Following the news we first brought you earlier today of the Bumblebee movie’s January 4th, 2019 debut in China, Tencent Pictures announced that it is aboard as an investor and co-marketing partner with Paramount Pictures to ensure the film’s successful mainland release and the same for another picture with deep 1980s roots, the upcoming Top Gun sequel. You may remember similar partnerships forged between Weiying Technology, Dalian Wanda Group and Paramount for The Last Knight’s Chinese run.
From Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos:
“We are thrilled to partner with Tencent Pictures to bring the Bumblebee origin story to China, where the Transformers franchise has been tremendously popular. Tencent’s involvement in many high-profile international projects has demonstrated its strong capacity in marketing campaigns in China, making Tencent an ideal partner to share this film with a global audience. We really look forward to presenting this heart-warming movie with Tencent, and to partnering with them on the next Top Gun film, particularly given the enthusiasm for the original film in China.”
From Vice President of Tencent and CEO of Tencent Pictures CHENG Wu (Edward Cheng):
“Global Exploration is one the six major cultural series of Tencent Pictures. With a focused, vertical market strategy, we hope to connect with top-notch partners all over the world and tell good stories through films. It is for the same reason that we choose Bumblebee. Apart from investment, Tencent Pictures will also serve as a joint marketing partner to boost its marketing campaign and promotional activities. We will leverage the strengths of our different divisions, mobilize resources across our integrated platforms, and join forces with Paramount to help Bumblebee win over a global audience.“
Read up on the full press release here and then chime in with your thoughts on the 2005 boards!
SPLIT LIP
When you consider what else Tencent is attached to (which is, like, everything…) you have to wonder. They've got their fingers in just about every pocket out there.
nugun2
Most likely. Right now in China the government is expelling many Foreigners. Many chinese are unable to take transit due to the social credit system in effect and any reflection of anti government action in movies such as BB with a girl going up against the government will be modified slightly
nugun2
AWESOME
convoy84
I have my doubts. These guys also financed Wonder Woman, another spinoff (which did well despite its predecessors not lookin' so hot; putting this in parentheses so as not to jinx anything). Plus, how could you add anything for the Chinese? Sector 7 doesn't have a Chinese branch, and the whole of the story takes place in California (rest in peace); I'm sure the Cybertron scenes will be enough.
osenator
I wonder if they going to do any changes to pander to the Chinese?
convoy84
transf0
“Since its establishment, Tencent Pictures has prioritized exploring international markets, and Bumblebee is a key step for Tencent's overseas business. With a total box office of 4.3 billion USD worldwide, the Transformers film series is among the world's most popular and influential intellectual properties. The Autobot movie features Bumblebee, one of the most popular characters from the franchise, who has excited the hardcore fan base around the world.”
Nice to know we're bona fide hardcore fans now.
AzT
Tencent Pictures Teams up with Paramount Pictures on Latest TRANSFORMERS Film BUMBLEBEE, as well as TOP GUN sequel