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ONESHOTREVIE6

ONE SHOT Review: Unrelenting Military Action From Scott Adkins

Action star Scott Adkins and director James Nunn are two individuals who don’t let the labels of the film industry define them or the work they produce. Both have been frustratingly relegated to a tier in the movie-making system where the only way to get a film project approved is if it can be completed quickly and with a modest budget. Many, when faced with these circumstances, cut corners and lower their ambitions, content just to get something locked in before moving on to the next “for hire” gig. Nunn and Adkins are a different breed though. When faced with these limitations, both men have always strived, through thoughtful preparation and an intense work ethic, to make the highest quality film possible every time they have the opportunity. So, it’s not surprising that when the two have collaborated in the past that their combined efforts have delivered strong results. Admittedly, both of their previous films together, GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS: UNDERGROUND (aka GREEN STREET 3) and ELIMINATORS, are not the most well-known of either of their filmographies. They are however well-crafted films that show neither man is content with just getting everything completed on time and under budget. Nunn and Adkins want to raise the bar for what is possible with lower-budget action films. With their latest collaboration, ONE SHOT, they have done just that.

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TRIPLE THREAT: Producer Mike Selby Talks Buddies, Monsters, Machines And The Pursuit Of Perfection

Photo: Mike Selby

If all goes as expeditious as planned, stunt multi-hyphenate Jesse V. Johnson’s latest contribution with all-star Asian headliner, Triple Threat, should see a release midway this year. Post-production still remains pending completion for the new action thriller written by Joey O’Bryan and Paul Staheli, and filmed early last year and with fans pining for Johnson’s latest exciting follow-up to this week’s release of Accident Man, I managed to touch base with Mike Selby, manager to one of the film’s leads – action star Tony Jaa.

It was Selby, who served as one of the producers as he did on Skin Trade, Jaa’s 2015 two-hander with action heavy-hitter Dolph Lundgren opposite Ron Perlman and Michael Jai White, who aided us in getting in touch with his client for an in-depth interview several years ago. At the time, he and I chatted and I made a passing mention about hopefully seeing Jaa and headlining action star Iko Uwais on screen together someday, and that was really all that was at the time. Nowadays it’s something of a mind-blowing reality with up to seven big stars plus Michael Wong and Celina Jade who starred in last year’s summer blockbuster Wolf Warrior 2. It reads as quite the achievement and pretty feasible in a post-Expendables era of film, and all the more opportune for the production.

Photo: Mike Selby

“It was easier than it might appear. We all knew each other, and everyone felt it was the right time to do something together. A couple of other comments.” says Selby. “Jaa and Scott Adkins have been friends for quite some time but never had a chance to work together. Triple Threat was something they both looked forward to and they really had a great time together. Jaa is also quite close with Michael Bisping with whom he worked with on xXx3. Jeeja Yanin is also in Triple Threat and has worked and trained together with Jaa on a number of occasions. This was truly a behind-the-scenes buddy movie.”

Triple Threat had several directors’ names circling the project during its evolution; Certainly someone like Chad Stahelski caught wind of fans, though time would ultimately tell just went things would change, and in all likelihood, for the better with Jesse V. Johnson sitting in the chair. Momentum was already stirring for the director following his stellar hit period thriller, Savage Dog, set in the early 1900s in Indochina with Adkins as a boxer who finds himself becoming the center of heroic folklore in lieu of a bloody battle with an oppresive Nazi warden and his French legionaire military. Johnson spoke to us last month lending some descriptive insight into the hard work it took to finish the film and Selby is echoing those sentiments all the same, from post-production and onward.

“In the final form that we came up with Jesse was the name that came to mind.” he says. “Jesse is a machine when it comes to work, he pays attention to every detail as if it was the end of the world. He is one very hard working guy and is easy to work with. We actually reworked the script together until we felt it jelled, and off he went.” Selby extended his praise in speaking highly of local film crew members amidst the kind of brisk scheduling and set conditions involved in making a film like Triple Threat happen and the endurance it takes, adding “I believe that Thai crews are among the best in the world. They have a lot of experience in logistics and setup and the enthusiasm to make things work. The shoot went off without a hitch, we were always on time.”

