http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/47-Ronin-2012/116939391725849
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
From Redditch To 47 Ronin 2012
A REDDITCH dance pupil has been picked to appear on screen with Hollywood superstar Keanu Reeves.
Austin Lui has spent three weeks at Shepperton Studios in Surrey filming scenes for the 3D blockbuster 47 Ronin.
The 18-year-old has been a pupil of the Royal Ballet School in London since the age of 11 and auditioned for the role.
He is one of eight dancers taking part in two dance sequences in the film which have been created by West Midlands based choreographer Olivia Pickford, who is also a freelance teacher at Elmhurst School for Dance in Edgbaston.
“We did a night scene and a day scene and it took about three weeks to film them,” said Austin, who first took up dancing in Bromsgrove at the age of five.
“I think they did about two minutes of film from that. I learnt a lot from it. I didn’t know what it would be like to be filmed. You do the same thing again and again.”
Austin, who was a Junior Associate with Birmingham Royal Ballet before gaining a place at the prestigious White Lodge Royal Ballet School, was filming with Japanese film actor Hiroyuki Sanada.
“He is a classically trained Japanese dancer so he danced was with us. He was really nice,” he said.
And Keanu, who shot to fame in films such as Speed and The Matrix, was also on set.
“We had Keanu Reeves around quite a lot and he seemed nice but I didn’t get to speak to him.”
Austin is due to finish at the school this summer and has already gained a place with the Ballet de L’Opera National De Bordeaux. And he is looking forward to seeing 47 Ronin, which tells the story of a group of 18th century Japanese warriors, when it opens in the UK next year.
“It does seem a long time away but it will be good to see it,” he said. “All my family are amazed I am in it.”
Olivia, whose husband Errol is a former Royal Ballet principal who now teaches at Elmhurst, said: “Austin’s strong classical technique has really stood out and we have all been really impressed by his artistry, professionalism and willingness to work in a team.”
By Diane Parker
Austin Lui has spent three weeks at Shepperton Studios in Surrey filming scenes for the 3D blockbuster 47 Ronin.
The 18-year-old has been a pupil of the Royal Ballet School in London since the age of 11 and auditioned for the role.
“We did a night scene and a day scene and it took about three weeks to film them,” said Austin, who first took up dancing in Bromsgrove at the age of five.
“I think they did about two minutes of film from that. I learnt a lot from it. I didn’t know what it would be like to be filmed. You do the same thing again and again.”
Austin, who was a Junior Associate with Birmingham Royal Ballet before gaining a place at the prestigious White Lodge Royal Ballet School, was filming with Japanese film actor Hiroyuki Sanada.
“He is a classically trained Japanese dancer so he danced was with us. He was really nice,” he said.
And Keanu, who shot to fame in films such as Speed and The Matrix, was also on set.
“We had Keanu Reeves around quite a lot and he seemed nice but I didn’t get to speak to him.”
Austin is due to finish at the school this summer and has already gained a place with the Ballet de L’Opera National De Bordeaux. And he is looking forward to seeing 47 Ronin, which tells the story of a group of 18th century Japanese warriors, when it opens in the UK next year.
“It does seem a long time away but it will be good to see it,” he said. “All my family are amazed I am in it.”
Olivia, whose husband Errol is a former Royal Ballet principal who now teaches at Elmhurst, said: “Austin’s strong classical technique has really stood out and we have all been really impressed by his artistry, professionalism and willingness to work in a team.”
By Diane Parker
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
"47 Ronin (2012) - Release dates"
USA - November 21, 2012
Spain - November 30, 2012
Sweden - December 7, 2012
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1335975/releaseinfo
Redditch Born Ballet Dancer ~ Austin Lui Joins The Cast Of 47 Ronin
A GRADUATE year student from The Royal Ballet School, who hails from Redditch, is to appear in new epic adventure film starring Keanu Reeves.
Redditch-born Austin Lui, 18, is currently involved in rehearsals at the world-famous Shepperton Studios in Surrey, filming dance sequences for Universal Pictures’ forthcoming film 47 Ronin.
47 Ronin is set for release in November 2012 and is described as a 3D fantasy-adventure, inspired by the brave Ronin warriors of Japanese legend.
Directed by Carl Erik Rinsch, the film is set in 18th century Japan and follows Kai, played by Reeves, and a band of warriors who set out to avenge the death of their master and restore honour to their homeland. The warriors embark on a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.
