'Need for Speed 2' joins growing number of Chinese co-productions

Appetite for 2014's "Need for Speed" meant that Chinese audiences contributed $66m of the film's $203m take -- more than any other territory, including the US, and matching the movie's production budget.

The sequel, announced this week, is expected to be shot in China, with a cast and crew that leans heavily on Chinese talent.

It's part of a trend that sees US companies pay more and more attention to a global market, specifically a Chinese one, as China's biggest production studios become increasingly important.

"Transformers: Age of Extinction" signified that sea-change in attitudes towards Chinese co-operation.

Fourth in the Michael Bay film series, it actually had a lower budget than its two immediate predecessors, but outdid all three forerunners in terms of box office domination.

As with "Need for Speed," China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprise came on board to co-produce.

Established stars Li Bingbing and Han Geng joined Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, and Stanley Tucci on the cast list, while a nationwide talent show drafted in four relative unknowns.

A good portion of filming took place in Hong Kong and on the mainland, ensuring a significant slice of Chinese action -- even more for Chinese audiences, who received a localized, alternative cut.

"Mission Impossible III" is another high-profile example of Chinese money bringing US productions to the mainland, with China Film Co-Production Corp and China Film Group among those backing the film, and a portion of the storyline taking place in Shanghai.

For "Wolf Totem," French director Jean-Jacques Annaud of "Enemy at the Gates" and the controversial "Seven Years in Tibet" helmed a collaboration between his Parisian banner Reperage and China Film Group.

Based on a 2004 novel inspired by the life story of Chinese author Lu Jiamin, Annaud shot on location in Mongolia with other scenes taking place in Beijing; the film's 2015 release in China, Hong Kong, France and Belgium contributed to a healthy $109m return on $40m spent.

Alternatively, regal fantasy "The Moon and the Sun" will star Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario and Fan Bingbing, is based on a fantasy novel from Vonda McIntyre, set in France, and funded by both US and Chinese production partners.

And Chinese co-production doesn't have to entail Chinese casting or locations; Keanu Reeves comeback "John Wick" received investment from Huyai Bros. Media Corp, after the group had followed through on interest in Johnny Depp comedy "Mortdecai" and Brad Pitt war movie "Fury."