Sovereign, the British production and distribution company overseeing the UK release of the 2021 Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear winner Bad Luck Banging or Loony PornThe star of Apichatpong Weerasethaku is Tilda Swinton Memoria and by Kirill Serebrennikov Petrov’s Fluis launching a new action label, Action Xtreme.
Award-winning writer, director and producer Chee Keong Cheung – who currently heads Sovereign’s distribution division – has been appointed to head the company, which will focus on developing and creating action content on Cinema, TV and online. Sovereign Founder and CEO Andreas Roald will join Action Xtreme’s board of directors.
According to the company, Action Xtreme aims to create content featuring “spectacular” action and physical stunts, with a focus on grassroots talent growth, development and training, while also focusing on grassroots talent. develop “franchiseable content for worldwide audiences”.
The new studio will tap into Cheung’s experience as a filmmaker working with rising names in the action space. His micro-budget feature Secret marks the screen debut of Liang Yang, who has continued to work Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Mission Impossible: Country Rogue and Wonder Woman 1984 as a stuntman and combat coordinator. Cheung then made Bodyguard: A New Beginningworked alongside Jackie Chan Stunt Team members Anthony Carpio and Man-Ching Chan on the film, acquired for North America by Lionsgate, and zombie action horror Red-Con 1, has received several international awards. Most recently Cheung co-wrote and co-produced Every last one of themstarring Oscar winners Richard Dreyfuss and Taryn Manning for 101 films.
“I am excited to embark on this adventure with Action Xtreme, with the support and backing of Sovereign, who will continue in his role overseeing Sovereign’s distribution operations, as well as defining,” said Cheung. Talent for action studios. “Our aim is to put the UK on the map for unique action, thrilling and entertaining content, building on the incredible wealth of emerging talent the UK has to offer. . We want to tell stories that challenge, engage and ignite passion, and we aspire to find new voices and stories.”
Sovereign CEO Roald added: “I have known Chee for many years and have seen how his energy, focus and hard work translates into exciting business opportunities and inspirational content. . I am delighted to see his unique talent and entrepreneurial spirit grow and prosper with Action Xtreme. ”
Action Xtreme aims to develop actionable talent and content across a wide range of media, including feature films, TV series, graphic/comics/novels, cross-platform computer games, and merchandise.
“Action Xtreme wants to work with new and diverse voices. We recognize the importance and value of spotting and investing in future filmmakers and action talent, and want to encourage talented individuals both in front and behind the camera take their careers to the next level, offering unique opportunities to sharpen their skills,” says Cheung.
“As a filmmaker, I understand and are aware of the challenges and barriers that may be faced and what I must overcome to build a path forward as I first enter the industry, but also so grateful to those who have given me the opportunity and mentored me early on and throughout my career, so it’s important to give it back later. With this focus, we will soon be launching a range of talent-driven training programmes, new talent competitions to support filmmakers and action talent in the UK.”
