PRODUCTION NOTES

2000 AD

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PRODUCTION INFORMATION

2000AD is a collaboration between Raintree Pictures and Hong Kong's Media Asia Films. Media Asia Films is a progressive movie company responsible for the action hits GEN-X COPS, PURPLE STORM and the critically acclaimed TEMPTING HEART.

2000AD is an international product, a culmination of talents and expertise from East and West. There is the award-winning director, Gordon Chan, from Hong Kong; an original English screenplay by Stu Zicherman who will be writing NOSEBLEED for Jackie Chan; and special effects by the people who did INDEPENDENCE DAY from the United States. Asian superstar Aaron Kwok heads a cast that includes both veterans and new promising talents available from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

ABOUT THE STORY
The movie begins with the Air Force embarking on the final test to certify their system Y2K compliant. We see an exercise in play simulating a probable situation. Everything goes well. The system is Y2K compliant and it's a call for celebration.

On the same day, a private jet suddenly explodes over the skies of Singapore. The Singapore Defence is concern and suspects sabotage. When they are informed by a CIA agent, Kelvin that a Chinese-American on holiday in Hong Kong is responsible for the disaster, they secretly send their top notch office, Eric Ong to Hong Kong to investigate into the matter.

Hong Kong. Peter Tong, a carefree 20-something goes through life throwing caution to the winds under the wing of his doting brother, Greg. Greg is a top IT expert from the States, a programmer of Y2K solutions. Peter and his best friend, Benny run an IT firm that sells Greg's software. Both of them live in a fast and bright fantasy world of electronic games.

Greg is Peter's brother and is visiting him in Hong Kong. Greg is shocked to hear that the President of his company has been killed in an air explosion. He suspects foul play. After numerous failed attempts to contact his counterpart in Singapore and US, Greg manages to get in touch with his girlfriend, Salina. Salina warns of possible CIA interference and danger.

Things change for the worse the very next morning. Both Greg and Peter are arrested by HK police officer Ronald Ng and CIA agent Kelvin; on the charge of espionage. Further investigations prove to be inconclusive and both brothers were freed. On leaving the police station, a disturbed Peter witnesses the brutal assassination of Greg by a mysterious killer. Greg's death changes the entire situation. We see a transformation in Peter's outlook of life as he is forced to face the harsher realities that await him beyond the world of electronic wargames.

Salina by then has arrived in HK. Together with Peter, they uncover another vital clue that points to Singapore. Salina, Peter, Benny and Janet, sister of Benny and Peter's love-interest, decides to go to Singapore with the hope of unraveling the mystery. All four rally together in the face of imminent danger but Salina seems to have a secret agenda.

Suspicions about Salina's loyalty is confirmed when she makes away with the box's contents when they arrive in Singapore. Peter has no choice but to turn to Eric. Eric, who has been trailing them all along, offers his help at this juncture.

Salina goes back to Kelvin with the box's contents, only to discover that they are of no importance; nothing more than a diamond necklace and letters professing Greg's love for her. Salina wavers uncertainly, caught between current love Kelvin and Greg's sincerity. Peter calls Kelvin, claiming to have vital evidence. On the way to the rendezvous, Kelvin gives orders to his men to kill Peter and team at all costs. Salina decides to save them. With Eric hot on his heels and Peter eager to avenge his brother's death, Kelvin is cornered.

For Peter, this is not another electronic game. Game over equates the end of him and death of his loved ones. Finally, Peter is called to show the kind of courage he has never known before to save his own life, clear his brother's name and protect the whole world from catastrophe…

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

2000AD is the first action thriller to come out of Singapore and is also the biggest budget movie from Raintree Pictures at US$5M. Shot entirely on 35mm in Singapore and Hong Kong, 2000AD boasts a star-studded cast, death defying stunts, heavy dosage of firearms and numerous stunning action sequences.

The cast and crew of the high-tech thriller 2000AD descended on Singapore in early November 1999. After successfully completing the Hong Kong leg of filming, the Gordon Chan-directed actioner relocated to the Lion City, where the filming enjoyed unprecedented support from the local authorities. Apart from breathtaking stunts, one of the highlights of 2000AD has to be the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). This is the first time that any company has had the opportunity to work with the Singapore Air Force for a movie.

A Singapore assistant director was attached to the main crew in Hong Kong since pre-production in August 1999. For the Singapore shoot, a local crew was put together to support the filming. 2000AD also received the generous support from the local media during its one-month shoot in Singapore. This media attention, in no small part, is also due to the star power of regional superstar Aaron Kwok, and the screen debut of local TV celebrities, Phyllis Quek and James Lye, as part of the main cast.

"Just from the title, `2000AD', you can tell we're aiming to make a state-of-the-art action movie," says director Gordon Chan. "I'm confident that, with this team in front of and behind the cameras, we can deliver a film that deserves to be the first big Chinese movie of the millennium."

ABOUT THE CAST

In 1984, Aaron Kwok joined the TVB Television company as a dancer. Three years later, he was enrolled in the company's artiste training course. A Television commercial for a motorcycle company brought Aaron into the limelight and started his career as a singer and actor. A dancer by training, Aaron's physical skills have lent themselves to roles in martial arts movies including THE BARE FOOTED KID, SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME and the blockbuster hit sfx actioner STORMRIDERS. A versatile dramatic actor, Aaron has also starred in the critically acclaimed ANNA MAGDALENA. To date, Aaron Kwok has starred in more than 20 movies. Hailed also as one of the four heavenly kings in Hong Kong, he has released numerous albums including an MTV with Janet Jackson. Aaron is the voice behind the theme song of 2000AD.

