China blocks film production

China has blocked a Hollywood movie from being shot in the country because of concerns about the script, a film official said Wednesday.

Luan Guozhi, director of international cooperation at China’s Film Bureau, declined to reveal the government’s concerns about the story for “Shanghai,” but said the filmmakers could make changes and reapply.

“Shanghai” is about an American who investigates his friend’s death in World War II-era, Japanese-occupied Shanghai.

Producer Mike Medavoy and production company the Weinstein Co. didn’t immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment Wednesday.

Director Mikael Hafstrom has been in China since September preparing for the movie, Variety reported on its Asian news website. Hafstrom was quoted by Variety as saying he plans to move the shoot to Hong Kong.