Photo: Mike Selby

Selby hopes for a steady release starting as early as this June as the film completes its rounds behind-the-scenes. Most genre fans were gutted to see a 2018 stamp after Well Go USA delivered such an amazing SDCC trailer, leaving some folks wondering what to do with themselves between now and then. Selby shed a little bit of light on the matter in this regard, citing the importance of ADR (automated dialogue replacement) as especially on many films where the actors are not native English speakers. He also talked about the key measures visual effects editing for all of the organic stuntwork that was filmed (not special effects as some might reckon). “…The folks at Arclight who packaged the film are perfectionists and wanted to make sure this film was really the best we could deliver. This slowed postproduction down somewhat, but at the end I think people will find it was worth it.” he said.

Actor, martial artist and stuntman Tim Man who has risen in the ranks as one of the best screenfighters and action directors to date, makes Triple Threat now one of six projects shared with Adkins and the second project he shares with Jaa since sharing stunt duties on Ong Bak 2. “Tim Man is nothing short of an action monster. He was great to work with.” Selby tells us. “Tim did pre-visual work (blocking out and shooting with the stunt team) on every action scene. He rehearsed extensively with the cast and welcomed their input and the result was when people like Jaa or Iko arrived on set they were truly ready to rock and roll.”

With Triple Threat on the way, I’m pretty certain a number of people are already waiting on the sequel. Deadline reported the news of its preliminary development as the Comic Con trailer began making the rounds. According to Selby, it’s fairly too soon to tell, while Triple Threat otherwise bookmarks a pretty memorable team effort among friends with reason to celebrate their camraderie, as well as their craft, saying “…I can tell you with certainty that you will see some of the cast working together on other projects. One thing about this shoot that was truly outstanding was how much everyone liked each other and how much fun everyone had.”

Photo: Mike Selby

Selby offered one other thought regarding the “other projects” the cast would work on. Fans following updates for Kellie Madison’s upcoming fantasy action thriller, The Gate, caught a clear view of Jaa’s name when the site went live, and I inquired with the producer and manager regarding. He tells us nothing is official but also gives way for just enough optimism: “We have seen the script and thought it was interesting so we are certainly open to it.”

A June date isn’t official either for that matter, but it does give us an idea about where exactly to pinpoint when the film will open. Triple Threat is an independent production and one of a dying breed of entries in cinema that nowadays often ends up on the direct-to-home markets. A project this big requires some serious investment next to the grueling workload one endures to help put a project like this together, and so one hopes this will not only see a theatrical release, but a strong turn out that will match the financial goals needed to make a sequel happen.

That obviously means not stealing it, something I was informed Adkins wasn’t very pleased about while in Thailand with regard to Boyka: Undisputed IV, and as vocal as he is and as visibly damaging as torrenting can be, the frustration is understandable. It’s why I largely stand by the headline of my review for Boyka: Undisputed IV and, in essence, why that could also affect Triple Threat in the forseeable future, and it’s definitely up to us to be better fans and change that.

Stay tuned for more news on Triple Threat!

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A Case For Better Action Movies…Or Why We Don’t Deserve Another Sequel After BOYKA: UNDISPUTED 4

I take this fact to mind in observing the career progression of martial arts star, actor Scott Adkins, once a stuntman and someone who has essentially woven himself into ample popularity as an action-capable actor, and with his biggest audience keen on major martial arts fanfare. It’s a succession that has not been easy – one plagued by the ever-continued proliferation of piracy that causes films like Adkins’s latest reprisal to remain stagnant for years before ever seeing the light of day, and it should not be that way if the fans wish to see more.

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UNDISPUTED BUSHIDO: An Interview With Actor And Martial Artist Emilien De Falco

It was back around late 2012 or early 2013 – likely the latter – that I began following actor and martial artist, up-and-comer Emilien De Falco. By then to my knowledge I had spotted him in at least one action short with a group of stunties out West while in actuality, he had already accrued some notable TV and film credits.

I’m pretty sure as others may have felt that there was more waiting in store with De Falco and I have to say, I’m glad I kept up to some degree. It’s not easy working the field he works and a lot of rare and rich opportunities involve a lot of waiting, and staying productive in the course of that period, and surely enough, De Falco has.

