Wu-Tang Clan lyricist/producer RZA will continue to flex his directing chops now that he’s signed on to direct the action-thriller, Breakout.
The film, which was written by Richard D’Ovidio, will center on a photographer who is falsely arrested while overseas, and later seeks the help of his father and his father’s friends to break out of prison.
Billboard.com reports that Breakout will be an Amasia Entertainment film.
“The multi-talented RZA has mastered the art of music, acting and filmmaking,” Amasia principals Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo said, according to Billboard.com. “We are ecstatic to have him behind the camera on our next project as he brings a fresh and innovative take to this international action thriller from Rich D’Ovidio.”
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RZA previously worked with Amasia Entertainment on the film Mr. Right, which he stars in. The film is scheduled to make its debut at the Toronto Film Festival this year.
Breakout will serve as the third film RZA has directed. Films he previously directed include The Man With The Iron Fists and the upcoming film, Coco.
Back in 2012, RZA spoke on how being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan helped him prepare for his directing career.
“[Wu-Tang] was actually the best training I could ever have,” RZA said during an interview with Ruby Hornet. “I wasn’t conscious that all my trials and tribulations, good times and bad times with Wu-Tang would help me become this kind of psychiatrist of thinking towards other artists and talents. But also one of the biggest things that helped me is that I’m an artist. I understand the grind, the gripes. I understand right now we’re getting out early in the rain to sit here and talk to you about a film instead of on the bus, curled up warm…As a director, I’m going to have compassion.”
