With Jonathan Lawrence (see picture below) now firmly ensconced as director (despite some sources that still give Pitof the role, such as parts of the actual website), Empires of the Deep seems now on track. Filming was to begin on 20 November 2009 and set to end on 19 March 2010 — at least according to this casting call.
Producer Mark Byers has been quoted as saying that “Jonathan Lawrence is uniquely suited to direct this epic adventure. His previous films integrate visual effects seamlessly into the story instead of treating them like add-ons, and his global experience allows him to interface with the all-Chinese crew without a hitch.” (Press release)
The press release continues: “Written by Jiang Hongyu, and produced by Jiang, Byers, and Harrison Liang, the US$50 million [or US$100 million according to Twitchfilm] Empire of the Deep is set in ancient Greece and tells the story of a band of Greek sailors who discover a secret underwater kingdom of mermaids, and must join forces to combat a dark evil that threatens both mermaid and human civilizations.
“Even though the story is set in the Greek isles, the picture will be shot entirely in China, on sound stages in Beijing, and exotic seaside locations in Fujian and Hainan provinces, making it one of the first Chinese productions based on an entirely Western story.”
The undersea fantasy epic is being touted as the first film in the history of cinema to explore the mystical world of the merfolk — a world “inhabited by mermaids, giants, an evil mage and dozens of different undersea kingdoms and races: each with their own cultural traits.” (Facebook page)
It is a fantasy movie about magic and demons, with spectacular battles and an epic story transcending a thousand years.
Empires of the Deep will introduce audiences to an entirely brand-new style of huge action set-pieces, a host of fantastical creatures and amazing underwater fight scenes. It will combine mystery and intrigue with incredible sea battles.
A China / Hollywood co-production, Empires of the Deep (formerly known as “Mermaid Island”) has been in production since 2006, having undergone personnel changes and production upgrades of assorted kinds — such as the departure of former director Pitof (of Catwoman fame) thanks to some classic “creative differences” and the controversial removal of Sharon Stone from the cast after the US star made some indiscreet political statements about aspects of China’s foreign policy. Ambitions for the CGI extravaganza have also escalated. It is now being seen as “the first movie in a planned movie franchise including comic books, animation and online games: all of which are currently under development. Other derivative products such as gifts and theme parks are also planned.”
The Facebook synopsis reads:
The protagonist of Empires of the Deep is a young man with a hidden power. After a local temple is ghosted away overnight, he begins an epic search that leads him to an encounter with the mysterious mermaid Aka. Their meeting triggers an unforgettable series of events that shakes the mermaid world to its very foundations.
On the mermaid side of things at least (the rest of the cast being largely ignored in existing promotional material), the film stars Monica Bellucci as the Mermaid Queen (first below) and Yan Fei as the film’s main aquatic protagonist (second below) — who together cover the gauntlet of cinematic feminine allure from sexy to cute:
Concept Art:
You can view more concept art in the Gallery.
CGI Creatures:
- Previous Backbrain article
- Sources: Press Release; Official website; Facebook page; IMDb entry; Twitchfilm; http://4.bp.blogspot.com
Gallery:
This is not your typical movie or TV show country for worldwide production. What the difference between West and East in production quality comes down to is experience in the industry. Remember it has not been long since any of the productions in China were anything but State controled. Now we have a chance to make a real movie and surprise, surprise it ain’t easy. The producer is new at this industry and he is trying to do something the likes that have never been done in China before. While I undertsand the complaints I think that we should also realize that because of productions own inexperience is exactly the reason (speaking for myself) that I was cast for this movie instead of a Hollywood name. We need to pull together and make this movie or we all lose. And as far as money and payment is concerned the production has lived up to its commitment to me. I don’t know why others are not getting paid, are you talking to the right people? I have a feeling blaming Jiang for all the problems is not correct, as the main investor and creator of this fantasy he certainly has a lot to say with the creative work but I doubt he is the one who is stopping payments. This sounds like a typical Chinese problem where someone in accounting dept..
Deadpoets50 – I got my full pay too. It was seldom on time but they did pay me – much to their credit. I also encourage you to press forward if you can. If you know me you know all the reasons I left but from what I hear in emails, (Though controversial) the two leads are pleased with the new director so I can only hope for success and that those who remain can make this work for them.