He’s become something of an internet sensation for martial arts aficionados alike who get a kick out of seeing great people do unbelievable things on viral video. His training methods are high in caliber and have all but preserved his readiness even more for film opportunities, among which include none other than the chance of a lifetime to be on set with filmmaker and producer Isaac Florentine.

Boyka: Undisputed 4, the latest installment of the fighting/prison sports saga that evolved into a full-on vacuum for martial arts action fans fond of its current star, Scott Adkins, has already had its share of screentime around the world and is now readying a U.S. release next month. Despite not having seen the movie myself, I’ve had my eye on De Falco for an interview for a few years now and with Boyka: Undisputed 4 having stirred even more buzz in Shanghai ahead and a premiere this month at Fantasia Festival, I decided to strike while the iron was hot.

Without further ado, here is my interview with Emilien De Falco.

Photo: Rogue Headshots

Film Combat Syndicate: Greetings Emilien and thank you for taking the time to talk with us. How has your year been for you?

Emilien DeFalco: Thank you for having me! This year has been great – I just got back to California after a two month trip overseas mixing work and vacationing. Apart from that, I also spent most of my time training and focusing on both my personal and professional goals. I can’t talk more about it now but some good stuff is on the way. 

FCSyndicate: Well that last part peaks my curiousity some!

I’ve been following you since I started my site and I was connecting with a lot of folks I had known of on the West Coast. I’m curious about who you are and I’d like to help readers and moviegoers get to know you a bit more. Please tell us about yourself.

EDF: Well to be short, I was born and raised in the small town of Millau in the south of France. I started practicing Taekwondo when I was 7 years old and it quickly became my passion, and to this day, I have never stopped practicing.
I grew up watching martial arts and action movies starring Bruce Lee, JCVD, Schwarzenegger and Stallone. They all had a huge impact on me. Very early on I dreamt of coming to America and starring in action and martial arts movies. A few years later, I dropped out of college and decided to move to Los Angeles without any connections nor papers, and I was barely able to speak English. 

The initial years were kind of rough, but eventually due to my previous work in movies and entertainment back home, I was able to get an artist visa. After I moved to L.A. and booked different kinds of gigs, I worked as a sports and fitness model, a TV host for a martial arts channel and as a stunt double for JCVD. In the last three years I finally got to work more and more as an actor and specifically as action actor first getting a small but recurring role on a Crossbones. More supporting roles came after that on action and sci-fi movies like Titus Paar’s The Perfect Weapon, V.R. and Boyka: Undisputed 4. This has now become my main focus and working on getting bigger roles.

FCSyndicate: You’ve gained some notoriety in the past year having become somewhat of a viral video sensation on social media with some of your training videos. What goes through your mind when you see posts like that?

EDF: I love physical activities and fitness training as much as I love martial arts. To be very honest, at first, I was not into social media at all until one day when I posted one of my training sessions. It got shared by many people and I started receiving messages from both friends and strangers telling me how motivated and inspired they felt to workout and train after seeing it. 

I then remembered that when I was younger I got inspired to start training after watching training sequences on TV and the huge impact it has had on me, so it became incentive for me to engage more and post more online. I think having a positive influence on people and showing them that you can really achieve your personal and professional goal if you focus and work hard is one of my main goals in life.

FCSyndicate: What are some effective or more favorite workouts you enjoy? What challenges you the most over others?

EDF: I like to mix it up. I constantly change my work out routines to shock my body. I would work with heavy weights for a while before switching to plyometrics and calisthenics. That said, my main focus is to maintain and improve my explosive power. I weight between 195lbs and 205 lbs (87 kg and 93 kg) which is kind of heavy to perform a lot of gravity-defying acrobatic kicks like 720s, corkscrews and 900s. Most guys who are doing those kicks and tricks are much lighter and you would need more explosive power to perform them at a heavier weight.  

Also, to get into shape for, let’s say, a fight scene or a full action sequence, I believe the best way to workout is in the form of circuit training or interval training. It will reproduce the explosive and fast combinations that you will repeatedly perform in an action scene and get your cardiovascular system ready for it. To spice things up and challenge myself, I like to add flips and intricate moves in my circuit training. For example: instead of doing regular burpees and tuck jumps, I would do backflip-burpees, lift a heavier tire before flipping from it and then go to the next exercise. It’s also much more fun and I feel like kid when training like that. 

