'Outsider' Feng Xiaogang to co-direct New Year's Gala

Renowned Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, best known for his comedy films, has been selected as one of the co-directors for the CCTV's Spring Festival Gala which will celebrate the upcoming year of the horse, according to Sina Entertainment on Thursday.

In contrast to previous reports, which stated that Feng had been selected as the general director for the gala, it has since been revealed that Feng and another candidate Guo Jihong, a female director at CCTV, have been selected as co-directors for the annual gala, China's biggest and most profitable TV event.

However, Feng is yet to comment on the reports and Guo has stated that she has not received any official confirmation from CCTV. Regardless of whether the individuals involved had received word or not, they would be able to reveal such news at the moment.

CCTV's New Year Gala has previously employed more than one director for the same show but this will be the first time since 1983, the year the gala was first performed, that an outsider not employed formally by CCTV will join as director.

A press conference to announce the Gala's co-directors will reportedly be held around July 12.