Zak Lee Guarnaccia Is Set To Star In WASTED And KALM

One of the biggest topics I cover when talking to action actors and stunt performers about martial arts movies is the need for people who are able to carry the weight of both acting and stunt performing, which also makes it easier for certain filmmakers and stunt coordinators to bring action to life on screen. This is something that remains a challenge to a lot of people in film, but it is a challenge that has been embraced far and wide by a lot of people in the world, most notably in the independent industry.

One of those people is Italian-born Zak Lee Guarnaccia, a multifaceted actor, martial artist, fitness expert and Hollywood stuntman whose career has been evolving his career in film, television, martial arts and fitness with well-over two decades of work available for viewing on his IMDb page. Having co-founded ZASH Productions in 2000 with fellow producer Shane Boroomand, Guarnaccia later revamped the company with the new label, Lightrow Pictures in 2008, and released his directorial debut in 2009 titled Rules, a gritty, martial arts action horror film based on a true story. Rules has since gone on to the development of an upcoming sequel titled Rules Reborn, one of several Lightrow titles be co-produced with Paul Lupi under his banner, Mill Reef Films.

This week, it has been announced through a press release issued on Monday, that Guarnaccia is in talks for a role in the action suspense thriller, Wasted (formely known as ‘Degradation’), based on a script by producer Daniel Lupi. Guarnaccia also appears in a new pitch trailer for a martial arts bodyguard thriller he will also star in titled, Kalm.

I will be keeping an eye on these two productions as much possible, so stay tuned for more information as it comes. In the meantime, watch the reel at the top of the page, and then check out all the details and more in the press release after the jump.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Aug. 12, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Zak Lee Guarnaccia Actor/Stuntman, Executive Producer at LightRow Pictures (www.lightrow.com) and Paul Lupi, Producer of Mill Reef Films, are developing a feature film in the martial-arts, action-thriller genre entitled “Kalm.” In addition, Guarnaccia is in talks for a role in another Lupi production “WASTED” (formerly “Degradation”), written and produced with brother Daniel Lupi (“Lincoln,” “The Master,” “There Will Be Blood,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Boogie Nights”). 

“Kalm” is a bodyguard assigned to chauffeur a headlining exotic dancer to a desert town, when they get caught in the crossfire of warring drug lords. 

“Wasted” follows a suburban cop whose family is targeted by a maniacal mastermind who drags them through a gauntlet of deceit, deviant sexual behavior, and murder. 

Guarnaccia’s gritty film “Rules” grabbed the attention of Paul Lupi whose company Mill Reef Films is now in talks to co-produce properties in the Lightrow roster, which include “Wasted,” “The Next Big Hit,” “The Cook and The Thief,” and “Rules Reborn.” 

Award-winning actor Zak Lee Guarnaccia’s rugged looks, relentless style of martial arts, and experience in stunt-work and action choreography has lead to his reputation as “The Italian Jackie Chan.” 

Guarnaccia says: “The movie is an extreme martial arts thriller, based on a man who goes by the name ‘Kalm.’ The character’s demeanor intrigues me since I am an energetic and enthusiastic person, and I get to play against type, until all hell breaks loose.” 

“Kalm” is written by Ken Mora, writer/producer of the spoof of Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” films entitled “Magnum Farce,” and boasts director of photography David Paul, of the film mythology “The Barbarians.” The production will create a distinct vision for “Kalm” which will be shot in the most desolate stretch of road in the USA. 

Guarnaccia’s recent appearances include the psychotic henchman on “NCIS Los Angeles” season 4 episode “Lokhay,” the lead role of Pancho Villa on Spike TV’s “Deadliest Warrior” season 3, a bodyguard in ABC’s “General Hospital,” and a nationally-aired American Express Commercial with Conan O’Brien. 

LightRow Pictures concurrent projects “The Next Big Hit,” (https://www.facebook.com/TheNextBigHit) features the unique genre mash-up of martial-arts and musical comedy, and the movie “The Cook and the Thief” has drawn the active interest of Russell Wong (“The Mummy,” “Romeo Must Die,” “Joy Luck Club”) and Lou Ferrigno (“The Hulk (TV)” and “I Love You, Man”). 

More information: http://www.lightrow.com/. Kalm Facebook fans: https://www.facebook.com/KALMfilm. 

Facebook fans “I like ZLG Zak Lee Guarnaccia” https://www.facebook.com/LikeZLG. 

Zak Lee Guarnaccia official website: http://www.zaklee.com/. 

(REVISED: 08.14.13 change in movie title name.)