Julius Nasso Productions Announces Start of Principal Photography on DARC

Julius R. Nasso Productions announces that principal photography has commenced on "Darc," a motion picture directed by Nick Powell (Braveheart, Bourne Identity, Last Samurai and Gladiator). The film will shoot in Vancouver, Canada for six weeks, followed by five days of shooting in Japan and will wrap on May 20 th. Emmy Award-winning actor, Armand Assante joins Mr. Nasso's new protegee, Tony Schiena and a host of Japanese superstars including Tetsu Watanabe, Kippei Shiina and Sho Ikushima. "Darc" is budgeted at 10 million dollars.

The screenplay for the film was written by Tony Schiena, an expert for counter terrorism training, defensive tactics for SPECIAL FORCES operatives, counter human trafficking and security for conflict areas. A real-life action hero, Schiena is considered to be one of the most highly trained covert operatives in the world.

Through Morningstar Films LLC, Julius Nasso will produce the hyper-violent gangster epic film that will be influenced by modern Korean cinema, and center around human trafficking and the kidnapping of an Interpol agent's daughter by the Yakuza. The agent (Armand Assante) hires a violent criminal (Tony Schiena) to find her and wreak revenge on the organization.

"The story will resonate deeply with those fighting the war against human trafficking," said Mr. Nasso. "This talented group will shed light on the fact that people are still being bought, sold and smuggled like modern-day slaves."

Adding further authenticity to film, Mr. Nasso has also partnered with Master Jhong Uhk Kim, respectfully known as GRANDMASTER Kim. The legendary martial artist is one of the few to hold a 9 th Degree Black Belt and is one of the world's highest-ranking Grandmasters. He is sanctioned by the International and U.S. Olympic Committee.

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.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes cinematographer Joel Ransom (X-Files, Band of Brothers, The Stoning of Soroya M), Production Designer Geoff Wallace (Rush, Things We Lost in the Fire, Charlie St. Cloud) and Stunt Coordinator Brett Chan (Marco Polo, Resident Evil: Retribution, Wrecked).

SOURCE Julius R. Nasso Productions