Transformers 4 To Film In China

It was rumored awhile back that Transformers 4 would film in China, and now Paramount Pictures has made it  official. Paramount Pictures, China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprises just announced that they have entered into a Cooperation Agreement regarding the production of Transformers 4 in China. So what does a Cooperation Agreement mean? According to Paramount's press release, it means, "China Movie Channel, under the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT), will cooperate with Paramount in broad-based support of the production of the film in China. Transformers 4 is expected to be released in China on or about June 27, 2014. The parties also intend to cooperate in a number of other areas related to Transformers 4, including the selection of filming sites within China, theatrical promotion, and possible post-production activities in China as well as casting of Chinese actors and actresses in the film." The agreement is said to mark the first time that China Movie Channel will work with a western studio in the production of a major motion picture. The press release also notes that the previous Transformers movies are among the most popular films ever released in China, and Michael Bay is among the most popular directors with Chinese audiences. "I'm proud and honored by how Transformers has been embraced by Chinese audiences," said Michael Bay. "I look forward to working with China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprises to help reach more people here and deepen their passion for this ongoing story and its characters." "China Movie Channel and our official movie web site M1905.com have been long term trusted partners with Jiaflix," said Yan Xiaoming, Chairman of China Movie Channel. "We have been working together in the field of importing Hollywood movies for Chinese television and internet, including Paramount movies, as well as introducing Chinese movies to the North American market and are very delighted with the results we have accomplished together." "This is the beginning of a new era of collaboration with the Hollywood studios," Mr. Yan continued. "We are very confident that the China Movie Channel/Jiaflix cooperation with Paramount will result in the famous Transformers brand being an even bigger success." Jiaflix, through its partners, Sid Ganis, Marc Ganis and Kenneth Huang, was the driving force in bringing the new arrangement to fruition. Said Sid Ganis, Chairman of Jiaflix, "Paramount was the first major studio to officially join with us for the distribution of its films over the Jiaflix platform in China, so we are delighted to join our partners at China Movie Channel together with Paramount on this groundbreaking initiative. 'Transformers 4' are paving the way." Jiaflix has recently entered into a long term agreement with Paramount, under which Paramount will supply more than 250 films a year to the new video streaming partnership between Jiaflix and M1905.com, a unit of China Movie Channel. "We are excited by and grateful for the opportunity to work with China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprises on the production and promotion of 'Transformers 4,'" said Paramount Vice Chair Rob Moore. "We see this relationship as a reflection of the global power and appeal of both this unique franchise and Michael Bay's talents as a filmmaker."