HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Puji Capital announces the launch of Puji Films, Puji Capital's new entity focused on investments into the Chinese and Hollywood film industry. Puji Capital also announced Puji Film's first investment into Mandalay Endurance Media Ventures (MEMV).
MEMV is a new film production, financing, and international distribution platform with a focus on producing and distributing star-driven A-Talent action / thriller / comedy films that target and appeal to a global audience. The company is led by industry veterans Peter Guber and Steve Richards whose collective accolades and credits include US$8B+ in global box office, 50 Academy Award nominations, and films that have defined pop culture such as the 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Matrix' franchises. The company also includes major shareholders Jeff Vinik, owner of the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning; Paul Schaeffer, Vice Chairman and COO of Mandalay Entertainment Group; and Peter Strauss, former Chairman of Lionsgate Entertainment.
In addition to his leadership at MEMV, Peter Guber is a major player and influencer in the professional sports and entertainment industry. His career and accolades include former CEO / Chairman of Columbia Pictures Entertainment; Chairman of Dick Clark Productions; and owner / co-owner of three professional sports team including 2017 NBA Champions, Golden State Warriors; MLB Los Angeles Dodgers; and MLS Los Angeles Football Club.
"We are at an interesting inflection with China's film industry -- we have China becoming the most important market globally coupled with an increasingly more sophisticated Chinese audience who strive for compelling stories and movies that captivate the heart and mind. The Chinese audience is no longer looking for just the biggest explosion and CGI action sequence, but also the story and characters that drive the film." said Puji Film director, Lily Zhao. "We have looked at a number of film slates and production companies in Hollywood and MEMV is the first platform with the right approach for China. We are continually impressed by Peter (Guber) and the team's creative vision. We could not be more excited by the first film and our future film pipeline for global and China markets."
In late May, Sony Pictures Classics acquired North America rights to 'Silent Man', a political thriller produced in part by MEMV. The film is about the Watergate scandal that consumed the United States White House and presidency during the 1970's which led to the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.
'Silent Man' centers around FBI official Mark Felt, who was revealed as the main informant that unraveled an entire US presidency in the famous Watergate scandal. The character, although very little is known about him, was instrumental in defining US history and the course of the White House. The film focuses on Mark Felt's side of the Watergate story and gives audience a brand new perspective that has never been explored.
The film stars Liam Neeson as Mark Felt, and also stars Diane Lane, Michael C. Hall, Tom Sizemore, Josh Lucas, Kate Walsh, and Noah Wyle. The film is directed by celebrated 'Concussion' director, Peter Landesman, and produced by Ridley Scott, Giannina Scott, Marc Butan, Anthony Katagas, Landesman, Steve Richards, and Jay Roach. The film was executive produced by Yale Badik, Des Carey, Colin Wilson, Peter Guber, Jeffrey Vinik, Nik Bower, Deepak Nayar, and Michael Schaefer.
According to Zhao, MEMV will continue to play a strong influence in the China market with films that have mass commercial appeal as well as stories and characters that will attract the Chinese audience. Zhao adds that the growth of digital and mobile distribution in China will only be more opportunities for MEMV and the entire film industry as a whole.