That’s great news Jonathan! I can’t wait to get back on set…
Hope evrything’s going well for you these days… Take care! 🙂
Robert, thanks. Yes, just go ahead and delete my comments which were in response to the troll.
To all else, while I initially began criticizing Jiang here, I do remain committed to the hope and idea that this will end up as a very good film and the many dedicated and talented people who have contributed to it will be happy with a wonderful end result, as they deserve to be.
Jonathan, I am happy to hear you didn’t lose money after all.
Personally, and as a final note on Jiang, he did, in fact, lie to me and cheat me out of two thirds of the money owed to me and that was thousands of dollars. That is a fucking fact. But I did end up having the pleasure of telling him what he could do with himself. And, as a matter of further fact, I witnessed firsthand and heard directly from others who were also not paid the full amounts owed and other things as well…
Anyway, it’s not sour grapes, it’s just calling him out. Enough already, anyway. I am glad that most DO seem to be getting paid. BTW, I just got a text message from the set saying that today has been “hell” and everyone is cold, tired, and burned out, but the DP Bing is doing great and everyone is doing their best. As it should be 🙂
I think anyone who makes movies has ‘war stories’ aplenty, and that is one of the joys of it, perhaps ironically, kind of like Pierre said. I have been injured, hurt, made sick, etc making movies, like anyone else, nothing special, and I love every minute of it. It is a privilege to make movies that I think we are all grateful for. I just draw the line at the point where rich people lie and cheat. I’m not with that, personally and I believe they should be ‘called out’ on it.
So, I’ll sign off, hoping you all know that my thoughts and wishes for Empires of the Deep are that it is fantastic and I take my hat off to everyone involved (unless they lie and cheat). The best to everyone.
Cheers all.
Thanks for speaking so honestly Fuji!
By the way, Happy Spring Festival!!! 🙂
Fuji Are you leaving the forum?
BTW Anyone know where I can find the actual press release from Irvin Kershner’s secretary on his Non Involvement on the proj. Had it been verified?
Pierre, Thank you and Happy Spring Festival to you also 🙂
Jonathan, No, I’ll stick around and contribute anything to the conversation I can, as well as enjoy reading what everyone has to say. I did say “sign off” so I guess that sounded permanent perhaps, sorry. Actually, I’m happy this forum exists, as it is a good source of information and keeping in touch with everyone (cheers Robert!) and hopefully it can grow as time goes on. Enjoy LA and the ability to be back with you daughter…a great thing!
Hello, well it’s back to business as usual. I hope all of you who had time off during Chinese new year enjoyed it.
One thing that always seems to be consistant is that in China nothing is consistant.
This movie has potential and at the very least will be a big hit in China. If we are lucky maybe beyond.
Does anyone know if they have signed an actress to play the Queen? Also what is the name of the new Director?
No matter what the outcome of this production it will have given all of us who took part in it many years of memories and conversation starters.
It ain’t over until it’s over!
Hey, “deadpoet”! I just had Mr. Che on the phone… I’m going back on set on the 1st of March, how’bout you? He sent me the planning but it doesn’t seem we have much scenes left together… That sucks! 🙁
yikes! just saw pictures of the mermaids and i don’t understand why they look so unattractive and mutated? i guess to each their own, i’m sure other people think they look great, but i’m pretty dissappointed…
Hey Pierre, I have not heard from them yet. My guess is i will go back after the 4th. We still have at least one scene. Can you email me the planning???? thanks
No probs, deadpoet! I’ll do it right away! 🙂
Antonio, may I ask where you were able to get pictures of the mermaids? I’ve been looking on the web but I couldn’t find any… Is there a leak???
Facebook but the profile is now private. There were pictures of them next to an old man who appeared to have a tentacle wrapped around him and was bloody. Their character names were Aka, Zoe, and there was another one I can’t remember. I mean I still want to see it, but they just look weird and sorta cheap. I just can’t get over the fact that they have what looks like corn rows.
Oh, can someone grab the pictures and send them to me?
Oh I see why I didn’t get them… We don’t have access to Facebook in China anymore…
That really pisses me off by the way!!! Really, what’s the “danger” there??? They have the exact same replica on the Chinese web. It’s called Kaixin wang and it’s a total copy of Facebook… I lost contact with dozens of fiends abroad because of this F’kin’ censorship!
