Antonio Banderas has boarded Jesse V. Johnson‘s action thriller “Above and Below,” produced by Spain’s AF Films, with Christian Mercuri’s Capstone Pictures acquiring worldwide distribution.
Laura Marano (“Lady Bird,” “The Royal Treatment”) stars alongside Christina Ochoa (“Animal Kingdom,” “Blood Drive”), Mario Tardón (“Risen”) and Banderas.
Written by Tony Giordano and helmed by British stuntman turned writer-director Johnson, “Above and Below” has begun filming in Spain.
Capstone Global will oversee worldwide distribution, with London-based Capture, Capstone’s recent joint venture with Signature Ent., handling international sales.
Described as an “action-packed thriller, full of twists,” the film starts with a group of friends setting off for an unforgettable vacation. What begins as an adventure of partying and diving quickly turns into a nightmare when they are attacked by criminals in open waters.
Trapped in the depths of the ocean, surrounded by sharks and with a ruthless enemy lurking above, Tatiana – the lead role played by Marano – must use all her wit and courage to survive and save her friends.
In the film, Banderas plays Burns, said to be a man forged in violence. “Broad-shouldered and cold-eyed, his mere presence commands respect and fear. Calculating and methodical, he leaves nothing to chance. To him, the ocean is no mystery,” a synopsis says.
Laura Marano
Credit: Yon Bengoechea
Well-known as a director for films such as “Savage Dog,” “Accident Man,” “Avengement” and “Triple Threat,” Johnson’s work as a stunt performer take in “Mission Impossible III,” “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” and “Total Recall.”
Founded by producer-director Frank Ariza, AF Films has nearly 30 titles under its belt, including feature films such as the Ariza-directed comedy “¡Ay, mi madre!”
“Money Heist’s” Jaime Lorente starred in “Reversión,” now in post, produced by Ariza. Ariza co-wrote and co-directed supernatural thriller “El vestido,” with “The Orphanage star” Belén Rueda. AF also produces TV series for platforms and networks (Mediaset’s “Señor, dame paciencia,” HBO Max’s “Mariachis”) and has a partnership with Match Point to develop international co-productions.
A force in global indie cinema, Capstone is led by industry vet Christian Mercuri, who has built a strong legacy, having sold, financed and produced high-quality commercial feature films such as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Dumb and Dumber To” and “Fall.”
Marano is repped by Untitled Entertainment, Christina Ochoa by Buchwald and Banderas by Emanuel Nunez at NuCo Media Group and George Hayum at Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman.
Jesse V. Johnson
Credit: Yon Bengoechea