Phyllis Quek

Phyllis Quek was a popular Singapore model before joining the Television Corporation of Singapore after emerging the second runner-up in Star Search in 1995. Since then, Phyllis went on to star in many TV productions such as BRAVE NEW WORLD, BEYOND DAWN, LONGING, CRIMES AND TRIBULATIONS, MY WIFE, YOUR WIFE AND THEIR WIVES. She has starred opposite veteran Hong Kong actors like Alex Man and Simon Yam. Phyllis has consecutively been one of the Top 10 artistes from TCS' annual Star Awards in the past three years. She is warmly regarded as the "Fourth Sister" of Caldecott Hill. 2000AD is Phyllis' debut on the big screen.

Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu was born and bred in San Francisco. As a teenage, he pursued his twin passions, studying architecture and Chinese martial arts. Daniel eventually went on to become a champion competitor in the Chinese art of Wushu. Recently, he decides to put a promising career as an architect on hold for a shot of working in the Hong Kong Entertainment Industry. He relocated to Hong Kong, where he quickly established himself as one of the territory's most popular male models, appearing in numerous Television commercials and Print ads. He made his film debut in YOUNG AND DANGEROUS: THE PREQUEL, and was subsequently cast in dramatic roles in films like BISHONEN, CITY OF GLASS, GEN-X COPS and PURPLE STORM.

James Lye

James Lye was voted Most Popular Newcomer and one of the Top 10 Most popular Male Artiste in the Star Awards 1997, a testament to his appeal to Chinese and English-speaking audiences as an actor and TV host. He made his first acting appearance in an English police drama, TRIPLE NINE, produced by the Television Corporation Of Singapore. After establishing himself as the resident hunk on TCS Channel 5, James made the cross over to Chinese drama in a lead role in the popular and widely-acclaimed Chinese drama serial PRICE OF PEACE, followed by the highly rated Chinese romance drama serial SEASONS OF LOVE. His latest role includes playing the lead in the major Chinese Drama production, MILLENNIUM BUG. James was first seen on the big screen when he made a cameo appearance for THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE & SAM in 1999. 2000AD is James' first movie role as one of the main cast.

Gigi Choi

Fresh-faced Gigi Choi is a new comer to the film industry. Previous modeling appearances on cosmetics and Telecommunications Television commercials paved the way into the limelight for her. With the demand for new blood, Gigi is all set to make a big splash in the industry with her endearing personality.

An American born Chinese, Andrew Lin has long harbored passions for an acting career. Based in Taiwan, Andrew's hardworking attitude won accolades and he has since guest starred in a handful of Taiwanese productions. The role in 2000 AD is a breakthrough in Andrew's career.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
Gordon Chan - Director & Writer

Gordon Chan with his proven track records is highly regarded as the master of urban Hong Kong action thriller. Past hits include THE FINAL OPTION, FIRST OPTION and the Jackie Chan vehicle THUNDERBOLT. Gordon's versatility is evident from his other works like the slapstick Stephen Chiau comedy KING OF BEGGARS, the Jet Li kung fu classic FIST OF LEGEND and Andy Lau's supernatural thriller ARMAGEDDON. With BEAST COPS in 1998, Gordon mixed high-octane gunplay with a powerful dramatic interplay between his characters. BEAST COPS won Gordon his BEST DIRECTOR award at the 1999 Hong Kong Film Awards.

Stu Zicherman - Original Screenplay
American writer Stu Zicherman hit the headlines when his screenplay NOSEBLEED, co-written by Raven Metzer and starring Jackie Chan was bought by New Line.

Raintree Pictures
Raintree Pictures is the pioneering movie company in Singapore that approaches movie-making from a total business perspective. Since its inauguration on 1 August 1998, Raintree Pictures have two successful releases and is on track to become a key player in the movie industry in the region. Focused on producing quality movies that appeal to mainstream audiences, at any one time, the company has about 20 projects at varying stages of development. They cover a range from drama to comedy to suspense thrillers in English or Chinese. The company's approach is also to bring together established partners in the industry that will form a synergy to maximise the potential of each project. LIANG PO PO - THE MOVIE, the maiden project of Raintree Pictures released in February this year is a madcap comedy, and is a local collaboration with two prolific filmmakers in Singapore. The second movie is a love drama and marks its first regional effort with Hong Kong award-winning filmmaker Derek Yee. 2000AD is Raintree Pictures' third movie, an action thriller with a culmination of talents from the East and West.

Media Asia Films
Founded in March 1994, Media Asia has, in just five years, become one of the driving forces in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. The company controls a library of over 700 primarily Chinese language films, which it distributes on a worldwide basis. This includes the best known works of internationally acclaimed filmmakers like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and John Woo. In February 1998, international action superstar Jackie Chan and his manager, Willie Chan, became shareholders in Media Asia. Their JC Group subsequently became an active partner in the development and production of Media Asia's films. In 1999, this winning team was responsible for the hits GEN-X COPS, TEMPTING HEART, METADE FUMACA and PURPLE STORM. Written and directed by Sylvia Chang, TEMPTING HEART enjoyed huge success at the Hong Kong and Taiwan box office and critical acclaim at festivals around the world. The high-tech actioner 2000AD, marks the first collaboration between Media Asia and Raintree Pictures, and provides a unique opportunity for Asian cinema to start the new century with a bang.

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