The Chinese JV triumvirate of China Movie Channel Program Center, Jiaflix Enterprises and 1905 Pictures are teaming up with Electronic Arts on the English-language sequel.
As an official co-production, the bulk of Need For Speed 2 will shoot in China with a significant Chinese talent element.
A production start is anticipated later this year on the sequel to the 2014 Electronic Arts (EA) action adaptation released via Disney. Need For Speed, starring Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul as a street racer fresh from prison and out for revenge, grossed more than $200m worldwide including a $65m haul in China.
EA releases a new console game and mobile game this year.
China Movie Channel, Jiaflix and 1905 Pictures most recently teamed with Paramount on 2014’s Transformers: Age Of Extinction and played an integral role not only on production but designing the marketing, anti-piracy and grassroots campaign.
The joint venture aims to bring the same involvement and local expertise to Need For Speed 2.
Transformers: Age Of Extinction ranks as the highest grossing release of all time in China on more than $300m.
UTA represents EA and is packaging Need For Speed 2.
China Movie Channel chairman Yin Cao said: “We are excited to work with EA, one of the world’s most recognised creative companies. We are also delighted that much of Need For Speed 2 will be filmed in China, and we believe it will include much more Chinese talent and elements.