Director Hu Mei (photo: sina.com.cn)

The year-long talent show to cast the TV series remake, "A Dream of Red Mansions," ended in June with two main actresses emerging and the leading actor role vacant. Now, three months later, the buzz surrounding the production is still going on.

One of China's most talented female Director Hu Mei, who had been slated to remake the ancient drama, declared Saturday she would not join the production, according to The Beijing Times.

"I'm disappointed at the cast members selected from the show. They do not fit the roles. I have left the production, and my company will shoot another 'Red Mansions' independently," Hu Mei told the press.

Hu said she will stick to her principles and choose professional actors for her series, which is scheduled to start shooting next year.

However, Hualu Baina Company, one of the producers, said the split with the director will not derail their original plan.

The three producers include China Film Group, Beijing Television Station, and Hualu Baina. Hualu Baina's president Luo Liping told the Oriental Morning Post that they have obtained a shooting license for their upcoming "Red Mansions" version. "The 50-episode TV series is set to start shooting at the end of next year. The talent-show competitors will form the entire cast, which will receive a training course in October next year", Luo said.

Luo also confirms another renowned female director, Li Shaohong, will succeed Hu Mei. But Li Shaodong told the press that she is still considering whether her timing would be proper to take over the the job.

(CRI.cn September 17, 2007)