Disney brings 'Musical' to China

Disney has just begun production on an adaptation of their monster hit "High School Musical" franchise, which it plans to bring to the mainland Chinese market.

According to an article on Variety.com, "‘Disney High School Musical: China' tells the story of a new student who meets a gifted young man with whom she shares a secret passion for singing. With the help of their friends, they overcome the odds to win an interschool singing competition and discover their true calling in the process. . . . Disney is planning a theatrical release next summer. Co-production partners are Shanghai Media Group (SMG) and Huayi Bros.; Janet Yang will produce, and the pic will be helmed by Shi Zhengchen (‘Dark Matter')."

"High School Musical" is considered the most successful Disney franchise of all time having reached more than 290 million viewers in more than 30 languages and across 100 countries, including China.

The General Manager of Walt Disney Studios International Production, Jason Reed, has stated that the reason behind this endeavor is to increase Disney's presence in China. He has added that the Chinese version of "Musical" has similarities to the original's screenplay and "is inspired by the spirit of the first one."

"‘Disney High School Musical: China' promotes classic values of teamwork, optimism, friendship, pride and the spirit of self-discovery, which have made ‘HSM' a worldwide phenomenon and further cements Disney's position as a family entertainment brand in China," said Stanley Cheung, the executive VP and managing director of the Walt Disney Co. Greater China.

Currently, "Disney High School Musical: China" has begun filming in Shanghai and will feature six fresh and youthful stars chosen from across China.