Disney and SMG prep Chinese High School Musical

Disney is making a Chinese version of its hit High School Musical franchise.

The US company has recently gained clearance to open theme park in mainland China and in another move opening up its activities in the Chinese market will partner with Shanghai Media Group and local film studio Huayi Brothers Media Corp. to make the local version of the hit show.

The coproduction model will reportedly allow the film to bypass local rules limiting the number of movies in which foreign companies can share the profits.

It will be filmed in Shanghai and released theatrically next summer. It will be directed by Chen Shizeng (Dark Matter). The upcoming Disney theme park will also be in Shanghai.