COMPANY

Since 2016, ACE Pictures Entertainment is a digital media and film production investment company, focused on providing financing solutions to diverse film projects around the world.

ACE Pictures Entertainment is a registered producer and film distributor with the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) and its core members are affiliated with Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia (PROFIMA).

ACE Pictures Entertainment LLC, based in LA, California, was establish alongside ACE Pictures Entertainment Sdn Bhd in 2017. They are currently represented by Malcolm McNeil of Arent Fox as the corporate legal counsel and Shelley Surpin of Surpin, Mayersohn & Coghill as their projects legal counsel.

VISION

ACE Pictures Entertainment is committed to building mutually-rewarding partnerships with film production and digital media companies, independent producers, distributors and creative talents. Whether it is through financing, developing or producing, ACE Pictures Entertainment has a goal of pursuing unique film projects, which have a potential to succeed on the global stage. Also, a vital part of our strategy is to discover emerging filmmakers, through partnerships with different non-profit organizations.

PEOPLE

JOHNNY CHANG
Managing Director

Johnny is a highly accomplished individual with an impressive track record of success across diverse industries. As a Director at ACE since 2017, he has been instrumental in strategic planning and business development, driving exponential growth and profitability for the organisation. Leading cross-functional teams, Johnny excels in executing business development plans, forging strategic partnerships, and managing key accounts to enhance market share. With exceptional communication skills, he delivers impactful presentations to C-level executives and potential investors, influencing the organisation’s overall direction and success through well-informed decision-making. Diligently monitoring key performance indicators, he ensures targets are met and compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical practices is maintained.

In his prior role as Managing Director in the chemical and electronic industry from 2013 to 2017, Johnny demonstrated visionary leadership and strategic direction, navigating the company through expansion in a competitive market. His oversight extended to various business operations, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and supply chain management. Through adept alignment with industry trends and customer demands, Johnny’s strategic plans and optimization efforts led to significant revenue growth of 30% within the first year, coupled with a 20% reduction in production costs, contributing to increased profitability.

During his tenure as a General Manager in the automotive and electronic industries from 1997 to 2013, Johnny skillfully managed daily operations, optimizing production processes, and expanding market reach. Notable achievements include the successful implementation of lean manufacturing principles, leading to reduced production lead times by 15% and manufacturing costs by 30%. By optimizing the supply chain and enhancing inventory management, he achieved an impressive 20% reduction in overall operating costs.

Overall, Johnny’s exceptional leadership, business acumen, and dedication have contributed significantly to the success and growth of the companies he has served. His expertise spans diverse industries, showcasing a dynamic and accomplished professional capable of driving impactful change and achieving remarkable results.

JAMES WONG
Chief Executive Officer

In 2024, James takes on the mantle of Chief Executive Officer at ACE Pictures Entertainment, steering the company with a focus on formulating cutting-edge corporate strategies and business plans.

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from TARC, Malaysia, James initially honed his skills in the engineering sector as a Sales Director in Malaysia, amassing 15 years of invaluable experience. His career trajectory then led him to the role of Chief Executive Officer at a multinational stem cell medical-health biotech company in Singapore.

Upon his return to Malaysia, James immersed himself in corporate training and development programs for senior business executives in the marketing industry. Venturing into the entertainment arena, he founded and successfully operated his maiden movie production company, specializing in the Intellectual Property (IP) sector for an impressive seven years. During this period, James traversed nearly 76 countries for various movie productions.

His extensive professional journey spans diverse areas, including finance, corporate affairs, business events, and functions. James boasts expertise in strategy development, international marketing management, movie production operations, and investor relations. Beyond his role at ACE Pictures Entertainment, James serves as the proprietor of multiple private companies engaged in investment holding, hospitality, trading, and engineering services, showcasing his multifaceted entrepreneurial prowess.

DESMOND CHOONG
Chief Operating Officer

Since embarking on his career journey in 2009 within the commercial sector, Desmond has not only demonstrated remarkable success but has also left an indelible mark in establishing multiple businesses. His entrepreneurial endeavors have centered around international trades, consumer goods, and sustainable living products, fostering robust working relationships with businesses in China and across the Asia Pacific region.

Upon joining the ACE Group in 2013, Desmond’s trajectory has been defined by an unwavering drive for success, constantly exploring new innovations and ideas. His proficiency in accomplishing diverse tasks assigned by management consistently exceeded expectations, propelling him swiftly up the organizational ranks, a testament to his adaptability to change.

In his current pivotal role at ACE Pictures Entertainment, Desmond takes charge of matters concerning investments and corporate resource strategy. His keen insights and recommendations are geared towards attracting and expanding the market segments served by the organization. Furthermore, he actively contributes to crafting business development plans, ensuring that ACE’s offerings remain not only relevant but also competitive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

ARTICLES

FIRMS BEHIND SUNDANCE MOVIES ‘MAIKA’ & ‘CLEMENCY’ TEAM FOR MOVIE SLATE AIMED AT ASIAN MARKET

EXCLUSIVE: Recently launched finance, production and sales company EST Studios has entered into a co-production partnership with Malaysia and LA-based ACE Pictures Entertainment for a slate of films aimed primarily at the Asian market. The partnership says it is...

ACE PICTURES BAGS COVETED WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL AWARD

INSPIRED by true events, the first inspirational short series by ACE Pictures - a subsidiary of ACE Holdings Berhad – follows the story of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Agilan Thani from Malaysia. The shorts – of the same name as the former ONE Welterweight World...

FORMER SQUASH CHAMPION COLLABORATES WITH ACE PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT TO PRODUCE THE BIOPIC “I AM NICOL DAVID”

A household name in the world of sports - and throughout the world, there is no one quite as intriguing as the legendary Datuk Nicol David, one of Malaysia's most decorated star athletes of this generation. With 8 world titles and a record of 108 consecutive months as...