Haahahhahahaha – Yeah the cornrow thing blew me out of the water – Not sure when and where that was decided – Last thing I approved was their real hair…. Oh Well.
By the way Antonio, I know that the costumes might look a bit lame on pictures but trust me: they look really great on film! (From what I’ve seen so far).
Got to disagree with you on that one Pierre. Half as quality on the big screen looks pretty crappy in this case.
Really?! Aaaaaaaaah… That sucks!
I was pretty impressed by the rough cuts I saw though…
You never know what the audience will think until it’s seen on the big screen by the masses, If the editor knows what he/she is doing anything is possible.
Everyone is over the moon about Avatar but I thought they looked like 9 foot tall smurfs. High hopes and low expectations, that is my motto!
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t185490.html
This is the link where Mr. Irvin Kershner’s personal assistant denies his involvement in this project. No wonder, Mr Kershner hasn’t been involved in any similar projects for over two decades…he’s in his late eighties now.
The corn rows are because real hair for the mermaids wasnt working out, and the actresses didnt want to damage their hair by dyeing it white then purple or blue.
After post the costumes will look just fine, they can fix anything in post. The insider doesnt know what he is talking about because there hasnt been a color corrected special effects daily yet.
I agree with Pierre, He happens to be a talented Kungfu guy, not to mention does a real good job of Bobby Dinero!
The film will be big in china because communistic advertisement will force people into theaters, In america…Lets keep our fingers crossed. Who knows. Its really all up to the CG, if it looks mickey mouse, then we are all fucked.
Outsider, not sure what your credentials in cinema are but mine are pretty extensive. The only way they can save this amateur makeup is to hand paint every frame to blend the obvious foam rubber appliances. They might as well just severely blur the image and add thick digital smoke to every scene. Unfortunately that cant salvage the mindless script and mostly well intended but poorly executed acting, or lack thereof (except for the two leads) So what if it’s big in China because people are forced to go. This kind of defeats the purpose of a co-production that’s supposed to show the world that China is now a player in Hollywood style movies. If this really a 100 million US dollar picture WHERE IS IT! Not in the script, not in the cast, not in the crew meals and accomodations, it’s certainly not in the costumes. Some of us may get a reel from it , some may even get paid but No matter how you slice this thing it’s a turd floating in the toilet waiting for someone to pull the handle .
Thanks for your comments “Outsider”… He he!
I haven’t figured out who you are though… I’ll try to guess when I’ll be back on set (which will be soon)… Thanks anyway! 🙂
“Insider”, I have to say that you’re going to hurt a lot of people with that sentence of yours: “poorly executed acting (…) (except for the two leads)”… I’ve seen people work hard on this project and even though they might not be big stars or professional actors, I can tell that their performance was far from what you have described. I know you’re pissed off at the production but don’t take it back on ALL the people who are working on the project… There are still people who want to make something out of it and who haven’t given up yet! Please don’t destroy what’s left of the morale!
Pierre, Most of it is not even the actors faults. look at our script. The good actors will shine through and be recognized the bad actors will be exposed. Just like everyone else. the DP is doing a good job, the lighting people are good, the new Director is nice and doing the best he can with the script, the FX makeup people need to get an internship with a US production company and learn the craft of blending, and some of the actors just need to hear the truth. When I lived in the US I’d occasionaly watch american idol and see people auditioning with all their heart only for the entire planet to sit on their couches and say – “didn’t anyone love them enough to say this isn’t your thing?” I’m not naming names. The good will hopefully rise and the less talented or driven or unlucky will do community theater well into their 80’s (and love it) All said and done, my main frustration with this show is that people like ‘Outsider’, (the name says it all) continue to spout with assumed knowledge but don’t want to be bothered with the facts. Is it a good thing that we all want something great to come of this? Hell yes! Is it wise to play a fiddle while Rome burns? I guess that depends on how close the fire is to your house.
how was the mermaids hair not working out? They could have just used wigs instead of coloring it. They look like contestants in the Ms. Creature from the Black Lagoon Beauty Pageant. No offense to any of the actresses, because they are beautiful, but whoever came up with those costumes did them a huge disservice.
