The amazing folks over at the Leeds-based cinematic stage action and stunt performance troupe SG Action UK have continued to show great promise over the past year with involvement in such projects as the soon-to-be-released shortfilm, Dog, and the short independent fight thriller, Vendetta, implementing their own contribution to the martial arts film genre. And this year, they have continued the trend, with upcoming feature film involvement in the works and developing a unique relationship with some of today’s aspiring film professionals-to-be, namely independent filmmaker and student Jack Downs whose enjoyement of films since the age of eight, and an initial penchant for comic book artistry led him on a path that would accumulate up to six years of study.
In the not so distant future, on a cold English winter night, we find a dystopian vision of a post-industrial hell. Where for a time so called ‘Superheroes’ weren’t just confined to existing in comic books. Tonight is the 10-year anniversary of the mysterious and destructive event that claimed the life of Britain’s most famous vigilante ‘The Face’, society has descended into overpopulated desensitised squalor.
Our story begins with Wendy-Personal assistant to the city’s most feared criminal Navaill, an Ex-Super Villain once famous for his battles with the aforementioned Vigilante.
He has since retired running a high-end nightclub simply known as ‘The Bar’ used as a safe haven by the cities career criminals. Wendy struggling to survive in this world witnesses crime and corruption on a daily basis and is seemingly helpless to do anything other than ignore it. Wendy is desperate to save enough money to get out of this hell, but at what cost? She tries to turn a blind eye to what goes on at the club but just how involved is she?
However when a masked man shrouded in mystery enters the club dressed remarkably like ‘The Face’ and whom unlike the patrons that skirt on moral shades of grey, walks on a line of black and white. Right and Wrong. And nothing in between. Wendy will find herself caught between these two sociopaths and will have to face her own actions and choose just what she thinks really is the right thing to do?’
Film Combat Syndicate got in touch with Downs on Tuesday regarding his new project with SG Action, expressing his inspiration cultivated by an appreciation for early Jackie Chan films and westernized action pictures, and Sergio Leone classics. “I remember vividly watching Police Story and just being amazed by the amount of chaos.” Downs says. “…I’ve always loved a great story with action though. There is nothing more sad than a hollow story with brilliant action.”.
With plenty of time to go for 2014, Wendy marks another venture into the world of collaborative independent film efforts for the likes of Downs and his fellow Northern Film School attendees, and folks like Wan and Key of SG Action who say that fans can expect more activity from their team in the coming year. Of course, projects like this are never without a significant amount of help to take care of other important financial ends courtesy of the willing and able public. And with the official Indiegogo campaign for Wendy down to its 12-day stretch, Downs and his team of hungry artists can use your help and generosity to bring an ambitious new vision of independent film to its full potential.