Steve Ravić i Majestic Film pripremaju velike projekte za Hrvatsku i Hercegovinu, a James Storm izražava želju postati dijelom nove filmske priče. U odvažnoj i uzbudljivoj najavi, Steve Ravić, vizionarski redatelj i svestrani kreativac iza produkcijske kuće Majestic Film, predstavio je niz intrigantnih projekata koji bi uskoro mogli zaživjeti na spektakularnim lokacijama Hrvatske i Hercegovine. S ambicioznim planom da glavno snimanje započne 2027 ili 2028. godine, realizacija tih projekata ovisi o sklapanju snažnih koprodukcijskih partnerstava o kojima su već u tijeku razgovori s vodećim američkim filmskim kompanijama, uključujući i ugledni Vital Pictures. Među filmskim naslovima koji se razvijaju posebno se izdvajaju The Ink Covenant (Zavjet Tinte) i The Last Queen (Posljednja Kraljica), priče bogate snažnim temama vjere i otpornosti, koje slave postojan duh hrvatskog naroda u očuvanju vlastitog kulturnog identiteta.

Majestic Film je nedavno imao posebnu čast ponovno ugostiti Jamesa Storma, legendu profesionalnog hrvanja i bivšeg TNA svjetskog prvaka u teškoj kategoriji, u svom studiju. Storm, koji se uspješno prebacio u svijet filma i televizije, prvi se put susreo sa Steveom Ravićem tijekom produkcije akcijskog trilera Hotel Underground. U tom napetom filmu Storm tumači Tommyja Majica, umirovljenog prvaka borilačkih vještina koji se upušta u opasnu misiju spašavanja svoje otete supruge iz zlokobnog mjesta poznatog kao Hotel Underground. Dok Ravić i Storm s nestrpljenjem iščekuju buduće suradnje pod jadranskim suncem, raste uzbuđenje zbog priča koje tek trebaju biti ispričane.

Hotel Underground već je osvojio publiku diljem Sjeverne Amerike zahvaljujući renomiranom distributeru ITN-u. Film je sada dostupan i na platformama poput Amazon Primea, a kasnije ove godine očekuje ga i svjetska distribucija, čime će dodatno proširiti svoj doseg. Ravić film s ljubavlju naziva „svojom bebom”, ističući kako u njemu spaja elemente retro filma, hrvanja, horora i heavy metala — svega onoga što je obilježilo njegovo djetinjstvo. U filmu glumi i impresivna ekipa, uključujući Andyja McPheeja iz serije Sons of Anarchy, izvanrednu Lady Samurai Kaori Kawabuchi, poznatu po radu na naslovima poput Final Fantasy i Ghost in the Shell, kao i Tracey Birdsall te druge. Ravić pritom posebno naglašava i neprocjenjiv doprinos svog dugogodišnjeg filmskog suradnika Neila Johnsona.

James Storm s velikim se entuzijazmom želi povezati s hrvatskom publikom pa poručuje: „Hej ljudi, kako ste? Ovdje bivša zvijezda profesionalnog hrvanja, Cowboy James Storm, i nalazim se u studiju Majestic Filma, u Billich muzeju, okružen zaista fascinantnim umjetninama.” Storm je razvio posebno divljenje prema Billichevim djelima, koja su ga dodatno zaintrigirala svojom poveznicom s hrvatskom baštinom. Razgledavajući muzej, komentirao je: „Ovo Billichevo remek-djelo je stvarno nevjerojatno”, dok je Ravić uz osmijeh istaknuo kako je Stormova snažna pojava „idealna za ulogu hrvatskog viteza” u jednom od nadolazećih projekata.

Stormovo oduševljenje hrvatskom kulturom bilo je više nego očito dok je promatrao zadivljujuću umjetnost unutar Billich muzeja. Rekao je: „Nevjerojatna su, ako ih još niste vidjeli. Steve iz Majestic Filma dopustio mi je da dođem ovamo i sve to razgledam. Ali mi je također puno pričao o filmovima koji se produciraju iz Hrvatske. I stvarno se nadam da ću biti dio toga, jer je to sljedeće poglavlje mog života — prijelaz iz profesionalnog hrvanja u glumu. To mi se čini kao prirodan put.”