FCSyndicate: I looked at your IMDb page and it said you did some stuntwork for Banlieue 13: Ultimatum with Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle. Was that the initial start of your career?

EDF: Yes, it was my first time on a big set.

FCSyndicate: What was that experience like for you?

EDF: I started following Cyril Raffaelli’s career after I saw him in Kiss Of The Dragon in which he co-stars and also gets to fight Jet li.  I was really impressed by the way he was kicking. His videos online were even more impressive and inspired me to learn acrobatics and improve my kicking abilities.  

District B13 came out a few years later which was the consecration for both Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle who got their first lead role in a movie. Working as à stunt performer in the sequel of this cult movie felt really inspiring at the time even tho I was only performing minor stunts (getting kicked and punched by Cyril and maybe throwing a kick or two) it motivated me to keep chasing my dreams. 

FCSyndicate: What would you say was the biggest or most exciting stunt you’ve done in your career so far?

EDF: I’m not too sure I can answer that question. I see myself more as an action actor and athlete/martial artist than a stuntman who performs crazy stunts -At least that’s not what I am trying to pursue. 

FCSyndicate: That’s a fair assessment, and your latest role in Boyka: Undisputed 4 is an attribution of that, I presume? Tell us about it.

EDF: I was really honored to be chosen by Isaac Florentine to play the role of Viktor. I met Isaac in 2010 at an acting workshop. Back then he told me that he was going to call me for the right project and I didn’t really take him seriously at the time. Five years later he sends me an email saying he is considering me for the fourth film and asks me to send some materials. Once I booked the role and got to Bulgaria he said “…You see?! I told you we were going to work together!”. That was awesome and I was equally honored to work with Scott Adkins and Tim man who are at the top of their craft. As we speak they just won best action actor and best fight choreography for Boyka at the Jackie Chan action awards in Shanghai.

FCSyndicate: Yeah I’ve been keeping up with Jackie Chan Action Week out there. Amazing stuff! For those of us who are unengaged, tell us about your character Viktor.

EDF: I won’t divulge too much but you can already sort of get the idea from the trailers. Viktor is Alma’s husband, as well as a fighter but he is also probably the “nicest guy” in the movie. He is fighting for a cause and to protect his wife. You can already tell he looks different than the other fighters: No crazy haircut or tattoos all over his body. He gets accidentally killed fighting Boyka who himself starts grieving and essentially questioning everything he stands for. 

Viktor only appears once within the first act of the movie but also reappears in very short flashback sequences and images. The challenge was to find the right balance between Viktor being a decent opponent for Boyka and at the same time a character that the audience will like and care about. All that without any dialogue and within a five minutes window or so. 

FCSyndicate: Tell us about working with your award-winning fight choreographer Tim Man.

EDF: Not only he is a great choreographer but he is Also an amazing martial artist and overall human being. Very humble. He made everything work smoothly and it was very pleasing to work with him and his team. 

What makes him different from so many choreographers is that he actually can do whatever he is asking you to do and he will do it on the spot. His work ethic is incredible. I am very pleased he gets more recognition with this award and that’s only the beginning I believe 

From L to R: Emilien De Falco, Tim Man, Scott Adkins

FCSyndicate: Were there any time constraints or changes that needed to be made for the fight? Any ideas you three had in mind wherein you might have had to compromise?

EDF: We were actually able to do everything planned within the time frame. All credit to the choreography goes to Tim Man who worked on the beats and techniques beforehand and shot the previz with his stunt team. I just had to learn the choreography and do what I was told. Everything went pretty well.

FCSyndicate: Isaac Florentine has directed two back-to-back sequels in this particular franchise, and presumably someone like Todor Chapkanov is new to a lot of us who have been following the…well…I guess what I’ll call “the Boyka arc”? ?

What does Todor bring to the table? What was it like to work with him?

EDF: Firstly, for those who are worried about the film because Isaac did not direct this time and fear that it might not carry the same spirit, just know that he did not give up on the franchise. I think he loves the character of Boyka and the Undisputed movies which are a great part of his career. He is very much involved in this opus as a producer and he’s put a lot of heart into it. Handing the authority to a younger and upcoming director can be a way to bring something new to the saga. I had a great time working with both and I think Isaac is very proud of this movie, and I cannot wait to hear what audiences think about it. 

