A fighting chance
The 1992 movie Twin Dragons is one of Jackie Chan's 90 films. Now the action star is making his own reality TV show. |
The show, named The Disciple, has attracted nearly 100,000 people to sign up for a shot at kungfu stardom, according to the Beijing TV Station (BTV), one of the organizers.
Chan had the idea of scouting out some disciples about 10 years ago.
"In my 46-year experience in the film industry, I have been lucky to be bestowed with many good opportunities by friends, directors and studios, which has shaped today's Jackie Chan," he said in the opening ceremony of the show. "So I want to do something to help others."
He initially wanted to set up a martial art and stunt school, where young actors good at fighting can learn beautiful styles. But when BTV and two film companies showed interest in the plan, they decided to make it a TV show, which they agreed would be a better platform.
All young people aged 18-28, male and female alike, can apply for a chance in the
Jackie Chan hopes to promote Chinese martial arts all over the world. Jiang Dong |
The final 10 winners will join Chan's own stunt team Chan Jia Ban before the kungfu star gives them an extensive training in acting and filmmaking. Chan said he had selected 10 scripts from China Film Group, in which the winners will play roles.
Originally the show only recruits Chinese people, but in view of the passion among people all over the world, the organizers said they were thinking about introducing international contestants.
However, Chan wants to remind contestants to give up the idea of becoming famous overnight by the show. "To become a leading actor is a long road," he said. "You have to learn a lot of things, like how to be an action director, an editor or a script writer, before you can really handle the job of leading a movie."
Li Zongsheng, Taiwan composer and long-time friend of Chan, encouraged young people to take a part in the contest just to learn something from the superstar, who has featured in over 90 films and produced 28.
"Chan is a person who has faith in basic values, such as you will make it if you really try," he said. "Maybe you won't be as famous as Chan after you participate in the show, but it will still be a good chance to learn something valuable."
And Chan emphasized that the contest would not be a show just for the sake of show.
"I really hope to see more Jackie Chans, Bruce Lees and Jet Lees to promote Chinese martial arts all over the world," he said. "I will be responsible for your future development in the film circle."
BTV will broadcast the final contest in October on the Great Wall. The film starring the final winners will be released before the 2008 Beijing Olympic games, Chan said.
(China Daily 04/11/2007 page18)
