Salty Pictures Signs First Look Deal with Damai Entertainment for Chinese-Rooted Films with Global Appeal
Hong Kong-based film and TV studio Salty Pictures has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Chinese entertainment powerhouse Damai Entertainment to collaborate on a series of Chinese-rooted films designed to captivate audiences worldwide.
The collaboration will kick off with the production of “Not Friends,” a Mandarin-language adaptation of a popular Thai coming-of-age comedy-drama that was chosen as Thailand’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Renowned multi-talented artist Gao Xiaosong will be overseeing the slate of films under the first look deal and will also serve as the executive producer for “Not Friends.” Gao, known for his diverse talents in songwriting, filmmaking, and television hosting, has an impressive track record in the entertainment industry. His recent works include the critically acclaimed “3 Body Problem” and “My Old Classmate.”
Additionally, acclaimed filmmaker Baz Poonpiriya, the director behind hits like “Bad Genius” and “One for the Road,” will join the project as a producer.
Damai Entertainment will provide financial support for the production of “Not Friends,” which is scheduled to commence filming in Hangzhou later this year. The renowned talent agency UTA is currently involved in casting for the project.
The original “Not Friends,” produced by GDH and recipient of the best picture award at Thailand’s National Film Association Awards, revolves around a high school student who transfers to a new school and decides to create a tribute film for a deceased classmate, despite their lack of a real connection. The Chinese adaptation will relocate the story to a university setting in a fictional Chinese city while maintaining the essence of the original narrative.
Jonah Greenberg, the chief of Salty Pictures and a former head of CAA China, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Damai Entertainment, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to producing pan-Asian stories that resonate with global audiences. Greenberg highlighted the significance of “Not Friends” and its potential to bridge cultural divides and connect with viewers worldwide.
Salty Pictures, under the leadership of experienced producer Jonah Greenberg, specializes in creating high-quality film and television content from its base in Hong Kong.
Damai Entertainment, a technology-driven company, is dedicated to delivering immersive entertainment experiences across various platforms, including film production, live performances, artist management, and ticketing services. The company’s innovative mobile app offers users access to ticketing services and content discovery features.
GDH, the original producer of “Not Friends,” is a prominent Thai studio known for its international success with films like “Bad Genius” and “The Paradise of Thorns.”
The collaboration between Salty Pictures and Damai Entertainment represents a significant step forward in the global entertainment industry, showcasing the power of cross-cultural storytelling and collaboration. The upcoming adaptation of “Not Friends” promises to be a captivating film that resonates with audiences worldwide.
