Production is now at the halfway point for the folks behind the upcoming independent martial arts drama, The Challenge Letter, for which production could finish as early as January 2016. Actor Shimamoto Nobuaki stars in this, Sifu Robert Chen‘s directorial debut with co-helmer Nathan Colquoun in a story of a Japanese martial artist who wages a challenge against the world’s top fighters to become the best.
The movie is currently casting Chinese actors for more scenes as of this week while I was able to get a quick word or two in with Chen about the status of the production, as well as the overall experience so far. “We try to be as culturally correct as we can with the portrayal of the different groups involved whether Japanese or Chinese, the Culturally diverese crew has huge input in how a scene is going to pan out.” he says. “With action we always work to the strengths of what there capabilities are. We want them to shine.”
The production has also unveiled another fight clip with Shimamoto front and center, and it’s the second morsel he’s shared online for fans during production since showcasing an earlier segment with Aussie actress Maria Tran. That said, Chen also offered his thoughts on the actor’s work and performance during filming. “Nobuaki is one of the most dedicated actors I’ve met extremely hard working and constantly striving to better his performances.” Chen says. “He is very experienced in Iaido but had little experience in empty hand fighting before this project.”
You can catch some of Shimamoto‘s action on camera right now in this clip or the earliest trailer from last December. In the meantime, you can expect a few more gems to drop later on as filming grows closer to completion, now with actor Tatsuta Yoji and co-star, action actor Joshua Tieu to keep an eye out for.
