How a British man broke into Hong Kong’s martial arts film industry
Bey Logan, film producer and kung fu enthusiast, wants to give back to those who inspired him by promoting the martial arts of southern China
Film producer and martial arts enthusiast Bey Logan has had a love affair with kung fu since he was a teenager. Known for his role in producing hits like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny and the documentary Jackie Chan: My Story, locally based Logan has built a notable career in the film industry since he first stepped foot on Hong Kong soil more than two decades ago.
In addition to running his own film company and operating a kung fu school, he’s now shifting his focus towards promoting southern Chinese martial arts culture and giving back to the community that nurtured his passion.
His brand, Reel East, holds events promoting such southern Chinese skills primarily through local martial arts films. Logan launched the initiative a few months ago because he saw the city lacked a platform from which to discuss and spread awareness of Hong Kong martial arts cinema and the art of kung fu.
“I feel that martial arts has had a huge beneficial influence on my life,” Logan, who is 55, said. “The tapestry of the southern Chinese martial arts culture ... I think is the cornerstone of what has made Hong Kong special, made Hong Kong famous. We should celebrate it.”
Born in Stamford, England, Logan grew up idolising Bruce Lee. During a visit to Hong Kong in the early 1980s, he was able to meet Jackie Chan and other prominent kung fu actors and directors. He decided there and then that he wanted to return to the city to work in the martial arts film industry.
It felt like an unrealistic dream. It was like saying I wanted to work on Mars
In 1994, he moved to Hong Kong, where he has carved a name for himself in the field and worked with many industry icons such as Donnie Yen, Maggie Quigley (Maggie Q) and more. His latest release, Lady Bloodfight, is now playing in Cambodia and Vietnam.
