Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weiping

quarrel over control of artists

Two production companies owned by film producer Zhang Weiping and director Zhang Yimou started a war of words on September 4, concerning the management of some artists.

Zhang Weiping’s Beijing New Picture Film Co. Ltd., which is known for producing Zhang Yimou’s blockbusters* like “Hero,” “House of Flying Daggers” and “The Flowers of War,” issued a statement on September 4 through a law firm to emphasize its absolute control of 12 actors and singers under contract.

South Korean film “Pieta” wins Venice top prize

South Korean director Kim Ki-duk’s drama “Pieta” won the Golden Lion for best film at the 69th Venice Film Festival on September 8.

The Silver Lion for best director went to Paul Thomas Anderson for “The Master,” a film inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The movie’s stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, shared the prize for best actor.

Jake Eberts dies at 71

Jake Eberts, who produced and financed films that won 37 Oscars, died on September 6 in Montreal, following a brief illness. He was 71, according to the Montreal Gazette, which reported his death.

Eberts financed or produced more than 50 films, four of which earned Academy Awards for Best Picture. His latest project was the IMAX 3D documentary “Jerusalem,” slated* for release in 2013. He was also developing a US$60-million film project in China.

One Direction wins big

at MTV awards

British boy band One Direction was the big winner at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, edging out Rihanna and taking home three prizes to crown its arrival on the United States pop scene which began just six months ago.

The five baby-faced men, contestants on the British version of TV singing contest “The X Factor,” beat Justin Bieber and Rihanna for best pop video, and fellow all-boy British outfit* The Wanted as best new artists.(SD-Agencies)