'Black Ops' features talents from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Photo: GLENN GUAN/The Star
Elevating the standard of Malaysian action films is a shared goal for everyone involved in Black Ops, an upcoming action thriller centred on a secret elite government task force.
Currently about a month into production, the film is a collaboration between leading Malaysian studios Skop Productions and Astro Shaw, alongside Hong Kong-based One Cool Films, founded by Hong Kong star Louis Koo.
The project is co-directed by Malaysian filmmaker Syafiq Yusof and Hong Kong director Chui Tze Yiu, and features a strong ensemble cast from the local entertainment scene, including Sharnaaz Ahmad, Hisyam Hamid, Andy Teh and Datuk Aaron Aziz, as well as popular Hong Kong actor Benjamin Yuen.
Fittingly, the film’s action sequences are overseen by Hong Kong stunt directors Ken Law and Sean Lin, both of whom bring years of experience in the genre.
The duo also conducted month-long training sessions with the cast to prepare them for the physical demands of the shoot.
Hong Kong stunt master Ken Law (centre) guides the cast on how he wants them to execute an action scene. Photo: Handout
Actor Andy Teh, who is also a martial artist, tells StarLifestyle at a press meet that Black Ops features numerous fight scenes for him – and that they are particularly challenging, even for someone who started his career in the entertainment industry as a stuntman.
“It was honestly very tough. But once we got the shots right, the results looked great. I think this approach can really push Malaysian action films to another level,” says the 40-year-old, who previously worked with Syafiq on the hit film Blood Brothers: Bara Naga.
According to Teh, the action in Black Ops differs significantly from what he performed in Blood Brothers, and is far more technically demanding.
“The directors want the action to feel as realistic as possible. While wires are used in some stunts, many rely on physical impact.
He continues by stating: “Safety is always the top priority on set, but the goal is to make every hit feel real on screen.
“It reminds me of the style used in Donnie Yen’s films, where the impact feels raw and authentic.”
At the same time, Teh says he appreciates how open-minded Law and Lin are when it comes to collaboration.
“There were moments where they suggested certain angles or kicks, and I felt I could offer something different based on my own abilities.
“When I showed them an alternative that looked stronger on screen, they were happy to go with it,” Teh says.
Hong Kong star Benjamin Yuen plays a gang member by the name of Prinze Chow in the film. Photo: HandoutMeanwhile, Hisyam, who has not taken on action of this scale on the big screen, approached the role with seriousness, even engaging a personal trainer to prepare for the film’s physical demands.
“It was about two months ago when I first started my strict training and diet,” the 40-year-old Singaporean tells StarLifestyle.
“At the time, I weighed around 88kg to 89kg. Today, I’m down to 82kg with a much lower body fat percentage, and I’m still working on it because I don’t feel like I’m there yet.
“We have a few really big fight scenes coming up, which will be the most challenging sequences for me in the entire film.
“That’s why I’m putting in a lot of focus and effort into my preparation.”
One reason Hisyam is placing so much pressure on himself is Skop Productions’ strong track record of successful films.
“It’s almost every actor’s dream to be part of a Skop project, especially in a role where you’re considered one of the main characters. I feel a huge sense of responsibility to prove that they made the right choice in casting me, and I don’t want to let them down.
“And in Black Ops, I’m surrounded by professional action stars like Sharnaaz and Aaron, as well as experienced Hong Kong crew members. It’s definitely a lot of pressure,” he notes.
Hisyam Hamid hired a trainer to get into shape for the role.
Law – who choreographed the memorable alley fight scene in Ip Man 4, featuring a young Bruce Lee – is equally impressed with the cast’s work ethic.
He tells StarLifestyle that the amount of time they spent on training and rehearsals during pre-production surprised him.
“Actors with their level of name recognition and status don’t usually commit that much time to training, but they did.
“They showed up and put in the work,” Law says.
“On set, they’re also very professional. A lot of the time, even before the shoot begins, they’re already in position.
“They stay in costume despite the heat and remain on standby, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
While Law welcomes actors who are willing to perform their own stunts – especially those trained in martial arts – he notes that action filmmaking requires a different approach.
“Martial arts training is one thing, but action for filmmaking is different. You have to be careful not to hurt your co-actors, and when working with stunt performers, timing and rhythm are crucial,” says Law.
“My job, together with Sean, is to guide them and help bridge that transition from martial arts to cinematic action.”
The project is co-directed by Malaysian filmmaker Syafiq Yusof (right) and Hong Kong directorChui Tze Yiu. Photo: GLENN GUAN/The Star
Meanwhile director Syafiq says the idea to create a project that could kick-start future collaborations – particularly between Malaysian and Hong Kong productions – began in 2024.
“We first started discussing this collaboration when Sheriff went to Hong Kong,” explains Syafiq.
He is referring to his film Sheriff: Narko Integriti, which was released in Hong Kong cinemas on June 6, 2024.
“That’s where we built relationships with the industry, and they showed a genuine interest in Malaysia.
“I think that’s a positive step, and I truly hope Malaysian films can continue to reach wider international audiences.
“This kind of partnership is something new, and it’s an opportunity Malaysians should embrace if we want our films to travel further,” Syafiq explains.
Black Ops’ executive producer Datuk Yusof Haslam echoes his son’s sentiments, saying the collaboration proves Malaysia’s ability to deliver fresh projects that can invigorate the local film industry.
“To ensure our films do not remain stagnant, we must be brave enough to try something new. If we don’t try, we’ll never know,” Yusof says.
Meanwhile, One Cool Films director and Black Ops co-producer Tang Wai But describes the project as the start of a longer journey.
“This collaboration is not just about producing a single film, but marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the Hong Kong and Malaysian film industries.
“We are committed to working closely together to ensure Black Ops is delivered at the highest standard, while also supporting the expansion of Malaysian films into regional and international markets.
“We look forward to more collaboration opportunities in the future,” Tang says.
From an original idea by Chui and developed by Alief Mat Zoher, Syafiq, Heidi Haflin and Eugene Lim, Black Ops follows Johan, a member of the task force, whose life is upended when he is framed for a murder he did not commit.
Forced to go on the run while being hunted by both the authorities and his own teammates, Johan sets out to uncover the real perpetrator.
The film is scheduled to hit cinemas by the end of the year.
