New York City - May 2004
Derek Wan Directs 22 Episodes of HDTV Drama for China's CCTV

New York based All In One Productions, Inc. founder Derek Wan, H.K.S.C. was hired by CCTV in China to direct 22 one hour episodes of THE WAR OF GENES based on the top-ten best seller of the same name by Chinese novelist Frank Shi.  The story revolves around a fight against a deadly virus that rapidly spreads across the Los Angeles area.  A Chinese molecular biologist and an American d octor join forces with support from the US military and LAPD to contain the infectious disease and save thousands of lives.  THE WAR OF GENES is one of the first episodic Chinese television series to be shot in high definition format.

The production features two of China’s biggest television stars: Ding Zhi Cheng and Zhao Lin together with over twenty American actors including Dan Horton (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, BAY WATCH), Jerry Hauck (SEINFELD, MATCHSTICK MAN), Creed Bratton (MASK, Guitarist, Grass Roots), Jerry Jones (THE LONG GOODBYE, MASH), Max Thayer (S.W.A.T., NO RETREAT, NO SURENDER, PART II) and Harrison Young (SAVING PRIVATE RYAN).

CCTV is the largest television network in China with over 350 stations and 9 channels.  THE WAR OF GENES will be broadcasted on Channel 1, the most prominent, highly regarded, and influential of CCTV’s channels.

Director Derek Wan is the first overseas director to be hired by CCTV to direct a drama series.  Wan’s vast experience as a renowned Hong Kong cinematographer (FIST OF LEGEND), his bilingual background and cross cultural sensitivities, unique directorial style in creating tension through blocking, lighting and editing, his ability to handle high intensity action sequences and complicated crowd scenes efficiently, and his expertise using the high definition acquisition format all contributed to his being hired.

Derek Wan shot one of the world’s first 24p high definition movies, MANHATTAN MIDNIGHT that won Best Cinematography Award at the 24th Philadelphia International Film Festival.  His other directing credits include the original network movie SUNSET FIGHTER and TV commercials.

“This has been an incredibly creative and rewarding experience,” Wan reported from his postproduction studios in Beijing.  “Directing 22 episodes non-stop by myself is both physically and mentally exhausting.  I am glad I was able to pull it off in about 80 shooting days with the help of an excellent American cast and crew.  They (CCTV) are quite happy with the newer visual and editing style I brought to the show, which makes THE WAR OF GENES stand out from the majority of TV dramas produced in China.  That’s the very reason they looked for an overseas director to begin with.”

THE WAR OF GENES is slated for prime time broadcast throughout China this summer and is one of the most high profile CCTV productions to date.  It is expected to reach between 50-150 million viewers.

For more information on All In One’s high definition production services or to contact Director/DP Derek Wan, H.K.S.C., call us at 213-626-2633