Renowned Chinese producer Zhang Jizhong is inviting Internet users from around the world to offer suggestions for his remake of TV drama Journey to the West, which will start shooting this December.

 

 

Zhang Jizhong (M) attends the press conference held by Yahoo China on Thursday, March 15th.

 

Star Daily reports the project's official website was launched by Yahoo! China at a press conference on Thursday.

 

Zhang posted 10 questions to ask for opinions from Internet users regarding the remake at the official website. Outstanding suggestions will be incorporated by the crew into the real plot of the remake.

 

Zhang revealed at the press conference that the 50-episode remake of the TV series will employ the talents of casting director Zhang Jianya and a young five-member screenwriting team.

 

According to Zhang, the five lead roles of the TV series will be given to new characters while respecting the original classical novel.

 

Regarding a reporter's suggestion that Jay Chow star in the role of the Monkey King, Zhang said no, explaining the crew could not afford such a big star since the TV drama will shoot for seven or eight months. He said the lead actors have not yet been decided.

 

The producer has decided to invite actors like Li Yapeng, Zhou Xun, Jiang Qingqing and Huang Xiaoming, all of whom have starred in his previous projects, for supporting roles.

 

(CRI.cn March 17, 2007)