March 28, 2008. - With the words 'lights, camera, action!' director Jeffery Pi and 54 of his MBA 2007 classmates transformed the Shanghai Chedun Film Studio's back lot into a 1930s-style Shanghai Shi Kou Men, as they filmed a dancing scene for the CEIBS Media Club movie "China Europe Syndicate".

The seven-minute short film, a parody of the decadent ' 30s in the Chinese city, was inspired by a combination of various well-known films and the MBA experience.
The movie was a complete CEIBS production, with all the roles -- acting and technical -- played by members of the MBA 2007 class. In April, all CEIBS students were urged to get involved. The highly-sought-after roles of director, lead actor and actress, supporting acting roles, cinematographer, costume designer, cosmetician, and art director were quickly snapped up. Then Director Pi collaborated with Wavey Hu on the script.

To make the experience even more enjoyable and ensure a more realistic film production process, the CEIBS Media Club rented cameras, costumes and props for the filming of "China Europe Syndicate".  For most of those involved, it was their first time making a movie in a real film studio's back lot. The studio just happened to be one of the best outdoor studios in China. It has been used in the filming of hundreds of movies and TV series including Lust, Caution the spy thriller by Academy Award winning director Ang Lee.

After five hours of hard work filming "China Europe Syndicate", the CEIBS team was exhausted, hungry, cold and full of a newfound appreciation of how painful it can be under -- or holding -- the spotlight. They all agreed, though, that the process had been great fun.

The build-up to the movie's May premier will be accomplished with posters (thanks to the CEIBS Photography Club), a trailer and stills from the movie.  Behind-the-scenes footage and a collection of movie posters went on display on April 17.