Dok je Ravić govorio o iznimnoj ljepoti Hercegovine, Storm nije skrivao uzbuđenje zbog mogućnosti da tu regiju i osobno doživi. Rekao je: „Jedva čekam doći tamo i vidjeti sve to. Ako me vidite kako trčim okolo, samo mi se javite!” Tijekom posjeta, Ravić je Storma upoznao i s vrhunskim vinima Podruma Andrija iz Hercegovine. Kušajući čašu hercegovačkog Vranca hvala Iliji Ragužu i Stone and Vine co., Storm je oduševljeno uzviknuo: „O, vau, ovo je stvarno odlično!” Gostoljubivi Podrumi Andrija uputili su mu otvoreni poziv da odsjedne u njihovoj slikovitoj vinariji i tako još bolje upozna bogatstvo okusa i duha toga kraja.

Do sada je Storm Hrvatsku uglavnom zamišljao kroz Ravićeve živopisne opise, fotografije i Billicheva impresivna umjetnička djela. Pokazujući na još jedno Billichevo remek-djelo, ovaj put trodijelnu sliku Šibenika, s oduševljenjem je rekao: „Kao što vidite, ovo remek-djelo Hrvatske samo je primjer koliko je to mjesto zaista prekrasno.”

U svom prepoznatljivom hrvačkom stilu Storm je u šali dodao: „Nadam se da ću, kad dođem tamo snimati, moći doći do vrha tih brda i možda nekoga prebiti i baciti niz njih!” Njegova fascinacija Hrvatskom bila je potpuno jasna dok je nastavio: „Ovo je stvarno nevjerojatno. Još jedno Billichevo remek-djelo. Pokazuje vam koliko je ovaj svijet lijep i koliko je Hrvatska zadivljujuća i prekrasna.”

Ravić je pritom istaknuo: „Ovo je Stormov treći posjet Australiji; prvi je bio zbog mog filma Hotel Underground, a drugi zbog proslave mog 50. rođendana. Ovaj put održao je seminare iz hrvanja i produžio svoj boravak u Melbourneu kako bi još više uživao u našem australsko-hrvatskom gostoprimstvu u Arts Villi.”

Posebno dirljiv trenutak dogodio se kada je Storm odabrao posebnu bocu Jack Daniel’sa, poklon iz destilerije za Ravićev veliki rođendan. Izabrao je jedinstvenu bocu Jack Daniel’s Single Barrela i na nju napisao osobnu posvetu: „Steve, u svijetu lažnih ljudi ti si uvijek ostao pravi. James Storm.” Ravić je s velikim emocijama zahvalio na toj gesti, rekavši: „Bio sam oduševljen, a to samo potvrđuje snagu našeg bratstva. Nadam se da ćemo jednog dana zajedno raditi na projektu u Hrvatskoj i Hercegovini.”

Kao vrhunac svoje australske avanture, Storm je uronio u umjetničku raskoš Billicheve trodijelne slike Dubrovnika i ushićeno izjavio: „Billich je nevjerojatan. Ovo je jednostavno nevjerojatno. Kako Billich ovo radi, nemam pojma, jer ja ne znam povući ni ravnu crtu. To je potpuno izvan mog svijeta. Toliko je detalja da ga ne želim ni dotaknuti. Bojim se čak i disati pokraj toga. Apsolutno predivno.”

S projektima na horizontu i neugaslom strašću prema pripovijedanju, suradnja Stevea Ravića i Jamesa Storma obećava osvijetliti bogatu tapiseriju hrvatske kulture i osvojiti publiku diljem svijeta.

Piše Steven Haar

Prijevod: Petra Antolić

AN AMERICAN STORM OVER AUSTRALIA IS EXPECTED TO MAKE WAY TO CROATIA

In a bold exhilarating declaration, Steve Ravić, the visionary CEO and multifaceted talent behind Majestic Film, has unveiled a tantalizing array of projects poised for production in the breathtaking landscapes of Croatia and Hercegovina. With an ambitious timeline targeting the commencement of principal photography in 2027, this venture hinges on the forging of dynamic co-production partnerships currently in dialogue with leading film companies from the United States, including the esteemed Vital Pictures. Among the cinematic gems slated for development are "The Ink Covenant" and "The Last Queen," both rich in narratives that explore profound themes of faith and resilience, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Croatian people as they fiercely safeguard their cultural identity.

Majestic Film recently had the distinct honour of welcoming back Cowboy James Storm, an iconic figure in professional wrestling and former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, to its studio. Storm, who has seamlessly transitioned into the realm of film and television, first crossed paths with Ravić during the production of the action thriller Hotel Underground. In this gripping narrative, Storm embodies Tommy Majic, a retired champion fighter ensnared in a harrowing quest to rescue his abducted wife from a sinister locale known as Hotel Underground. As both Ravić and Storm eagerly anticipate future collaborations under the radiant Adriatic sun, excitement mounts for the stories yet to be told.