Not really sure when the cornrow thing got approved. The wigs they tried were awful. They looked like reject, trailer trash Barbies. Some discussion went into using their real hair and the last I heard that is what they were going to do then all of a sudden the actresses came to a costume fitting and I was told the rubber headpieces where the only solution and that’s final. Lie the Insider said, some departments need more education on how to make things look, ‘Hollywood’, the wigs I saw fell into that category but I am not sure the ribbed bathing caps with princess Leia ear buns was the best option.
JL
ps. Pierre – I agree with you that morale is utmost but open and honest venting is healthy too. I did my share while there and here as well. To those still working do what you can to make your job the best it can be… someone will recognize that.
I remember in 1975, it was either John Chambers or Verne Langdon, the two special-effects makeup designers for the rather groundbreaking Planet of the Apes, who came to give a demonstration to the Theater Department at the university I was attending. He gave a short lecture and proceeded to apply the full makeup of one of the apes to a volunteer. That was thirty five years ago. We were in a relatively small room and very up close and the prosthetic effect, makeup, and wig were absolutely flawless. Just like in the film, the ‘ape’ looked almost 100 percent natural, with full movement of all muscles. The expressions seemed to radiate through the prosthetic. Again, that was 35 years ago. It’s not done on the computer, it’s hands on skill…it’s also ‘getting it’ – as in having a high quality vision and standard. Further, you also get what you pay for…and that’s usually even less than the amount you ‘got it’ in the first place…how high are the standards…
LOL – I remember buying a flawless planet of the apes appliance 20 years ago at a consumer makeup store for $15. sometimes it aint about money…. Skill and standards are everything.
JL
Haha, very true. Money can be a variable, for sure. Yep, skill and standards are the deal. If you say “mei guanxi” in other places, you get fired. One of the things that was so cool about the ‘appliance’ application that he did was that he applied five separate pieces, as I recall, and the edges were so thin, like irregular edged tissue paper, that you couldn’t see where the appliance stopped and the skin began – a perfectly smooth transition.
I was talking with casting yesterday and they said that the production is now using the Avatar camera and shooting in 3D. Does anyone have any news on this and if so what do you think? Will it make a difference in worldwide release? Also any news on a Queen????
Thanks
What happened to Monica Bellucci? Is she no longer with the production?
Monica was only a rumor and now I read that she is with child.
Yeah Dead Poet, I was on set last week and they are now shooting with that weird camera… The results seem satisfactory (from what I’ve heard)… It just takes the crew a little bit more time to get in place before shooting (adaptation time for sure).
By the way, I saw a rough cut of the fight scenes in the Greek village and now I know what Insider meant by “bad acting”… Shit, these extras they found make the whole scene look terrible (almost goofy)!!! The stunts look good, Steve, Max, Michael and John’s acting is great, the Brazilian mermen do a great job but the extras… It fucks up the whole scene, really. I guess that’s all you can get when you want to save money on everything… Makes me sad… 🙁
Hey Pierre, Good to hear from you. I was wondering how it was going on location. Question, if they are only now using the new camera what about all the scenes that were already shot? We still have one scene together scene 153 YOU TRAITOR!! hahaha.
I’m sorry to hear about the Greek village scene, but we all knew that the extras were being stretched beyond their ability. The rest was O.K.?
Well my motto: High hopes and low expectations! We shall see>>>>>> stay positive, enough negative is afloat, right?
Everything’s fine on set… The new director is very nice and it’s a real pleasure to work with him (don’t worry Jonathan; it was a great pleasure to work with you too!!!)… He he!
From what I’ve heard, they’ll be able to 3D the scenes we already shot by computer (image duplication & superposition technique)… Don’t know what it’ll look like though…
Anyways, it’s great to know that we still have scenes together Dead Poet… Do you know when you’ll be back with us yet?
Pierre, thanks for the update. I don’t know when I’m scheduled yet. I think the end of the month or first week in April. have fun!
