~Created By Stan Lee's POW Entertainment & Sharad Devarajan, New Superhero Brings Together Two of the World’s Biggest Film Industries, Through Interconnected Legends ~
Bangalore, India / Beijing, CHINA — September 21, 2016 – As the global film industry continues to be dominated by superhero films based on Stan Lee’s creations, including the recent, “X-Men: Apocalypse,” and the up-coming “Dr. Strange,” and “Thor: Ragnarok,” the legendary superhero creator today unveiled his latest character, MONKEY MASTER, which Lee created with his long-time collaborator, Sharad Devarajan.
Leading Chinese film group, Shinework Pictures, announced a partnership with Lee's media company POW! Entertainment, and Graphic India, to begin pre-production on a live-action Chinese theatrical film for ‘Monkey Master.’ Recently Shinework announced its film fund and initial slate of projects, previously known for one of the biggest co-production films in China "Kung Fu Yoga" starring Jackie Chan. Stan Lee’s characters have generated over $15 billion at the global box office, creating some of the most beloved icons in entertainment.
“We are excited to announce this partnership to leverage Stan Lee's experience creating some of the worlds most popular superhero characters to create an epic Chinese superhero film that will not only appeal to China but also globally to international markets.” Jonathan Shen, Founder & CEO of Shinework Pictures
"I have always been fascinated by the Chinese and Indian cultures which are so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality,” commented Stan Lee, Chief Creative Officer at POW! Entertainment. “I've written countless superheroes of every nationality and every part of the world before, I’ve even created many heroes from other planets and galaxies, but Monkey Master will be unique in how it interweaves Chinese and Indian myth to create a hero that will entertain fans across the world with his martial arts skills and unstoppable super-powers.”
“Monkey Master is an epic superhero adventure that brings together China and India, two of the world’s biggest film industries, through interconnected legends beloved and known by over 2 Billion People,” added Devarajan, Co-Founder & CEO of Graphic India. “The story will take place between ancient and modern day China and India as the myth of monkey warriors, known to both cultures come together in the creation of a modern day superhero.”
Gill Champion, CEO of POW! Entertainment, added, “We are thrilled to be working with our global partners to bring this new Stan Lee and POW! Entertainment creation to the big screen and further connecting these two countries through a popular shared legend. Monkey Master is an exciting story that will not only capture the hearts and minds of Chinese and Indian audiences, but will also have a mass worldwide appeal as a classic superhero adventure."
Shinework Pictures has closed a co-production deal with India's Cinema Capital Advisory to co-produce the film. Shinework's producing team will include Jonathan Shen, Iris Wang, and Daljit DJ Parmar. Champion will be a Producer on the film, with Lee and Devarajan attached as Executive Producers. From Cinema Capital attached as an Executive Producer will be Samir Gupta.
The mischievous and noble archetype of the monkey has been a foundation of Chinese and Indian folklore for thousands of years, making Monkey Master the perfect new superhero for Asia. While the film will primarily be targeted towards the Chinese market, the film will also be developed to appeal to international markets globally. The partners will look to cast leading Chinese, Indian, and international star cast.
ABOUT SHINEWORK PICTURES
Shinework Pictures is a Chinese film finance, production, and distribution company known for developing and producing one of the largest the co-productions in China "Kung Fu Yoga" starring Jackie Chan. The Shinework brand has over 16 years of history in the Chinese television industry. Shinework Media is the production arm for China Movie Channel's (CCTV6) World Film Report which has allowed Chinese audiences to learn about over 80 international countries and their film industries, locations, history, and culture. SARFT awarded Shinework with being one of China's top 100 producers and the World Film Report awarded with being one of China's top 100 television programs.
ABOUT POW! ENTERTAINMENT
POW! Entertainment, Inc. (OTCQB: POWN), a multi-media entertainment company, was founded by noted comic book writer Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and the late intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the creation and production of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW! isutilizing Stan Lee’s historical background by perpetuating his legacy while creating and developing all new live-action films, television, digital games, merchandising, licensing and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with third parties and strategic alliances, including studios and networks, in the production and distribution of new POW! character franchises.
ABOUT GRAPHIC INDIA
GRAPHIC INDIA is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through mobile and digital platforms. Led by media entrepreneur Sharad Devarajan, Graphic India is owned by U.S. comic book Company, Liquid Comics; Media Investment Group, Start Media, LLC; and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG). The company’s partners and investors bring together decades of experience in building businesses in character entertainment, media and India.