Jackie Chan launches Chinese TV show to find new action stars

BEIJING -- Jackie Chan on Saturday launched a Chinese TV competition aimed at scouting out new action movie talent, saying more than 100,000 people have already signed up for a shot at kung fu stardom.

"A lot of actors are good at fighting but [their style] is not beautiful," the Chinese star and stunt man, who turned 53 Saturday, said in Beijing.

"If you can incorporate dance with an ability to perform kung fu, that would be better," Chan told an audience that included 20 of the show's contestants and some Chinese celebrities.

The TV show, whose English title is "The Disciple," is jointly produced by Chan and Beijing TV Station, known as BTV.

The show will run from March to October, with 10 winners appearing in a movie to be produced by Chan, organizers said. The movie will be released before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chan said.