FCSyndicate: Presumably, you’ve seen the movie already as it has been out in other territories. Granted, there are quite a few stunt professionals who are working their way up the acting ladder such as yourself in hopes of bringing that certified stunt-starpower with dramatic gravitas. Would you call Boyka: Undisputed 4 a milestone of that journey?

EDF: Definitely a milestone. Back in 2007 when I was still in college, I saw Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing and thought that I needed to have a part in a movie like that. And that’s exactly what happened a few years later. It means a lot to me as it shows that I am on the right path and the universe is giving me a positive response. 

I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go but I am willing to put in the work and become a better actor, screenfighter and action performer. 

FCSyndicate: That, and I understand you also made your second martial arts magazine cover?

EDF: Yep! My second time on the cover of the magazine, Karate Bushido which is the French equivalent of Black Belt Magazine in the U.S.. Karate Bushido is a magazine created in 1974, and is published monthly in every French speaking country. 

When I was a kid growing up in France it was one of the only media to stay in touch with what’s going on in the martial arts world, (before the internet became what it is today). Every french martial arts practitioner who grew up in the 80s and 90s know what I am talking about.  

For the anecdote, Karate Bushido also gave Jean-Claude Van Damme his first magazine cover when he was still an unknown martial artist. Being on the cover of KB might not be a great deal for many people but it is to me; I remember getting inspired by all the martial artists that I was reading about. Now that Karate Bushido trusts me enough to put me on the cover and share my training knowledge with their readers means that it is my turn to inspire young kids to keep practicing and to keep working on their goals. It is one of the main reasons why I am doing everything I am doing, to inspire and get inspired.

Waking up to being for the second time on the cover of the magazine I grew up reading… Se réveiller en étant pour la deuxième fois en couverture du magazine que je lis depuis l âge de 7 ans.. Thank you to Karate Bushido for the trust and support and @contentbyart @remytortosa for the amazing shot #demystifyingmychildhooddreams #karate @karatebushido #bushido #osu #oss #france #california #venicebeach #summer #fitness #martialarts #artsmartiaux #vandamme #frontkick #kickboxer #childhood #childhooddream #kickpics #gotkickpics #artsmartiaux #edition #inspiration #aptchagui #kickingit #taekwondo #passion #tkd #kickboxing #fighter #spirit #potd

A post shared by Emilien De Falco (@emiliandefalco) on Jun 30, 2017 at 9:31am PDT

FCSyndicate: Do you have any siblings who excel or practice in martial arts?

EDF: Nope. My sister is not really into martial arts. I am kinda the martial arts pioneer in my family ?

FCSyndicate: Pioneer?! Somewhere out there is a proud mother and father indeed. ?

As an aspiring actor who can do the action plentily, do you feel closer to earning that debut lead part on a feature project? What do your prospects look like these days?

EDF: I am definitely up for the challenge, but it has to be for the right project. I am receiving more and more messages from “fans” asking when I will finally play the lead in a feature so I want to make sure I don’t disappoint them. I went from being an extra to landing supporting roles in independent features, so a leading role in an independent film does not seem inaccessible to me. I am actually confident that something will happen sooner or later. That’s all I can say for now. ?

FCSyndicate: Awesome! Would that challenge also include taking up other roles behind the camera? Like say, as director?

EDF: Hopefully one day, but I feel I have so much more to learn before I get to that point. I would probably start by directing short movies. 

FCSyndicate: Just a few or so more questions and that will be all. So, you have a big reputation for health and fitness being the professional athlete you are. That said, I’m curious…

What is your absolute most favorite cheat meal to endulge in? Whether sweet or spicy?

EDF: [Laughs] It depends of my mood. I don’t eat dairy on a regular basis and I have reduced my consumption of meat. However when it comes to cheating, I admit I love a hamburger/cheeseburger with sweet potato fries… and for the sweets I am a huge fan of Donuts ? 

I also love ice cream, so I would have that all at the same time. I know it’s not original and very American.

FCSyndicate: That settles it. Please come by the Big Apple someday so you and I can just pig out on burgers and soda the whole evening. I’m sure NYC has some great spots where this is possible!

