Zhang Yimou's next directorial work will be a costume drama, according to production company ESA Cultural Investment.

Zhang will co-direct a film about a legendary beauty from 1,400 years ago with Tian Zhuangzhuang, said Zhang Chao, publicity director for ESA. She confirmed that filming started on Sunday.

Le Vision Pictures, the company that signed Zhang Yimou to a three-year contract in May, said the director will act "more like a friend who lends Tian a hand" in several major scenes for the movie.