June 23, 2008 - Beijing - Ekin Promotes Online Computer Game
Today Beijing based Kingsoft Computer gaming invited International Movie Star Ekin Cheng to be the spokesman for their Myth online computer games. This is a sequel to their double hero game. Ekin just finished filming Stormriders 2 he rushed from Thailand to Beijing for the game images. Kingsoft is a high level online gaming company, the general manager said that the game had been beta testing since May 30th and 20,000 people had already registered to play, o the first stage of marketing was already a success. Bringing in Ekin was the second stage, to market to the general public. Kingsoft's general manager said the this represented 2008's most significant gaming product. the would continue to refine the internet speed capabilities to make for excellent game play.
Ekin became famous in the Young and Dangerous series of movies and Stormriders both of which allowed hi to create fantasy figures.At the beginning of the year he starred in the new edition of Huo Yuan Jia which is currently in syndication, in addition this year he has been working on the sequel Stormriders2. Kingsoft deeply identifies with Ekin's image and character, his affection for gaming has not changed. However his manager indicated that Ekin has in fact refused many gaming company invitations, this time however to Kingsoft Ekin felt an affinity. This is also the first time he has promoted an online internet game.
Ekin indicated that the pressure in taking on the spokesman for this game was not without pressure he said that he had spent a long time in the game to experience it for himself, he likes the story, it uses playing the game to compare to a movie. It has very many unique elements and is a Chinese Mythological Battle.The backgrounds are extensive and the ancestors and gods coexist within it.In the game his role doesn't compare to a performance.Ekin joked and laughed that he would set up an account for his friend Jordan Chan. The character Ekin plays in the game resembles his temperament, they think that Ekin will rally transform the game play, it will bring the second stage marketing to a higher level and hopefully a big breakthrough. Kingsoft internet vehicles include television, outside publicity posters. Ekin in the cover will popularize the game to thousands of people and national recognition.
During the promotion Ekin and the Kingsoft general manager had a game match Ekin used a high level account number but it was obvious he is not the Kingsoft general manager's adversary. However, it was a companiable competition because it was for the promotion. Finally , they both unrolled a calligraphy banner "中华英雄天下封神" to wish First Myth well. Ekin said that he was pleased to have the chance to promote an internet game, because have to put your entire body into it he hopes that the hard work will reveal the character 二郎神.
June 26, 2008 - Thailand - Stormriders 2 "Meet the Cast" Press Conference
Yesterday afternoon in Bangkok, Thailand, news media from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and the rest of South East Asia were invited to meet the Directors and Cast of Stormriders 2. It was very hot, reaching 36F. There was no air conditining at the site where the pictures would be taken. The seven main characters were there to talk to the press. They included the Directors Peng Shun and Peng Fa, Ekin, Aaron, Charlene Choi, Nicholas Tse, Simon Yam, Kenny Ho and Tang Yan. All of the characters were dressed in their costumes for the event. Ekin as Whispering Wind maintained the same long and flowing hair, the costume an elegant and graceful black and white, Aaron by contrast as Striding Cloud became darker. Charlene and Tang Yam wore long skirts of a peasant nature. Filming is predicted to be complete by July, 2008.
Ekin plays Whispering Wind, the same character he played 10 years ago in the original Stormriders Ekin said that over the last 10 years both himself and Aaron had made progress. Now they were able to maturely grasp the characters essential personalities in their performances. this contrasted with 10 years ago when it was a trial and error method to find the character. In this movie, Striding Cloud, still a loner becomes a suspect wanted by the Imperial court. Whispering Wind as always is willing to try to save him even sacrificing himself to become evil so as to increase his martial abilities. However, he is unable to maintain control over his humanity endangering the entire martial world. It would seem that compared to the first movie this one is less exaggerated and more realistic. The set's are also gloomier, in the snow, in dungeons,and in caves.
Nicholas Tse said that he really liked his role. He said that if you could succeed in finding a dark place within yourself it would translate to the screen. It is really good fun. Although Wind and Cloud have already had a great deal of exposure, however their scenes together still create a sensation. The media made comment that as Wind, Ekin has changed to white clothing. Ekin joked and said he was completely just clothes, in fact ancient people probably wouldn't change clothes much, they probably wouldn't carry many clothes. Charlene plays a martial arts woman, she will have a love affair with Whispering Wind. Their collaboration is relaxed, Charlene described their relationship as older brother, younger sister, though they have performed in the past as man and wife. This time they also perform as lovers. Ekin thinks that the relationship in the movie is very significant to the story, however, this is inconsistent with the original manga. In contrast Tang Yam finds playing Aaron's love more difficult as she is nervous about her performance.
Nearly all of the filming has been done inside a large shed. Most of the fight scenes were filmed in front of a blue screen, so that computer special effects will enhance the scenes. The directors said that this movie will be different and you won't find the real world in it.. but the ancient world of the story. The also felt that it would be very different from any other movies that have been made. Because there will be so many special effects the budget is necessarily huge,more than $100,000,000. The directors indicated that it will be at least October next year before the premiere. However, special effects aren't the only expenses, because Ekin and Aaron fight they must conform to special skill requests to choreograph the fight scenes carefully because the weapons must make contact, therefore they must also carry high insurance. Ekin said that the action scenes compared to 10 years ago and were still difficult and exhausting. Aaron said that this isn't just a sequel but a spectacular story chosen out of the manga.concentrated into a 2 hour movie.