A LOOK INSIDE ACE PICTURE’S FILM SELECTION PROCESS

PRODUCING a film is no easy feat, let alone juggling the roles of producer and financier at the same time. Playing a crucial part in every creative and financial aspect of a film, ACE Pictures has been very particular in the...

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ACE PICTURES

AFTER sharing about its venture into Hollywood, ACE Pictures sheds light on its future plans. Despite the global impact of Covid-19 which has certainly affected ACE Pictures’ original plan, its dedicated team continues to be in high spirits in preparation for the post...

MAKING IT BIG IN HOLLYWOOD

WHAT do Angelina Jolie, Alfre Woodard and Nicholas Cage have in common? It might come as a surprise, but these Hollywood A-listers have starred in award-winning films produced by Malaysian company ACE Pictures Entertainment (ACE Pictures). Established in 2017 under...

BLUSH – 200 SCENES IN 15 DAYS

“Bridesmaids” star Wendi McLendon-Covey is no stranger to the world of comedy. With two Best Actress nominations at the Critics Choice Awards for her role as Beverly in the hit sitcom The Goldbergs, landing the lead role of Debra Eisenstadt’s Blush seemed almost like...

BEHIND THE MAGIC CASTLE

Hidden doors, private rooms, plush dining areas, live performances, and even a mystical owl – these are just some of the secrets hidden inside LA’s Magic Castle, one of the country’s most unusual and exclusive clubs. Founded in 1963 by the Larsen family, the 22,000...

DANIEL ISN’T REAL… OR IS HE?

Based on co-writer DeLeeuw’s novel “In This Way I Was Saved”, Daniel Isn’t Real is director Adam Egypt Mortimer’s second feature film. It first premiered on 9th March 2019 at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas – with additional premieres in film festivals all...

THE “ACE” PROCESS

Our team in Malaysia has expanded. It's only been less than three years since my colleagues and I first flew to the US and started our groundwork – of making films in Hollywood. Our first slate’s success in gaining worldwide recognition seemed like an impossible task...

CLEMENCY’S ROAD TO SUCCESS

Alfre Woodard (left) and the film's director Chinonye Chukwu (right). Photo Credit Paul Sarkis Award winning Alfre Woodard gives audiences a chilling performance to remember in Clemency – an ACE Pictures Entertainment production. First debuted on January 27, 2019 at...

RICHARD STANLEY RETURNS WITH COLOR OUT OF SPACE

One of Toronto International Film Festival’s most must-see titles of the year, Color Out of Space had its seats fully booked out ahead of the premiere on 7 September 2019. This comes to no surprise as it is cult status Richard Stanley’s first feature film in well over...

COME AWAY – A FAIRY TALE RETOLD

ACE Pictures Entertainment’s biggest movie to date, Come Away is a fantasy drama starring Angelina Jolie, David Oyelowo, and British child-newcomers Keira Chansa and Jordan A. Nash. The star-studded cast also includes the likes of Michael Caine, Derek Jacobi, Gugu...

SET VISITS!

Perhaps one of the main highlights of ACE Picture’s venture into Hollywood is set visit. Before a deal is struck, with weeks and sometimes, months of negotiations, we would normally be involved in casting and screenplay discussions (which may include rewrites)....

WE VALUE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

When ACE Pictures, a subsidiary of ACE Holdings Berhad, first embarked on the visionary journey of filmmaking two years ago it has always believed in the power of diversity and inclusion. This belief, along with passion and principles, has been the driving force...

TWO HORROR FILMS @ SITGES!

ACE Pictures, a subsidiary of ACE Holdings Berhad, received another exciting news as Sitges Film Festival announced that both its horror films - Daniel Isn't Real and Color Out of Space will compete in the official fantastic selection this year! In July 2019, director...

ANOTHER TRIUMPH, THIS TIME @ BFI!

Lightning does strike twice sometimes! Fresh from the recent screenings at the 2019 TIFF, both Clemency and Color Out of Space have just been selected for the 63rd BFI London Film Festival. What a remarkable achievement for both our films  - one being our very first...

WE HAVE ANOTHER MOVIE IN TORONTO!

Two of our films have made it to TIFF this year! Color Out of Space, starring Nicolas Cage and Joely Richardson, signals director Richard Stanley's return to the festival's Midnight Madness section and is one of the most anticipated horror films this year. The H.P....

TORONTO, WE ARE COMING TO YOU!

Clemency is on a roll and we couldn’t be prouder. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has just announced that they will be premiering the critically-acclaimed prison drama at the prestigious festival in Sep 2019. This came just after Alfre Woodard won the...

WE ARE TWO YEARS OLD!

Four people, eight films - all produced in US in just the last two years. These are what define ACE Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of ACE Holdings Berhad, so far. Three of the eight films went into two of the most prestigious film festivals in the world -...

OUR VERY FIRST HORROR FILM

Written by Kenny Li When ACE Pictures set forth to strategise the movies they want to do, they insisted that one of them had to be a horror. By third quarter of 2017, with over a hundred of projects being laid on the table, only a few shined and caught their...

CLEMENCY – OUR 1ST VICTORY!

When ACE Pictures (a subsidiary of ACE Holdings Berhad) announced to us that Clemency won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, all of us couldn’t believe it. Well, most of us. The truth is, I had been secretly wishing and thinking that it would win, even as I was told it...

LATEST ARTICLES

    CONTACT

    HEAD OFFICE
    ACE Tower
    Level 13, BO2-B, Menara 3,
    No. 3, Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City,
    59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    CONTACT INFORMATION:
    Tel No : +603 2363 9999
    Fax No : +603 2363 3333
    Email : info@acepictures.com
    Web : acepictures.com