Deadpoet, did you know that they want to make us swim in these suits? I’m going to an underwater training tonight… They’re going to be quite heavy when filled with water, don’t you think?!!! It’s going to be hard to surface I guess…
If I don’t come back, tell my wife and kids I love them… lol
Crapola, Good luck! I know about the wife but what kids???? hahahaha
Make sure you take a deep breath before you go under!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathankosread/sets/72157623510043342/
Hey Jonathan, I tried to watch your pics but they didn’t show… By the way, people told me that one could get in trouble for putting production photos online before the release of the film… Just be careful man…
By the way, when do you start shooting again? I have a new riddle for you… He he!
So apparently they gave up the idea of making us swim in the suits… Fortunately!!! I went to the swimming pool the other day for the underwater training and I came back with a cold… But at least I’m alive Deadpoet!!! No need to tell anything to my kids… He he he!
Sounds like things are moving along – EXCELLENT!!! Keep it going gang the home stretch is in view.
Wow! Looks like nobody’s writing on this forum anymore… What’s going on??? I know… Maybe is because everybody’s left the project already… Well, I can’t blame them; I’m on my way out too!
Yup, my contract has come to an end and as I expected, the producers (I should erase the “s”) thought I was too expensive to resign me (in order to shoot my last scenes)… I must say, I asked for a bit more money than what they gave me in the first place but after what they have been paying me, that was only fair… (They still haven’t paid me by the way…)
The funny thing is that I went to the set this morning in order to say goodbye to everyone and some of the crew members said to me that the production told them I left because they wouldn’t pay me 50.000 RMB per day!!! 50.000 RMB!!! Ha ha ha! I’m not even getting that that for the whole movie!!!
This is not a lie: I lost money with that job… Overall, I was paid less than the extras: they get in two months what I got in 5 (I know, unlike them I wasn’t working everyday but I had to wait for the shooting days, unable to work on any other project because they wouldn’t give me any schedule)… I just asked for more money to make up for this loss hoping that the production would understand. Well…
Producers (without the “s”) said something like: “Screw him, let him go and let’s change the script!”
Isn’t it nice when you know that people recognize and appreciate your work? Well… Fuck it…
Oh, I’m sorry… I know it’s lame to write all this stuff now but I had to spit it out… It feels a bit better now. Now here’s the real message I’d like to pass to everyone:
Despite this unpleasant money-related pain in the ass, I have to say that I’m glad to have worked with all of you guys… The crew is really great and I want to thank everyone for telling me all these nice things and for supporting me after they heard my version of the facts… Working with Hai Tao, Richard, James, Bing, Michael, Jonathan… etc. has been a real privilege. I will never forget all the nice times spent with actors like Michael, Steve, Max, Andrea, Ricky, JM, John, the Brazilian brothers… etc. and with all the FX makeup people… You guys rock!!! This experience was unique… Painful, but also extremely great. Hence I’ll try to remember the good and I’ll let time take care of the bad memories…
Thank you all for keeping the magic up in a project that desperately needs it. You guys take care! 🙂
Hey Pierre, Bummer you are leaving the production.
I heard today that Olga Kureylenko, the Bond girl from Quantum of Solace will be in China April 15th to may 2nd to play the Queen. Too bad you won’t be stealing her blood.
It was a pleasure working with you and I am glad the door is not closed.
I’ve worked on a lot of Chinese productions and I have to say that this is _a lot_ less fucked up than most of them. They don’t pay? That’s normal. There is no schedule? Ha ha ha. There never is. It’s sort of the price one pays to get big roles in big movies.
The nice thing about this movie is even with the mediocre script and bad acting: It’s a fucking awesome concept. And so even if it sucks big time, it’ll suck in a really cool, never-before-seen-in-China way.
Deep Throat, I couldn’t agree more. Whatever the final outcome, this movie will be a big hit in China, (just because.)
If there was a wish list: I wish I made more money, I wish they knew the schedule more than one day ahead, I wish we had coffee, but hey I knew what I was getting into when I signed on and so far there have been no surprises except I am having a lot more fun with my role than I expected.
Also while I was worried when Jonathan left the project, my worries were for not because Michael the new Director rocks, he gives excellent direction and seems to work very well with his Chinese counterparts. So on with the show!
http://davidszondy.com/future/robot/undersea.htm
Pierre – It was a great pleasure to work with you. Thank you for all you brought to the experience. Be well.
Thank you so much Jonathan… Coming from you, it means a lot! Working with you has been a great experience… Hope we’ll see you again in China… 🙂