China’s “National Image Promotional Film” sponsored by the Information Office of the State Council began filming in Beijing recently. The outside world became increasingly interested in China after the 2008 Olympic Games, and the “China Image” will show them how to view China, Zhu Youguang, chief producer of the film crew, said. The “National Image Promotional Film” consists of two parts. One is a 30-second TV commercial introducing Chinese celebrities that can best represent China and help build a positive national image. It will be broadcast worldwide through media agencies, including the BBC and CNN, before China’s National Day. The other part is a 15-minute TV special named “Perspectives,” which will be used in foreign affairs activities to display contemporary Chinese society from multiple perspectives. “China Image” has an all-star cast, including 50-plus famous people from the business, entertainment, academic, science and technology and enterprises circles. They want to demonstrate the energetic national image of China through the concept of “Chinese people.” These Chinese people including Li Jiacheng, Wang Jianyu, Ma Yun, Li Yanhong, Lang Ping, Deng Yaping, Yao Ming, Liu Xiang, Guo JIngjing, Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun, Ma Yanli, Yang Liping, Song Zuyin and Tan Dun. Source: PeopleDaily.com

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi has been named image ambassador by the China Red Ribbon Foundation (CRRF), an organization working to prevent HIV/AIDS, Sina.com.cn reports. The actress appeared Sunday (August 8) with 100 AIDS orphans at an event in Beijing to help launch a summer camp co-organized by CRRF for the children. The children came from Sichuan and Henan provinces. Zhang has recently finished shooting her role in Gu Changwei’s new film A Tale of Magic, about an HIV-impacted village. “I am honored to be involved in this campaign for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, and thanks to the movie A Tale of Magic, I had the chance to get to know AIDS patients,” Zhang was quoted as saying. She also shared a story of an HIV-infected boy, who is also an actor in A Tale of Magic and gradually became optimistic during the filming process. Zhang said she was happy to see the child’s changes which made her believe in the importance of helping people affected by HIV/AIDS. Source: English.News.cn

Filmed in high definition, the Zhang Ziyi Travel Series features the 31-year-old Beijing native travelling to Oman and Inner Mongolia to experience the unique culture and heritage of the two locations. Her role in the show is more than just a host – she is the focal point of each of the two 30-minute shows, sharing her adventures with us and allowing us to listen in on her conversations with the local people she encounters. “The goal for this project was to travel to different cities and different countries within one year, and experience life there,” said Zhang in a phone interview. “This is the sort of experience you don’t get in normal life; and the greatest thing I got out of this was the connection I felt with nature and all the wonderful people I met and the wild animals I saw.” Source: Star ECentral.com

PREMIERING tomorrow on the National Geographic Channel (Astro Channel 553) at 10pm, the Zhang Ziyi Travel Series has the Beijing-born international movie star taking viewers on a personal journey of discovery with the help of local guides and famous friends such as photographer Yu Tsai. Originally created by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Zhang Ziyi Travel Series is a National Geographic co-production with the hotel group to unveil the exceptional landscapes of Oman and Inner Mongolia, and to show the determination of local people to nurture their heritage, culture, history, music and art, and preserve Mother Nature. In episode one, we journey with Ziyi to watch endangered turtle eggs hatch on a beach in Oman and see her dance with Bedouin warrior-musicians. In episode two, she stars in a stunning high-fashion photo shoot on the wild steppes of Inner Mongolia, and follows a herd of wild horses at dawn. “We are delighted to contribute towards environmental awareness and conservation that make people sit up and think about what they can do to care for the planet,” Read more… »

National Geographic Channel in Asia is set to premiere a new travel series featuring Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, known for her roles in House of Flying Daggers and Memoirs of a Geisha. Zhang Ziyi Travel Series premieres on National Geographic Channel in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan on November 14. It sees the movie star journeying through Oman and Inner Mongolia with the help of local guides and famous friends such as photographer Yu Tsai. The show was originally created by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, which is co-producing it with Nat Geo, and puts a spotlight on local people as they protect their heritage, culture, history, music, art and environment. Ziyi is the global brand ambassador for the Shangri-La. “National Geographic Channel and Shangri-La share a commitment to showcasing and preserving the natural beauty of the world,” said Choylin Mok, supervising producer at National Geographic Channel Asia. “This unique documentary series is a result of this joint aim. In these documentaries, Ziyi is more of a central character than a traditional host by opening her heart as she takes us from glittering metropolises to the very edge of the world.” Read more… »

Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega is planning to grow its presence in Asia. It has just opened a 1,000 square foot flagship store in Singapore at the ION Orchard shopping mall and said there are plans to open two more in the upcoming integrated resorts. In an exclusive interview with Channel NewsAsia, Omega said it is time to focus on Asia, and its immediate growth plans are strongly centred in the region. To emphasise this, the brand has unveiled Chinese celebrity Zhang Ziyi as its latest ambassador. Stephen Urquhart, president of Omega, said: “Traditionally, we’ve always had Western, European, American ambassadors – mainly American, because that’s where the force was… but the world is changing. “We didn’t think Zhang Ziyi (is) for China or Asia. Even in Europe, she’s a commanding force there. Chinese cinema is getting more popular in Europe. To have a spokesperson like Zhang Ziyi is a strong and fresh image for the brand.” Continue reading…

It was recently annouced that Zhang Ziyi filmed a new commercial for Platinum Guild International in New Zealand earlier this year. Zhang has been endorsing PGI, a service provider of platinum jewelry, since 2007. One of PGI’s taglines is “Precious as you are.” In a video shot on location, Zhang Ziyi says she regards a precious woman to be someone who has a perfect family as well as a job she enjoys. Zhang’s definition of a “precious woman” seems to be a portrait of herself. The 30-year-old actress is engaged to multi-millionaire Vivi Nevo, who is seen accompany Zhang to all kinds of occasions. As for her film career, Zhang is making headway in a new field, producing the upcoming romantic comedy Sophie’s Revenge.