Reeves is joined in the film by some of Japan’s best known film actors including Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi.
There are two sequences in the film involving dancers. One of these is at a pivotal part of the film and features the brilliant Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada, himself a trained classical Japanese dancer. The other sequence is a fairytale-type fantasy based around animals which features Austin as a raven and showcases his classical technique.
The audition process was open to every professional dance company and school in the UK. In March, eight dancers were selected for the film, ranging from hip hop, break-dancers and martial arts performers. Austin was the only ballet student to be selected.
Olivia Pickford, the choreographer for 47 Ronin, said: “The film’s dance sequences feature excellent dancers from a range of diverse styles.
“Austin’s strong classical technique has really stood out and there is one sequence in particular where this features strongly. We have all been really impressed by his artistry, professionalism and willingness to work in a team. Austin is a real credit to The Royal Ballet School.”
Redditch Advertiser News
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
47 Ronin At Shepperton
Saturday, June 04, 2011
"47 Ronin" @ Shepperton and "Dark Shadows" @ Pinewood
The UK's Pinewood and Shepperton Studios complex, reports that filming is now underway @ Shepperton on Universal’s upcoming, 3D fantasy-adventure, "47 Ronin" and "Dark Shadows" has started @ Pinewood.
"47 Ronin", inspired by ancient Japan’s most enduring story about the 'Samurai', stars Keanu Reeves as 'Kai', an outcast who joins 'Oishi' (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the '47 Ronin' : 
"...Together they seek vengeance on the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors..."
Production on the film started early in the New Year, building sets on Shepperton’s sound stages and backlot, recreating 18th century Japan in the form of a castle, fortress, tournament arena and village.
"47 Ronin" is directed by Carl Erik Rinsch ("The Gift").
"Pinewood and Shepperton have seen some relatively big productions come through its gates in recent years, although few rival the scale and ambition of '47 Ronin'," said Andrew Smith, Group Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood.
"The sets are some of the most amazing we’ve seen and it’s so pleasing to have been able to provide the production with the space, infrastructure and support they need to help them achieve their vision..."http://www.sneakpeek.ca/2011/06/47-ronin-shepperton-and-dark-shadows.html
Monday, June 6, 2011
Keanu On 47 Ronin
Written by: Stoic Taco
Thanks to Hero Complex, we have an update on 47 Ronin directly from the leading man himself, Keanu Reeves.
Playing Kai, the son of an English sailor and a Japanese woman, joins the 47 ronin, led by Hiroyuki Sanada, out to avenge the death of their master at the hands of an evil lord.
The locations used in the shooting of the film are worldwide as outlined by Mr Reeves, “We just wrapped. It was our last day here in Hungary, we’re in Budapest…We had about 34 shooting days here. Then off to England. It’s been amazing so far.”
In the article Mr Reeves goes on to state just how immensely important this story is to the Japanese people and that there is a responsibility to treat the story with care and reverence.
“It’s a story of honor, revenge and impossible love. It’s famous in Japan….Japanese kids grow up with this story told to them. They hear it from family and they learn it in school, it’s part of the culture… It’s been made into movies many times and on television. It’s like our westerns, the story keeps being told. It’s been reworked in some ways but with great care and respect.”
In addition to the taking care with the storyline, working in various countries and weather conditions, Mr Reeves has faced another challenge with the need of learning to handle and use a traditional Japanese two-handed sword, “I haven’t done two-handed sword before so it was pretty cool to learn the basics and I’ve been building on that…There’s a definite style to this sword and it’s very fast I’m trying to keep up and learn as I go.”
Make sure you check out the full story at Hero Complex, it’s a great read.
The filming is currently taking place in London now, and is scheduled for release in November 2012.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
47 Ronin Filming at Shepperton
Filming is now well under way at Shepperton Studios on Universal’s new epic 3D fantasy-adventure, 47 Ronin.
The film, inspired by ancient Japan’s most enduring tale stars Keanu Reeves as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 Ronin. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.
The production has been working hard since the New Year, building some incredible sets on Shepperton’s stages and backlot, where they have recreated 18th century Japan in the form of a castle, fortress, tournament arena and village.
47 Ronin is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch (The Gift). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that’s never been seen before.
