Famous TV host Li Xiang will invest in Han Sanping's upcoming new project, a prequel to the 2009 blockbuster film "The Founding of a Republic," Hunan-based rednet.cn reports.

Li, who is the head of Mango Films, accompanied Han and director Huang Jianxin to Changsha, capital city of Hunan Province, on Monday to scout for filming locations.

The famous TV anchorwoman has dabbled in films in recent years. Together with her director husband, Wang Yuelun, they have produced comedies such as "Shi Quan Jiu Mei" and "Panda Express." Mango Films, a joint venture between Li and Hunan Television, will be a major investor in the prequel.

Han, who is also chief executive of China Film Group, announced his ambition last September to mint a new giant project that chronicles the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) following the overwhelming popularity of "The Founding of a Republic," an all-star studded tribute to the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China.

Han wants to complete and release the new film in 2011, the 90th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. He intends to cast more actors in the new film than the number that appeared in "The Founding of a Republic." He also said several rising young stars will be cast.