ESB, GeoPura and Spellmaker Productions are delighted to announce that veteran producer Paddy McDonald’s Spellmaker Production’s debut feature KUNG FU DEADLY is the FIRST Production in Ireland to deploy Hydrogen Power Units (hydrogen fuel cell technology) for 6 weeks as part of ESB’s hydrogen to power demonstration programme project. ESB’s Hydrogen Power Units were previously deployed at last year’s Amgen Irish Open at the Royal County Down Golf Club.
The renewable energy trial on KFD is the result of a collaboration between the ESB, GeoPura and Spellmaker Productions. The project is in receipt of Screen Ireland funding and supported through Sustainability Consultancy provided by Ecoscope. This will be the first-time hydrogen power will be used on a film set in Ireland, a renewable energy trial undertaken by an independent Irish production company and the first time the gap has been bridged between industry and academia on renewable energy applications in the film industry globally as DCU is also involved in the project. (Dr. James Carton). Previously, GeoPura’s Hydrogen Power Units have provided power to Film and TV broadcasting in the UK and abroad.
ESB has launched new hydrogen power generation demonstration fuel cells to showcase what is the first deployment of green hydrogen to electricity for film production in Ireland. The units are produced by GeoPura, a UK-based renewable energy company, and their partner, Siemens Energy. The Hydrogen Power Unit can support the network by using fuel cell technology, converting clean hydrogen to electricity, to supply up to 250kW of clean power when required – with the only by-product being pure water.
In a net zero world where Ireland has large volumes of renewables, converting renewable energy into green hydrogen, and storing it for use in periods when the sun is not shining and wind is not blowing, will be extremely beneficial. The deployment of electrolysers (electricity and water to hydrogen) and fuel cells (hydrogen to electricity) enable this conversion process and also aligns with the goals of the Irish Government’s National Hydrogen Strategy.
Alexandra de Valera (Associate Producer of KFD and Director of Ecoscope) commented: “To be on as Associate Producer and be in a position to deploy Irish film industry’s ’s first application of Green Hydrogen power at industry level has been one of my proudest and most rewarding experiences to date and only made possible by the collaboration of Spellmaker Productions and meaningful support of all stakeholders, including the creative team, cast and crew. Every day on set we feel we are actively making a difference and supporting the national decarbonisation roadmap. This speaks to the Irish Film Industry’s resilience and capabilities to adapt and I hope this serves as a model for future carbon reducing innovations and developments in the sector.”
About Kung Fu Deadly
Filming began in Dublin and County Meath, Ireland on Kung Fu Deadly mid February, a martial arts supernatural action comedy produced by Paddy McDonald (Predesination) and Nicholas Cooper (Zombie Plane ) Irishman Paddy McDonald also wrote the script. The Irish/Australian co-production is directed by Fergal Costello (BAFTA winner for Brain In Gear), and concerns two hapless pest controllers who are thrust into mortal danger when they accidentally tranquillise a Taoist hunter of Chinese undead aka “Jiangshi” who are spreading through the city. Having interrupted her pursuit of a centuries old enemy and with the clock ticking, they must reluctantly band together to rid the city of this supernatural menace the only way they know how: extermination
The film stars actor, comedian and YouTube sensation Steven He (over 13 million YouTube subscribers) as Danny, and newcomer Michael Tient (Lir Academy) as his best friend, Frank. Gemma Chua-Tran (Heartbreak High), Jason Tobin (Warrior, F9; The Fast Saga and One Thousand Blows) , Max Huang (Mortal Kombat 1 & 2) and actor Steve Wall (Black Doves, Oddity ) ( round out the cast. Lee Huang (Old Guard 2, Den of Thieves: Pantera, Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant) is aboard as Action Director.
Paddy McDonald is producing through his Spellmaker Productions alongside Nicholas Cooper for Parc Entertainment Capital who are also providing finance. The production is supported by Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and Screen Queensland. Post Production will be handled by Brisbane based Chop Shop Post with Radioactive Pictures distributing the film in Australia and New Zealand. Executive Producers are Zane O’Donahoo and Chris Dirckze.
Essential Film Group is handling worldwide sales.
McDonald commented: “It is truly a privilege to be bringing such a novel and exciting movie to audiences with such a wonderfully talented cast and crew, and in partnership partners who are so supportive of the vision for this ground breaking Irish genre movie with tons of action and even more. We can’t wait to share it with audiences.
ENDS
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