Zhang Yimou joins Le Vision Pictures

BEIJING - Zhang Yimou, one of China's top film directors, has joined Le Vision Pictures (LEVP) as its signed director and artistic director, the film company announced on Tuesday.

"I hope the new cooperation pattern with LEVP can bring me more creative space, inspiration and support," said Zhang at a press conference.

The 61 year old is an internationally acclaimed director whose best-known films include "Red Sorghum," "Raise the Red Lantern" and "House of Flying Daggers." He is also known as the architect of the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

"We'll work together to create good productions for film viewers in the Internet era," he said, adding that the collaboration with the company's young members of staff would initiate a new stage of his life.

Zhang had been seeking a new partner since he left Beijing New Pictures Film Co Ltd last year after 11 years of collaboration.

LEVP is a two-year-old company that co-produced box-office hit "The Bullet Vanishes" and invested in "The Expendables 2."

LEVP CEO Zhang Zhao said at Tuesday's press conference that the company hoped to join hands with Zhang Yimou to create new classics for China's 600 million Internet users.