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Detroit Filmmaker Uses Martial Arts Skills To Produce Action Films

DETROIT (WWJ) - Move over, Jackie Chan! A local filmmaker is starting to make waves with his independently-produced action films.

Detroiter Tom Henry has been practicing martial arts for 40 years. And, for the past several, he's been using his knowledge to give aspiring actors a "leg up" in the film industry.

"What to do as far as fighting for the camera," Henry said. "It was about 200-300 people, and I taught them how to act. Then after that, I taught them how to fight for the camera."

Hundreds of those Henry trained appeared in his independently-produced feature film, "Detroit Uncut."

"We premiered that in 2009 to a sold-out crowd in the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit," Henry added.

Now, Henry is preparing for the premiere of his second feature: "Act of Vengeance".

"It's about a cop that goes undercover to bust this big organization, and they find out who he is and they have him killed. Then, his father steps in, who's a former CIA agent, to finish what his son started."

The film's premiere is set for Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the Detroit Boxing Jungle, 7455 Greenfield Road, in Detroit. Doors open at 6p.m. For more information on the premiere and/or Henry's film company, Dragon Films, visit his website here.

Looking further ahead, Henry will be holding another stunt camp in July. Those attending the camp will be taught how to fight and how to use weapons in movies. He says more information on the camp will be posted on his website soon.  Who knows?  The latest group of students may just see themselves in Henry's next flick.

See you at the movies!

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

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