Youku, Buick Debut "Micro Movie" Series from Major Directors

BEIJING, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Youku Inc. (NYSE: YOKU), China's leading Internet television company ("Youku"), joined by Buick today, announced the kickoff of "Infinite Drive," a series of 12 web-based "micro movies" from internationally renowned directors Wang Xiaoshuai ("Beijing Bicycle", "Chongqing Blues"), Lu Chuan ("City of Life and Death", "Hoh Xil"), and Teng Huatao ("Dwelling Narrowness", "Love is Not Blind"), and actress and director Hao Lei ("Summer Palace", "Empire of Silver").

Each of the four directors will produce three ten-minute micro movies to tell the stories about young urban professionals balancing their personal pursuits against the desire for stability. The 12 micro movies will correspond to the 12 signs of the Western zodiac, and will reflect the personality traits typical of each sign. Similar to other original works produced by Youku in concert with commercial partners, the vision of "Infinite Drive" goes beyond simply using Youku's platform to produce advertising content. The films will showcase the shared values and dreams of Youku, Buick and China's growing population of idealistic, urbane youth.

"With the help of Youku's platform and the artistic talents of these outstanding directors, Buick hopes to make inroads into the hearts and minds of young consumers," said Jean Liu, director of branding for Shanghai GM Buick. "Through the 'Infinite Drive' series of micro movies, we hope to create and reinforce a resonance between the values of the Buick brand and the values of today's young urban professionals."

"It is our great privilege to work with leading brands and leading creative talents," said Youku senior vice president Frank Ming Wei. "Youku's years of experience in producing successful online content gives us unrivalled insights as to where art, technology, and commerce may intersect."

With more than 300 million viewers and an unparalleled track record of support for artists, Youku has increasingly drawn the attention of major international directors, filmmakers and creative teams. At the Hong Kong International Film Festival earlier this month, Youku presented short web movies from four leading Asian directors -- Ann Hui, Gu Changwei, Kim Tae-yong, and Tsai Ming-liang -- as part of its "Beautiful 2012" initiative.

About Youku

Youku Inc. is China's leading Internet television company. Our Internet television platform enables users to search, view and share high-quality video content quickly and easily across multiple devices. Youku, which stands for "what's best and what's cool" in Chinese, is the most recognized online video brand in China. Youku's American depositary shares, each representing 18 of our Class A ordinary shares, are traded on NYSE under the symbol "YOKU."

SOURCE Youku Inc.