KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is an ideal location to film and produce world-class action-thrillers.
Retired Romanian special forces sergeant Liviu Keno Covalschi, 38, said the country's weather, peace and stability also augured well to carry out filming at attractive touristic sites.
“There is an abundance of opportunities here that can be tapped for the mutual benefit of the global film industry and to enhance Malaysia's tourism.
“Besides, it can also boost the local entertainment and film industries here,” said actor-cum-action director Covalschi, popularly known as Keno in the film industry.
He told The New Straits Times this after receiving the ‘Millenium World’s Most Promising Action Star 2019/20’ award at the Ruyi Restaurant at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in Jalan Maarof.
Covalschi received a trophy, a ‘Tva Fyra’ Swiss luxury watch and a certificate from award founder Datuk Reiss Tiara and its honorary patron Tengku Datuk Hishammuddin Zaizi Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah.
Present was Lions Club of Putrajaya Royale centennial charter president Datuk Seri Dr Johnny Chai.
The award, also given to 17 others, is to honour and appreciate outstanding individuals in various fields.
After military service, Covalschi, who was trained as a sea, air and land (Seal) commando, tried his hand in the commercial movie world.
“I initially was hired to direct action series for famous actors in several international movies in Hollywood, South Korea, Hong Kong and elsewhere.
“After about a decade, I was appreciated for my acting talent and offered to star as well as direct movies two years ago,” said Covalschi, who has to date starred in four movies.
The movies were ‘Take Point’, ‘Chasing Dreams’, ‘K.O.’, and 'Shock Wave 2’ (starring Andy Lau).
Covalschi is currently in Malaysia for three months, to explore new ventures and opportunities.
Although he declined to divulge his plans, NST understands that he is involved in the shooting of another movie believed to be ‘China Top Arms’.
He, however, admitted that he was keen to engage local investors and enforcement agencies such as the armed forces and police, with a view of jointly producing action-thriller nostalgic and historical movies.
“These are the agencies that have the logistics and support equipment, including aircraft, vessels, vehicles, firearms and ammunition to provide the punch for real-life movies.
“We can also harness the skills of the well-trained security forces, and local actors and producers to churn out excellent world-class movies.
“It will put Malaysia, which has all the resources to produce Hollywood-standard movies, on a credible footing in the film industry and boost its tourism,” said Covalschi, who is now based in Hong Kong.