China-based Heshan Media is collaborating with India’s Krayon Studios to co-produce the 3D animated film, “Beijing Safari,” the socially-conscious sequel to the equally socially-conscious “Delhi Safari.” The sequel will be penned by Oscar-Nominated writer Tab Murphy and focus on water contamination. Daniel St Pierre, who has credits on “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” will direct, marking the fourth Indo-China joint production this year.
The film will be produced in English and Krayon is currently in talks to bring in a Hollywood voice cast for the English version, much like “Delhi Safari’s” Cary Elwes, Vanessa Williams, Christopher Lloyd, and Jason Alexander.
In addition to China, India has also inked co-production treaties with other countries like Canada, Germany, France, Brazil, Poland and Spain. U.S. distribution is still in the works, although Krayon plans include tying up with U.S. studio Applied Arts Productions, who distributed “Delhi Safari” in North America.
“We are extremely excited at making a global film with our Chinese partners. Our partner in China has an amazing computing infrastructure, which is critical for making a world class animation film,” Aditya Nath Jha, CEO of Krayon Pictures said. And when “Delhi Safari” was the 4th highest grossing Indian film in China, what’s not be excited about?
Jha also added that some of the biggest companies in the world have expressed interest in partnering with them as the issue is of universal concern.
Additional China-Indo co-productions include “Kung Fu Yoga,” starring Jackie Chan, and a film on noted seventh century Chinese Buddhist Monk Xuan Zang, who travelled to India and brought Buddhism to China.
