Production is currently under way as of January 3 over at Hengdian World Studios for Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain, based on the classic novel and IP of the same name by late renowned Chinese writer Louis Cha (a.k.a. Jin Yong).
IQIYI is producing the film with director Lu Yang at the helm, marking the novel’s first adaptation for the silver screen. The story centers on Hu Fei, a talented young swordsman who ventures into deep cover among the gang of Eight Villains in order to avenge his father’s death.
Acording to IQIYI’s announcement, the film aims to apply a modern take on a traditional martial arts tale for a “refreshing action-fantasy piece,” as well as “feature exhilarating martial arts and stunning visual effects,” having brought aboard the VFX team behind blockbuster hit, The Wandering Earth.
Rao Xiaozhi (Cool Fish) is serving as co-producer with Ji Peng (The Untamed) as artistic director, and Feng Simu (Tientsin Mystic) as director of photography.
Lu is best known for her acclaim at the helm having won the 28th Golden Rooster Awards for Best Directorial Debut and the 16th Golden Tripod Award for Best New Director for her work on Brotherhood Of Blades and Brotherhood Of Blades 2, both available in the U.S. from Well Go USA Entertainment. His latest long-awaited feat, A Writer’s Odyssey (formerly known as Assassin In Red) was acquired by CMC Pictures for North American distribution, and will release in time for Chinese New Year on February 12.