which begins production later this year at Bigfoot's production facilities in Cebu, Philippines.

"Bigfoot Entertainment is extremely excited to bring Michael's unique vision to fruition," Andrews says.

"Irreversi" is a powerful drama about an overnight millionaire who plots the perfect murder of his beautiful wife. The film begins principal photography at the end of March and stars Mei Melancon ("X-Men 3: The Last Stand," "Deadwood," "CSI"), Ian Bohen ("Marigold," "Cold Case," "JAG"), Kenny Doughty ("Elizabeth," "Titus," "Crush," "The Aryan Couple"), and Estella Warren ("Kangaroo Jack," "Driven," "Planet of the Apes").

Andrews and Lisa Schahet ("The Curiosity of Chance") will produce the English version of "Irreversi," and two fast rising Asian names have also attached themselves to the project. Elliot Tong is producing the Chinese version with Andrews and Schahet, while Chu Chen On will serve as Co-Producer on both versions.

A graduate of New York University film school, Elliot Tong has experience in both writing screenplays and production. Tong's credits include "Mr. Magoo" for Walt Disney and "Martial Law" for CBS. He worked with Emmanuel Carrere in "La Moustache," which was selected for Cannes 2005 Director's Fortnight and released in France in July 2005. He also co-produced the acclaimed indie hit "Ichi the Killer," with Japanese cult director Takashi Mikke. His Hong Kong credits include working on Stephen Chow's "Shaolin Soccer" and "Kung Fu Hustle," and Stanley Kwan's "The Accident." He also co-wrote "Police Story 4: First Strike," which starred Jackie Chan.

Chen Chu On has worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as "Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life," "Spy Game," "Die Another Day," and "Rush Hour 1" and "2," providing the local logistical support and framework for these international productions.

"On the challenges of adapting the screenplay, language will not be the only difference between the 2 versions" says Tong. "The character treatment, editing style, and cinematography will also be different."

"We're happy to have On and Elliot onboard for "Irreversi" to bring this suspenseful dark love story to life," says Andrews.

Bigfoot Entertainment is also the parent company of the International Academy of Film and Television. Located in Cebu, Philippines, the institution is extending an opportunity to aspiring filmmakers to be part of the exciting and diverse production team.

For the first time, the IAFT invites film and communication arts students from any tertiary school or university to be part of the production of "Irreversi." The internship gives select students access to the set of "Irreversi" in Hong Kong from early April 2006 through the beginning of May when production wraps, where they will experience a working set of a feature film through immersion. The program also helps students develop self-confidence and independence as well as to widen their network, a vital consideration for up-and-coming filmmakers.

Students will work closely with a supervisor, who will oversee the intern's training regimen. Credits from this experience can be applied towards the completion of a one-year immersion program at the IAFT. Interested applicants can email their resumes with a cover letter to Karen Fugoso at karen@bf-e.com with "HK Internship" in subject line or visit www.filmschool.ph for more information.

For more information on Bigfoot Entertainment, visit www.bigfootentertainment.com.

Media Contact:
David Roberson, US Publicity
Roberson Public Relations, Inc.
Office: 310-860-9150
Email: david@robersonpr.com

Source: Bigfoot Entertainment

CONTACT: US Publicity, David Roberson of Roberson Public Relations,
Inc., +1-310-860-9150, david@robersonpr.com, for Bigfoot Entertainment

Web site: http://www.bigfootentertainment.com/
http://www.filmschool.ph/

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