AXN Lines Up New Cyril Magic Series

SINGAPORE: Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan’s AXN Mystery Channel are collaborating with the Hong Kong-based media company Charis Entertainment on the new series Cyril’s Family Vacation.

The six-episode series, filmed exclusively in Hawaii, features Japan’s top magician Cyril Takayama, who performs in real-life situations while holidaying with his’‘family.’ Actor Andy Lau’s company Focus Group will serve as executive producer alongside Takayama and Grace Chen, the founder of Charis Entertainment. Shooting will start in 2012 and is expected to debut in the spring.

Chen said: “We are excited to have found great partners in Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, and with the backing of one of Asia’s most successful actors and producers Andy Lau, and the talent of Cyril, we have an incredible team that is producing a show that is ‘made in Asia for Asia’. This partnership and business model will hopefully put us ahead of the curve in packaging content that is entertaining for the local market but can also travel beyond Asia.”

Ricky Ow, the senior VP and general manager of Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, added, “Cyril: Simply Magic was a huge success with our viewers who have since been clamoring to see more of him. We are thrilled to bring Cyril back to AXN again with new partners Charis Entertainment and Andy Lau’s company, Focus Group. Staying true to the spirit of AXN and Cyril, viewers can expect more of the unexpected in this new production—a totally different show that is highly entertaining and extremely innovative, and of course, mind blowing magic!”

Lau commented, “As a fan of magic, I was intrigued by this new concept when it was presented by Charis, and working alongside Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia will be an excellent opportunity for Focus Group to diversify its existing business and create an entertaining show for China, Japan and the region, and hopefully a global audience as well.”