DMG Entertainment

DMG Entertainment is a Chinese-based film production and distribution company. DMG began as an advertising agency in the 1990s, and it began distributing non-Chinese films in the Chinese film market in the late 2000s. It also began producing Chinese films, starting with The Founding of a Republic (2009). It also has contributed to co-production of films like Looper (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013) and Transcendence (2014).

Background

DMG Entertainment began as an advertising agency that was founded by Dan Mintz, Peter Xiao, and Wu Bing.[1] In the late 2000s, DMG began distribution of non-Chinese films in Chinese theaters, including Twilight and Knowing.[2]

Film production was added to DMG's portfolio in 2009, and its first production was The Founding of a Republic (2009). DMG also contributed to the productions of Looper (2012) and Iron Man 3 (2013) and distributed the films in theaters in China.[1] DMG became involved with Looper as Endgame Entertainment's Chinese partner. After the companies closed the deal in January 2011, changes to film production included casting Chinese actress Summer Qing and setting part of the film in Shanghai. DMG's involvement allowed it to distribute the film in China at the same time as its international premiere, where there was usually "a blackout period" before non-Chinese films could be screened in China.[3] While Chinese regulators did not grant Looper official co-production status, DMG's involvement with Looper as a Chinese company permitted its distribution of the film. Variety reported, "That means that the film could be considered domestically Chinese, which can provide the same benefits as a co-production."[4]

DMG also contributed as a production partner for Marvel's Iron Man 3, though Disney (through Marvel) and DMG withdrew plans to apply for official co-production status in China. Despite the withdrawal, DMG's involvement resulted in inclusion of various Chinese elements such as the casting of Chinese actor Wang Xueqi and footage shot in Beijing. The companies also edited a different version of Iron Man 3 to be distributed in China. The version included a scene with actor Fan Bingbing and "bonus footage specifically for Chinese viewers".[4]

Variety reported that the company benefited from "strong connections" with Chinese government officials and the state-run film enterprise China Film Group Corporation. The trade paper said, "The journeys of 'Looper' and 'Iron Man 3' were not exactly smooth, with questions over whether they would qualify as co-productions, which enjoy vital benefits in distribution, immunity from blackout periods and a far greater revenue share." Mintz said DMG's involvement with the films has helped validate its approach to the Chinese film market.[1] It was announced that Valiant Comics has signed a deal with DMG for a historic eight-figure partnership in Film and TV projects.[5]

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Coonan, Clifford (June 5, 2013). "DMG’s Dan Mintz: Hollywood’s Man in China". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  2. ↑ Staff (November 30, 2010). "Resident Evil: Afterlife--China's No.1 3D film at box office". China.org.cn (China Internet Information Center). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  3. ↑ Goldstein, Gregg (October 6, 2012). "China partner helps ‘Looper’ win big". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Graser, Marc (March 29, 2013). "China Gets Own Version of ‘Iron Man 3′". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  5. ↑ Busch, Anita (March 9, 2015). "China’s DMG And Valiant Entertainment Partner to Expand Superhero Universe". Deadline.

External links