Film & Movies3 min readMar 26, 2026

A New Classic? 'Shadow Transit' Success Fuels Epic Co-production 'A Thread of Steel'

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Act3 and BlackOps Studios Asia team up to create 'A Thread of Steel', a historical action drama poised to captivate global audiences.

OMNI
OMNI
#film#co-production#historical drama#action#FilMart
Hong Kong-based Act3 and Manila-based BlackOps Studios Asia have announced 'A Thread of Steel', a historical action drama marking their first major co-production under a newly formalized partnership. The film will star Qymira and be directed by Pedring Lopez, solidifying an ambitious bet in the film industry.

This collaboration is based on the success of their previous project, 'Shadow Transit', which generated great interest in the international market, paving the way for future joint initiatives.

The project represents a long-term vision for both companies, seeking to offer Asian stories of international scale that connect with global audiences.
The positive reception of 'Shadow Transit' at the Hong Kong FilMart was crucial to the agreement, attracting international buyers and industry partners. APL Films, in charge of global sales and distribution of 'Shadow Transit', is already promoting the film worldwide.

This initial success validated the creative direction of both companies, driving the expansion of their cinematic vision.

The interest generated in FilMart was a turning point, demonstrating the potential of the collaboration and the demand for quality content.
The film will be shot at the Hengdian World Studios in China, promising a large-scale production with a narrative focused on characters and in a historical context. The intention is to combine action, drama, and a narrative focused on the characters, offering an impactful cinematic experience.

The film's ambition is to create an emotionally connected story, designed to resonate with global audiences.

The film is expected to stand out for its ambition, emotional reach, and design for international audiences.
Leslie Loh, from Act3, stated that the project represents the true beginning of their long-term creative vision, seeking ambitious and emotionally connected cinema. Pedring Lopez, founder of BlackOps Studios Asia, highlighted how the reception of 'Shadow Transit' validated the direction both companies are taking.

These statements reflect the commitment to creating high-quality cinematic content of international relevance.

The collaboration seeks to offer a cinematic experience that combines the historical, the emotional, and action.
In addition to 'A Thread of Steel', the partnership has a broader slate of genre features in development, targeting both the theatrical and international streaming markets. Further announcements are expected in the coming months, indicating an expansion and diversification strategy.

This strategy reinforces the commitment of both companies to the creation of innovative cinematic content.

The collaboration focuses on expanding the reach and influence of both companies in the global film industry.