EDF: Hahah for sure! I would love to go to New York I have not been in years. I love the energy there. Hopefully work will call me there one day or I will stop by on my way to Europe. Thanks for everything! 

FCSyndicate: With pleasure!

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TRIPLE THREAT Multiplies The Danger With Adkins, White And Bisping; Jesse V. Johnson To Direct

EXCLUSIVE: In the months since its evolution, the highly anticipated action thriller, Triple Threat (formely Makeshift Squad) has been a bookmark for many an Asian cinema fan looking to see just how this particular “Asian-Expendables” kind of movie this will bring about. The prospects have been good, too, and notably in the wake of its casting additions including headliners Tiger Chen (Man Of Tai Chi), Tony Jaa (Furious Seven) and Iko Uwais (Headshot), and particularly with 87eleven’s own Chad Stahelski (John Wick: Chapter 2) behind the action scenes.

Bearing all this in mind, an attached director has not been entirely certain with earlier names Gary Mak and Wang Xiaolie having circled the project, the latter reported by the time of its acquisition over at international sales outfit Arclight Films late last year. Moreover, with Stahelski poised to move forward with a hopeful third installment of the hit John Wick franchise after Lionsgate’s Highlander reboot, it bears asking what, if anything has changed?

For this, we can now report that a source close to the production has confirmed Jesse V. Johnson to direct the film which tells of our aforementioned trio starring as tough Asian mercenary types reuniting after years apart to foil a nefarious plot. In addition, we can report the additions of extra martial arts action movie muscle with actors Michael Jai White, Scott Adkins and Michael Bisping rounding out the current cast. Exact story details are yet to be fully known while another writer has been attached to pen the script following a previous draft written by Dwayne Smith.

Monday’s casting additions mark several reunions themselves with Adkins, having battled across the astral planes opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, sharing credits with White on Isaac Florentine’s Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing and France 4 TV series, Metal Hurlant Chronicles. Both recently paired once more for Johnson’s forthcoming British comic book adaptation, Accident Man which is now in post-production with Ray Stevenson, Ashley Greene, Ray Park and Amy Johnston also starring from a script by Stu Small, and Adkins who also produces. The film also marks another paring for White with fellow Skin Trade star Jaa, the latter who also joined Bisping, the current UFC Middleweight Champion, who made his own film stint in Paramount’s xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage which has grossed nearly $340 million dollars at the box office.

Pre-production is underway in Thailand with Seng Stunt Team comprising the framework of the film’s stunt performance with fight choreography led by Tim Man who designed the action seen in Adkins starrers Ninja 2: Shadow Of A Tear, and James Nunn’s Eliminators, as well as Johnson’s Accident Man in which Man also co-stars. Cameras are expected to roll in May.

Johnson’s latest completed action film, Savage Dog, which joins Adkins with JuJu Chan, Marko Zaror and Cung Le will release later this year in the U.S. from XLrator Media, as will the director’s upcoming action romance noir, The Beautiful Ones, from Gravitas Ventures. Release details for Adkins’s latest contribution to the ringside MMA fervor in Todor Chapkanov’s Boyka: Undisputed, remain pending following its Fantastic Fest 2016 premiere.

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Dubai Goes Big To Celebrate STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS On Digital

If you thought the new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was going to be all there was in all things Star Wars today, you’ve got another thing coming. For this little piece of newsishness, let’s fly on over to the glossy night time view of Dubai where actors Tim Man and Nickolas Hansson gathered to cross lightsabers atop of the Burj Khalifa, the city’s tallest building, in celebration of this week’s digital release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The cinematography here is stunning and goes all-out for this one.

Enjoy!

Dubai, 7th April 2016: To celebrate today’s digital release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, two Jedi performers ascended to new heights to engage in an epic lightsaber challenge on the 152nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai City – the world’s tallest building. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is available to download from iTunes and broadcaster OSN. 

Captured on video by an aerial film crew, the two Jedi performers practised a series of complex lightsaber battle moves at a height of over 550m above sea level, while the sun set over Dubai. 

