Asian trio in Stellar pact

Talent management company launches

By PATRICK FRATER

Actress Michelle Yeoh, producer Terence Chang and Taiwanese manager David Tang unfurled their Asian talent management banner Stellar Entertainment on Saturday.

The Hong Kong- and Taipei-based outfit will have close ties with Lion Rock Prods., Chang and John Woo's L.A.-based shingle, which is expanding its operations in the region.

Stellar starts out handling the careers of Kelly Lin ("Sparrow"). Zhang Fengyi ("Red Cliff"). Brandon Chang ("The Touch"), Pace Wu, Hong Xiaoling and Mark Cheng and two newcomers from China, Yang Zisan and Yuen Xinyu.

It also has a lineup of screenwriters headed by Wang Huiling ("Lust, Caution," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), Guo Cheng ("Red Cliff") and Taiwanese writer-director Su Chaoping ("Silk"). Helmers are Patrick Leung and Benny Lau.

Tang, a former journalist turned producer, will handle the talent's interests within Asia across film, TV and commercials. Trio said that they expect to announce further signings soon and are weighing options for an additional branch office in China.

Company principals said that they would provide "full circle support" to talent.

"We need new stars in Asia. I left Hong Kong 16 years ago, and I find today that many are the same," Chang said.

"This is the kind of organization that I wished for when I was a youngster," said Malaysian-born Yeoh, who made her name working for Hong Kong studio D and B.

"We are also aiming at pushing the more experienced actors to a new level of success," Tang said.

Chang said status as a management company, rather than a Western-style agency, will allow Stellar to work with agencies or other production labels. Chang added that Lion Rock will likely co-produce with other Asian companies, too. One of Lion Rock-Stellar's first projects is a currently untitled period piece being penned by Su. It is being set up as a co-venture with Warner China Film HG.

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