Andrew Smith, Group Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood commented: “Pinewood and Shepperton have seen some relatively big productions come through its gates in recent years, although few rival the scale and ambition of 47 Ronin. The sets are some of the most amazing we’ve seen and it’s so pleasing to have been able to provide the production with the space, infrastructure and support they need to help them achieve their vision for this film. The team have been a pleasure to work with over the past few months and have even opened up their sets to members of the local community for a one off set visit, to satisfy the intense interest in the project.”The film is from writers Chris Morgan (Wanted, Fast Five) and Hossein Amini (upcoming Drive, The Wings of the Dove). Scott Stuber (The Kingdom, upcoming Battleship), Pamela Abdy (Garden State, Man on the Moon) and Eric McLeod (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End, Tropic Thunder) produce the epic.
Rinsch leads a behind-the-scenes crew comprised of two-time Academy Award-nominated cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator, Robin Hood); two-time Academy Award-nominated production designer Jan Roelfs (Alexander, Gattaca); editor Craig Wood (Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, The Ring); costume designer Penny Rose (“Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy, Evita); special effects producer Paul Corbould (Mamma Mia!, The Wolfman); and visual effects producer Garv Thorp (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Your Highness).
http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/2011/06/47-ronin-filming-at-shepperton/
TOHO Cinemas Magazine 47 RONIN Akanishi Jin Interview
With Keanu Reeves as the main lead and Chushingura ('tale of the loyal retainers') as the blueprint, a luxurious cast (Japan+America) would be showing us the spectacular action movie “47 RONIN”. Production fees of 20billion yen and using the newest 3D technology just like “Avatar”. It’s clear that this piece of work is not just a normal project. We met Akanishi Jin who is debuting in Hollywood with this movie at Hungary, in his very natural state.
He went to the auditions with the mindset of“Because I have never passed (the auditions)” to getting surprised when told that “he had passed”. Beyond the big surprise, it seems like he was hesitant about it.
“I used to think of acting in a Hollywood movie. Because I like western movies and when I watch movies like “Matrix”, I always wondered “how do they actually film this?” Though I was really happy when it was decided, but the feeling of “what should I do now?” was more overpowering. I still have to break the news to the agency, and the release of the album would also have to be pushed back….I never thought that I would definitely be accepted”
The theme of Chushingura has been filmed into movies many times before and it’s a theme that tugs at the heartstrings of Japanese. To act in a Hollywood movie with the topic that combines the spirit and interest of Japanese, there must be a certain amount of pressure.
“Actually I have never watched those Japanese period films. For people who are familiar with this, it’s definitely a theme that they would like to discuss, but for me it’s kinda like “So what is Chushingura?” He, who is laughing while answering, gave his absolute best while filming. This is also something that has to do with the uniqueness of the movie. “I did not know about Chushingura, but I did not find the need to go read the books and watch the TV dramas on it. Though this work is about Chushingura but it’s more like a fantasy. It’s better if the audience don’t carry the image of this movie being a period film. The script has been changed many times; the movie goes off the track of Chushingura and then comes back again… I have been trying not to read too much (laughs). But for now, the end product totally can’t be foreseen.”
The director of this huge production that is masked with a mysterious veil is Carl Rinsch who has filmed and taken part in many famous CMs around the world. Well known for having an excellent filming sense, this talent was also felt at the location itself. “The director is a very ambitious person. If he’s asked whether the filming is going on smoothly, there is totally no such thing as filming smoothly to him (laugh) Though we get stuck on one scene a lot, the product is really very beautiful. Even at the location, we check our scenes using 3D and everyone would go “Whoa!!” while watching."
Akanishi is acting as Oishi Chikara, the son of Hiroyuki Sanada’s role Oishi Kuranosuke, and the good friend of Keanu’s English/Japanese mixed blood role, Kai. The location that is filled with veterans all around the world, how is Akanishi doing so far?
“It’s completely a filming ground with no scary tensions or anything (Laughs). Keanu’s role is a loner who is hated by everyone, and the setting is that my role Chikara is the only one who gets along with him. And so, I have many scenes with him. He often asks “How do you say this in Japanese?” Sanada san takes on the role as a translator for the Japanese who do not understand English, while I focus on my combat and horse riding training. I don’t want to lag behind and be a burden in the action scenes. Though I have experience in combat but it’s totally not enough to survive here (laughs). It’s difficult”
For Akanishi ,who has recently announced his debut in America for his music activities. Using this movie as an opportunity, would he officially go international in the movie world?
“I hope to have fun completing this production first. But if the timing and chance is right, I would like to do it.”
http://annatanhe.livejournal.com/49915.html
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