Cameron tapped in China's 3D film

BEIJING - James Cameron' 3-D team, behind the worldwide success of 2009 sci-fi blockbuster "Avatar", is being tapped to assist in shooting "The Art of War", a film about ancient Chinese strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu.

The cooperation was revealed Saturday in Beijing by organizers of the 2nd Beijing International Film Festival. The agreement is expected to be signed during Cameron's attendance at the festival, which will be held in the Chinese capital from April 23 to 28.

Cameron's team is expected to provide technical support to the 3D shooting. Other details of the deal were not disclosed.

According to previous local media reports, "The Art of War", produced by an international team, is estimated to cost between $80 million and $100 million.

For the festival, Cameron will speak on a forum and talk with Chinese film-makers on other cooperation plans, the organizers said. Other speakers at the forum, themed "Chinese-foreign cooperation on film production" include James Gianopulos, chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment, Simon Philips, CEO of Walt Marvel Entertainment, a Walt Disney subsidiary.

Festival attendees also include Keanu Reeves, Korean actor So Ji-sub, and many Chinese local celebrities.

Cameron would come to Beijing at a time when his 3-D release of the 1997 all-time classic film "Titanic" is en route to set box office records.

The film grossed an unprecedented $67 million in China in six days since its April 10 debut. That compared to the film's 10-day box office in North America of just $36 million.

Market observers expect the 3-D "Titanic" to earn even more during the upcoming May Day holiday to eventually break the $222 million record set by "Avatar."