By Gemma Kaczerepa
The upcoming Australian action-thriller, The Ninja, has added yet another international name to its line-up.
British stuntman, Nick Gillard, who has worked on blockbusters such as Star Wars Episode I, II and III, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade and, most recently, the action-packed Wanted, has been signed to the role of stunt coordinator and sword master.
Under the direction of Gillard, The Ninja will follow the styles of similar films, such as The Bourne Identity and Casino Royale, in their minimal use of CGI. Instead the film’s action and fighting scenes will rely on the use of authentic stunts and fighting methods.
Gillard joins a list of other international cast and crew involved in the film. American actor John Wesley Shipp, of Dawson’s Creek fame, plays a leading role, along with fellow countryman John Schneider, from Smallville and The Dukes of Hazzard, and Canadian actor Richard R. Cross, from the television series 24.
The Ninja also stars Australians Tania Zaetta and its creator, Rob Baard, who will perform his own stunts. The Ninja marks Baard’s debut into feature films, following more amateur and low-budget work.
The feature length film, expected to finish filming in May 2009, revolves around a male and female duo and their battle with a corrupt CEO and his band of deadly ninjas. It is to be filmed in various locations in and around Geelong and will be the most expensive film to be shot in the area, having already raised $6 million in financing.
Baard, who aims to release the film in 40 territories, is also reportedly in talks with American distributors.