Director Ahn Byeong-ki's 2002 horror hit "Phone" is being reworked into an English-language version for the North American market, in an announced co-production between Seoul-based Mirovision and LA-based Imprint Entertainment. Original director AHN is attached to direct the remake, with principle shooting to take place in Korea.
In the wake of a slew of Hollywood remakes of Asian horror films such as The Ring, The Grudge, One Missed Call, and Dark Water, having profitably tested the waters, the new co-production is expected to follow in their success.
The original "Phone" drew 2.2 million admissions at the local box office in 2002. AHN went on to direct two more successful horrors, "Bunshinsaba" (2004) and "A.P.T" (2006). The director will also be credited as producer of the remake along with Mirovision CEO Jason CHAE and Imprint Ent'.s Mark Morgan who previously produced the successful vampire romance Twilight for the company.
With casting currently in discussion and the English-language script near completion, the producers expect to begin shooting in the fall of 2009 with a released date targeted for the summer of 2010. Publicity for the project will be launched at the upcoming Cannes film market in May.
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