Action Xtreme, Studio Behind Netflix Hit ‘Son of the Soil,’ Launches Music Publishing Arm in Deal With Atlantic Screen Group (EXCLUSIVE)

London's Action Xtreme, the action-focused studio established by founders Chee Keong Cheung and Andreas Roald, is expanding its operations into the music industry. The company has launched a new music publishing division, AX Music Publishing, through a strategic partnership with the Atlantic Screen Group. This venture will primarily develop and monetize original scores and soundtracks for Action Xtreme's film and television projects, though it will also consider external music that complements its high-octane brand. The move is designed to create lasting value from the studio's audio assets through synchronization licenses, performance royalties, and worldwide digital distribution.

Atlantic Screen Group, a global entity with over a decade of experience in music publishing, supervision, and screen music services since its 2010 founding, will manage the catalogue rights and provide music supervision for Action Xtreme's upcoming slate. This partnership underscores a shared philosophy of creative control. "Forming our own publishing arm is a crucial strategic move to build a valuable, enduring music library as we significantly increase our production output in 2026 and 2027," stated Cheung. Rupert Hollier, COO of Atlantic Screen Group, echoed this sentiment, adding, "Action Xtreme's dedication to artistic quality and creator ownership is a perfect match for our goals. We're creating a robust global platform for musical talent."

The launch of AX Music Publishing is a key component of Action Xtreme's broader strategy to function as a vertically integrated studio. This model now encompasses everything from project development and its educational Action Xtreme Academy to production, distribution, and, with this new division, music rights management. This holistic approach allows the studio to maintain creative and financial control across its entire ecosystem, a model increasingly adopted by independent studios seeking sustainability in a competitive market.

Action Xtreme's production pipeline demonstrates its growing reach. Its Nigeria-shot film "Son of the Soil" recently debuted on Netflix, immediately claiming the number one spot on the platform's Nigerian charts. The film, which has since seen theatrical releases across Africa, the UK, and the US while also garnering international festival acclaim, highlights the studio's ability to create commercially successful content for global audiences. The studio's upcoming roster includes the first-person action thriller "Bad Day at the Office," starring John Hannah and Radha Mitchell, and the sci-fi horror feature "The Experiment," led by Rhona Mitra and Famke Janssen.

Further cementing its growth, Action Xtreme has secured a three-picture co-production and distribution deal with Trinity Content Partners. Additionally, the studio has entered a first-look agreement with Moses Babatope's Nile Entertainment, a leading force in African cinema distribution, specifically to develop action content tailored for African audiences. These deals, combined with the new music publishing arm, position Action Xtreme as a multifaceted player poised for significant expansion in the coming years.