Legendary Action Producer, Julius Nasso, is thrilled to announce the cast lineup for his upcoming Martial Arts Action film “Darc.” Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante joins real life action hero and Mr. Nasso’s new protégée Tony Schiena and a host of Japanese superstars to include Tetsu Watanabe, Kippei Shiina and Sho Ikushima. Darc, budgeted at 10-million dollars, will be directed by Nick Powell best known for his work on Braveheart, Bourne Identity, Last Samurai, Cinderella Man and Gladiator.
Darc, a hyper-violent gangster epic influenced by modern Korean Cinema, centers around Human Trafficking and the kidnapping of an Interpol agent’s daughter kidnapped by the Yakuza. The agent, played by Armand Assante hires a violent criminal, played by Tony Schiena, to find her and wreak revenge on the organization. Principal photography begins in Vancouver, Canada April 13th for 6 weeks wrapping up on May 20th before heading to Japan for an additional 5 days of filming.
“There has been a tremendous void in Martial Arts Action films which are always driven by unique and powerful action fight scenes. Tony Schiena fills that void and lends credibility and originality to a genre that has been lacking a star for quite some time,” says Julius Nasso.
Mr. Nasso has also partnered with Master Jhong Uhk Kim, respectfully known as Grandmaster Kim for this film. The legendary martial artist is one of the few to hold a 9th Degree Black Belt and is one of the world’s highest-ranking Grandmasters. He is sanctioned by the International and U.S. Olympic Committees.
Darc is written by Tony Schiena an expert for counter terrorism training, defensive tactics for Special Forces operators, counter human trafficking and security for conflict areas. A real-life Rambo, Schiena is considered to be one of the most highly trained covert operatives in the world.
Mr. Nasso has produced action blockbusters over the last 20 years, including Under Siege, Out for Justice, Getaway and Narc, plus. He has earned numerous critical honors, including the 2012 NAACP Image Award for outstanding Documentary.