Luc Besson's EuropaCorp Enters Chinese Co-Production & Distribution Pact

Luc Besson’s films have long been big in Japan. Now, the French multi-hyphenate is looking to establish a footprint in China. Besson’s studio, EuropaCorp, today said it has signed an exclusive co-production and distribution pact with Shanghai-based Fundamental Films. The 3-year output deal covers at least 15 Europa films to be released theatrically in China as well as a commitment from Fundamental to co-produce 3 of the 15 titles. The first picture to be released under the deal is the Besson-directed Malavita with Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro and the recently added Dianna Agron and John D’Leo. Deal terms also allow for Europa to handle 3 Chinese films on the international market. Headed by entrepreneur Mark Gao, Fundamental’s previous local releases have included Limitless, Killer Elite and The Grey.