Thesps find way to H'wood 'Treasure'

MOSCOW - Russian players are expanding their presence in English-language product supported in part by Hollywood names. The latest example, "Treasure Raiders", is under way in Moscow.

Pic is directed by Brent Huff ("100 Mile Rule") and written by Alexander Izotov, who co-produces with Alexander Nevsky, his partner at Moscow-based production company Czar Pictures, and Robert Madrid.

Top billing goes to David Carradine and Nevsky, former Mr. World champion now based in California. They play, respectively, an American professor and a Russian biker, who get caught up in a search for local historical treasures.

Czar Pictures' biggest project to date has been "Moscow Heat", which had Nevsky playing a rogue Moscow cop opposite Michael York as a retired Western diplomat who ends up in Russia chasing his son's killer.

Released at the end of 2004, "Moscow Heat" took in upward of $1.1 million in local release, and achieved a healthy international sales, according to producers. Universal Music Video released the DVD in the U.S. last fall.

Tom Birchenough