Hotel Underground has already captivated audiences across North America, thanks to the prominent distributor ITN. Now available on platforms like Amazon Prime, the film is set for a worldwide release later this year, further amplifying its reach. Ravić affectionately refers to the film as "my baby," blending elements of retro cinema, wrestling, horror, and heavy metal, encapsulating the essence of his childhood. The film features a stellar cast, including Andy McPhee from "Sons of Anarchy" and the extraordinary Lady Samurai Kaori Kawabuchi, renowned for her roles in "Final Fantasy" and "Ghost In The Shell" and Tracey Birdsall among others. Notably, Ravić also emphasises the invaluable contributions of his long-time cinematic ally, Neil Johnson.

James Storm is eager to connect with Croatian audiences, exclaiming, “Hey, guys, what's up? This is former pro wrestling superstar, the Cowboy James Storm, and I am here at the Majestic Film Studio, the Billich Museum, surrounded by some truly mesmerizing artwork.” The wrestler has developed a profound admiration for Billich’s masterpieces, intrigued by their connection to Croatian heritage. As he explored the museum, Storm remarked, “This Billich masterpiece is so cool,” while Ravić praised Storm’s formidable physique as “ideal for portraying a Croatian Knight” in an upcoming project.

Storm's enthusiasm for Croatian culture was palpable as he revealed in the breathtaking art within the Billich Museum, stating, “they are incredible, if you haven't seen them. Steve from Majestic Film has allowed me to come in here and check this out. But he's also been telling me a lot about the films that are being produced out of Croatia. And I really hope to be part of them because that's the next chapter in my life, is going from pro wrestling to acting. That seems like what we do.”

As Ravić extolled the stunning beauty of Hercegovina, Storm expressed his excitement to explore the region, saying, “I cannot wait to get over there and see it. If you see me running around, just say hi!” During his visit, Ravić introduced Storm to the exquisite wines from Podrumi Andrija wine cellars in Hercegovina. Storm savored a glass of Hercegovinian Vranac supplied by Ilija Raguž of Stone and Vine co. and exclaimed, “Oh wow, that is really good!” The hospitable Podrumi Andrija extended an open invitation for Storm to stay at their picturesque winery, promising a delightful exploration of the region's rich flavours.

Thus far, Storm has relied on Ravić’s vivid storytelling and visual representations, including photographs and Billich’s stunning artworks, to imagine Croatia. He enthusiastically remarked, “and as you can see, this masterpiece of Croatia, it is just an example of how beautiful the place really is” as he points to yet another of Billich’s works, this time a triple canvas panel of Šibenik.

Embracing his wrestling persona, Storm playfully quipped, “Hopefully when I get to go there and film, I can actually climb to the top (of the hilltops) and maybe beat somebody up and throw them off!” His fascination with Croatia was unmistakable as he continued, “But this is really cool. It's another one of Billich's masterpieces. And it just shows you… how beautiful this world is and how stunning and wonderful Croatia is.”

Ravić noted, “This marks Storm’s third visit to Australia; the first was for my film Hotel Underground, and the second was for my 50th birthday celebration. This time, he engaged in wrestling seminars and extended his stay in Melbourne to savour more of our Australian Croatian hospitality at our Arts Villa.”

A particularly touching moment unfolded when Storm selected a special bottle of Jack Daniels, a gift from the distillery for Ravić’s milestone birthday. He chose a unique bottle of Jack Daniels Single Barrel, inscribing it with a heartfelt message: “Steve, in a world of fake people, you have always stayed real, James Storm.” Ravić expressed his gratitude, stating, “I was stoked, and it reflects the strength of our brotherhood. I hope one day we’ll collaborate on a project in Croatia and Hercegovina.”

As a crowning finale to his Australian adventure, Storm immersed himself in the artistic splendour of Billich’s triple panel painting of Dubrovnik, exclaiming, “Billich is amazing. This is simply amazing. Like how Billich does this, I have no clue because I can't even draw a straight line. Yeah, way out of my wheelhouse. The detail is just… I don't even want to touch it. I'm scared to even breathe around it. Absolutely beautiful.” 

With projects on the horizon and an unyielding passion for storytelling, the collaboration between Steve Ravić and James Storm promises to shine a light on the rich tapestry of Croatian culture, to captivate audiences worldwide.

By Steven Haar