EXCLUSIVE: New SKIN TRADE Set Pics + A Talk With Producer Mike Selby

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Action hero Tony Jaa took to Facebook on Friday to share brand new photo from the set of his upcoming international action thriller, Skin Trade, featuring the martial arts star next to a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4. Producer Mike Selby also shared a second, and exclusive photo of the actor with the aforementioned car with Film Combat Syndicate, which you can check out below. According to Selby, who confirmed that Jaa will be driving the car for a small portion of the film, Jaa enjoyed being with the car so much that he had to “pry” the away from it.

Our discussion continued thereafter, where you will learn a little more about the film, and what fans can expect as the year moves forward.

During filming, at least two action scenes have been filmed recently on location Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok, with Friday’s sets now moved into several Bangkok studios, and back to exterior shots starting next week. In addition, morale continues to remain upbeat on the set of the film, according to Selby who tells Film Combat Syndicate, “…What is really nice is the enthusiasm of the cast and crew. Everyone is having a blast and working very well together.”.

In continuing further coverage of filming for Skin Trade, Film Combat Syndicate also learned that considering the star power being included in the film, the main hope is that the film will go mainstream. “…This movie is different for many reasons.” says Selby. “It is the first Thai production of a film for the international market, the budget is considerable, and the film has quite a few strong action scenes. But frankly, unlike many action films, the storyline is extremely strong and tight.” Producer Selby also mentions that one of the major qualities that will sustain the film in its uniqueness lies in the cast who he describes, including Jaa and fellow starring actor, writer and producer Dolph Lundgren as “serious actors”, as well as to the “dramatic chops” attributed in their choice for director in filmmaker Ekachai Uekrongtham (Beautiful Boxer – 2004, Pleasure Factory – 2007 and The Coffin – 2008). “The intention is to have a film that appeals to a broad audience.” Selby adds. “The story itself has a powerful message that the cast and screen writers took very seriously. The audience won’t be disappointed by the action scenes involving Jaa, Dolph and Michael Jai White. We think they will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the acting performances and continuity of the story itself.”.

As my discussion with the producer continued, he was very eager to give credit the Thai film crew while acknowledging some of its foreign members, namely mentioning editor Victor Du Buois (The Last Samurai – 2003, Spartacus – [TV] 2004 and Never Back Down – 2008), and the film’s Director of Photography, Ben Nott, whose most recent credit can be seen in Jackie Chan’s latest U.S. limited theatrical release, Chinese Zodiac. “Ben Nott is a serious A level DP with a great selection of credits and real talent.” says producer Selby. “You can’t make a good film if it isn’t shot right.”.

With further acknowledgement to the subject of foreigners on Thai film sets, Selby also addressed the financial and creative aspects of the Thai film industry when it comes to foreign performers, and how Skin Trade aims to augment the film’s potential on both fronts, and more. “There is a tendency in films shot in Asia to have local foreigners cast in smaller parts.” he says. “This saves money but impacts on the quality and realism of the film. You will see in due course that quite a few additional character actors have been brought in from North America for the smaller parts, and the result of this will show on screen.” Selby then added, “It is often the attention to detail at all levels that makes the difference between a good film and a really good film. This extends to the FX people as well, and we have some really good ones that were brought in.”.

Skin Trade stars Jaa, Lundgren and White along with Ron Pearlman, Celina Jade, Peter Weller and Cary Tagawa, with fight choreography by David Ismalone. Craig Baumgarten also produced the film with line producer Ying Julaluck Ismalone, with further writing credits to Gabriel Dorwick, Steve Elder and John Hyams.

Filming is expected to wrap in March, followed by post-production through as soon as June and July, with a targeted slate of theatrical releases beginning in the Spring of 2015.

Stay tuned for more info!