Act3 and BlackOps Studios Asia Announce Co-Production 'A Thread of Steel'
Entertainment

Act3 and BlackOps Studios Asia Announce Co-Production 'A Thread of Steel'

authorBy Roger Ebert
DateMar 26, 2026
Read time3 min

Following the positive reception of their initial collaboration, "Shadow Transit," at the Hong Kong FilMart, Act3 from Hong Kong and BlackOps Studios Asia based in Manila have cemented their partnership. This strategic alliance aims to develop and produce a range of genre films for global distribution. Their inaugural major co-production, titled "A Thread of Steel," is a historical action drama poised to be a significant cinematic endeavor.

This collaboration signifies a strategic move for both companies to merge their creative visions and production capabilities, targeting both theatrical releases and streaming platforms worldwide. The successful showcasing of "Shadow Transit" at FilMart, which garnered substantial international buyer interest, laid the groundwork for this expanded partnership, promising a future slate of ambitious and globally appealing projects.

A Cinematic Alliance Forged in Historical Narrative

The newly established partnership between Hong Kong's Act3 and Manila's BlackOps Studios Asia heralds the production of "A Thread of Steel," a historical action drama. This venture represents a deepening of their collaborative efforts, which were initially propelled by the positive market response to "Shadow Transit" at the Hong Kong FilMart. With Pedring Lopez at the helm as director and Qymira slated to star, the film is set to commence shooting at the renowned Hengdian World Studios in China. This project is envisioned as a fusion of engaging action, profound drama, and rich character development, designed to captivate global audiences with its distinct Asian storytelling.

The announcement of "A Thread of Steel" underscores a shared ambition to deliver cinematic experiences that resonate internationally. Leslie Loh of Act3 emphasized the film's alignment with their long-term creative vision, highlighting its ambitious scale, emotional depth, and universal appeal. Similarly, Pedring Lopez, founder of BlackOps Studios Asia, views this project as a natural evolution from the success of "Shadow Transit," allowing them to amplify their vision into a more expansive and cinematic form. The collaboration aims to leverage historical contexts to craft narratives that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant, establishing a strong presence in the global film market.

Expanding Horizons: Vision Beyond a Single Production

The collaboration between Act3 and BlackOps Studios Asia extends beyond the single project "A Thread of Steel," signifying a broader strategic initiative. The positive feedback received for "Shadow Transit" at FilMart served as a crucial validation of the creative direction both companies are pursuing. This successful market reception has encouraged a more profound integration of their resources and expertise, enabling them to jointly explore and develop a diverse slate of genre features. These upcoming projects are being meticulously crafted to appeal to both traditional theatrical distributors and the rapidly expanding international streaming market, indicating a forward-looking approach to content creation and distribution.

The strategic partnership reflects a commitment to fostering ambitious cinematic storytelling that blends action, drama, and character-driven narratives with a distinctly Asian perspective. Both Leslie Loh and Pedring Lopez have expressed enthusiasm for this expanded vision, seeing it as an opportunity to create films that are not only grand in scale but also deeply engaging on an emotional level. With "A Thread of Steel" leading the charge, the companies are poised to make further announcements regarding their development slate in the coming months. This signifies a concerted effort to establish a significant foothold in the global entertainment industry by consistently delivering high-quality, internationally appealing content across various platforms.

More Articles
MrBeast's Enterprise Appoints Gaude Lydia Paez as Head of Communications
Gaude Lydia Paez, a communications expert previously with Hulu and Riot Games, has been named Chief Communications Officer at Beast Industries, the venture led by YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, also known as MrBeast. Her role will involve spearheading the company's communication strategies as it expands its content and consumer product offerings.
By Mindy KalingMar 26, 2026
American Express and Staud Unveil Exclusive Resortwear Line for Gold Card Anniversary
American Express collaborates with fashion label Staud to introduce a limited-edition resortwear collection, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Amex Gold Card. This eight-piece capsule, inspired by the Hotel Collection, features unique patchwork prints and souvenir-style designs, with prices ranging from $145 to $595. The launch is supported by a campaign featuring actress Laura Harrier, and Gold Card members can enjoy a special promotional credit.
By John LasseterMar 26, 2026
Behind the Scenes of the 'Hannah Montana' 20th Anniversary Special: Alex Cooper Reveals Unseen Footage and Miley Cyrus' Vision
Alex Cooper, host of 'Call Her Daddy,' shares exclusive insights into the 'Hannah Montana' 20th Anniversary Special. She reveals that much of her two-and-a-half-hour interview with Miley Cyrus didn't make the final cut, hinting at extensive unseen content. Despite this, Cooper praises the special's ability to emotionally connect viewers with Hannah Montana's world and Miley's integrated vision for the character.
By Stephen KingMar 25, 2026
Amazon MGM Studios Acquires Film Rights to Kirsty Greenwood's 'Romantic Hero', Jennifer Salke to Produce
Amazon MGM Studios has secured the film adaptation rights for Kirsty Greenwood's upcoming novel, 'Romantic Hero.' Jennifer Salke, through her new banner Sullivan Street, will produce the romantic comedy, with Peter Chiarelli attached to write the screenplay. The novel blends romance with a fantastical element, following a heartbroken novelist whose fictional villain comes to life.
By Shonda RhimesMar 25, 2026
Steve Carell Recalls Paul Rudd's Warning Against 'The Office' Audition and Initial Pilot Struggles
Steve Carell reveals Paul Rudd advised him against auditioning for NBC's 'The Office' due to the UK original's legacy. Despite industry skepticism and a low-testing pilot, the show became a massive success. Carell intentionally avoided watching the original to craft his unique portrayal of Michael Scott.
By John LasseterMar 25, 2026