Chinese JV Forms New Movie Channel

HONG KONG: Huayi Brothers, Peter Chan’s Shine Focus, Edko Films and now TV have come together to launch the now Popcorn Movie Channel.

The channel, set to launch exclusively on now TV on March 15, will initially reach Chinese-speaking markets in Asia and overseas. now Popcorn Movie Channel will be the home for exclusive first-run blockbusters from Huayi Brothers, We Pictures and Edko Films, alongside other local and Asian movies acquired from third parties. Films already lined up for the service include love, Wu Xia, The Lost Bladesman, Crossing Hennessy, Beach Spike and Dream Home. The new service will also provide information about movie culture with infotainment programs. Popcorn at the Movies will go behind-the-scenes of the latest films, while Popcorn Movies Talks features exclusive interviews with stars and producers. Popcorn Shorts Select features new directors’ productions and Cinema101 will feature movie productions programs hosted by accomplished movie practitioners.

Brenda Hu, the VP of Huayi Brothers, said, “Working with now TV allows Hong Kong audiences to learn more about our movie productions and enhance our brand. now Popcorn Movie Channel will become our major platform to reach Hong Kong families and we will bring to viewers the most captivating movies, including the upcoming romance blockbuster love.”

Peter Ho-sun Chan added, “We always hope to develop a world-class Chinese movie channel, offering the most diversified movie selection and rich movie related information to viewers. It is not only an entertainment channel but also a platform through which we can share movie production knowledge with viewers especially those young people who aspire to develop a career in movies. We are glad to team up with now TV and two big movie companies, Edko Films and Huayi Brothers, to offer the widest selection of the latest and the best Asian movies to Hong Kong audiences.”

Bill Kong, the executive director of Edko Films, commented, “now Popcorn Movie Channel represents our first cooperation with a local media company in launching a movie culture channel. now TV and Edko Films share the same vision to foster the growth of the local movie sector. Through this cooperation, we look forward to bringing our movies including big productions starring renowned artistes and those produced by new directors to Hong Kong people’s homes.”

Janice Lee, PCCW’s managing director of TV and new media, said, “We are delighted to launch Hong Kong’s first movie channel established by three top movie production and distribution companies. now Popcorn Movie Channel will not only bring premiere movies and blockbusters to movie fans, but also features programs hosted by movie professionals, and insightful discussions on film-making, thereby promoting the development of the movie industry in Hong Kong. now TV understands viewer’s demand for quality and premium movies and strives to work with our partners to bring the most exciting and entertaining movies and content to all viewers in Hong Kong.”