The record-breaking release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December 2015 achieved the highest grossing global opening weekend of all time ($528.967M), surpassing $1B in a record 12 days and became the top grossing film of all time in the US, surpassing the $760.5M lifetime gross of Avatar in a record-shattering 20 days of release.  

As well as becoming the highest grossing film of all time in the US and crossing the $800m mark at the international box office, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has broken a further series of box office records since its global debut on 16 December 2015: 

● biggest global IMAX debut ($48M) surpassing $152M in IMAX in a record 19 days 

● the highest international debut in December history with $281M, 

● #1 in many territories after posting the biggest opening weekend in at least 18 major markets 

The Middle East has a strong connection to Star Wars: The Force Awakens; filmingtook place in two locations in Abu Dhabi during May 2014.  Abu Dhabi is the location used for Jakku, a frontier desert planet in a remote section of the Outer Rim Territories  

The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt. 

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BOYKA: UNDISPUTED IV Wraps, Star Thanks His Fans, Cast And Crew, Talks Future Movies

Martial arts action cinema has seen a ton of glory in the field of film for many years with a multitude of memorable and iconic characters to lend credit to. One such role as of late has been actor Scott Adkins‘s delivery of born-again Russian mixed-martial arts champion, Uri Boyka, following two principle roles in the direct-to-video end of the Undisputed franchise, with the sequel and threequel in 2006 and 2010 respectively, from director Isaac Florentine.

Clock into 2015 well long after the third film as fans remained sizzling with hope for another installment and fans evidently got their wish in late 2013 prior to principle photography earlier this summer, and no less with a meaty handful of top notch action actors from select parts of the world all congregating in Sofia, Bulgaria for the production of Boyka: Undisputed IV. Adkins and Florentine are reunited once more with co-star and fight choreographer Tim Man since putting together the dazzling action in Fantastic Fest 2013 favorite, Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear – another title that is still garnering fandom in support of another, and granted, one that will assure fans more to come from Adkins and those in his corner.

Of course, none of this forward-movement is easy to come by. It took a really, really long time for another Undisputed movie to emerge, and now with its completion of principle photography, it’s onto the next phase which is post-production, and hopefully it won’t be long within that period before we see some footage. Until then, we can rest ourselves in the fact that another is in the can with an invariably exceptional amalgam of screenfighters – several of whom I have written about before on any number of indie projects. This, coupled with a great plot guarantees the franchise even further greatness for a character that has cultivated a generation of martial arts fans and athletes with the purposing of an idol that brings a world of electricity to a niche that will never run out of enthusiasm.

On that note, it’s Adkins himself who had something to say to his followers via social media regarding the new film, its stunt players, the possible future of the character he plays, and more:

That’s a wrap on Boyka: Undisputed IV. I’ve put my heart & soul into this shoot and pushed my body to it’s absolute limit to bring you the next instalment of the greatest martial arts movie franchise the West has to offer. 

Yuri Boyka will face many new fights in this chapter, but none more dangerous than the fight within himself. 

I’d like to thank Teodora Duhovnikova, Paul Chahidi and Alon Aboutboul who brought their characters to life with and supported my performance in the best way possible. 

The fighters Emilien De Falco, Trayan Milenov, Andy Long, Brahim Achabbakhe and Martyn Ford for giving it their all (especially Andy Long who I sent to the hospital – sorry Andy). 

Tim Man, our fight choreographer, we couldn’t do it without you my friend (2 more sections please). 

All the Bulgarian cast & crew for all their hard work and dedication. 

I love playing this character and we already have ideas on where to take him next so do me a favour – if you want to see more of Yuri Boyka and don’t want to wait another 6 years to see it then please, please support this movie through the official channels and not illegal downloads. It needs to make a profit to justify a sequel, it’s plain economics. 

Time for me to rest my aching bones. 

Cheers, 

Scott 

“If I’m the champion of the toilets? Then what does that make you when I kick the fucking shit out of you?!” 

~Yuri Boyka

So, for all intents and purposes, it’s quite simple, really. Grant your monetary support to this movie and support Adkins and the cast and crew of his film the right way, and we will see plenty more. The same goes for his recently-completed craft of action with Florentine for Close Range, which still awaits a date; You can also catch Adkins opposite Wu Jing on September 1 when Well Go USA releases Wolf Warrior on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Stay tuned for more info!

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