Malaysia's KRU Studio is co-producing US psychological thriller Deadline, starring Brittany Murphy, marking its first foray into financing Hollywood films.

Directed by newcomer Sean McConville, the film is currently shooting in Louisiana and also stars Thora Birch, Tammy Blanchard and Marc Blucas.

KRU, which is co-producing with US indie outfit Enso Entertainment headed by Roger Betterton, has made an equity investment in the film, budgeted at below $10m, and is also contributing to special effects. The story follows a screenwriter, suffering from writer's block, who is staying in an abandoned house.

KRU is a 15-year-old production services company that has recently expanded into production and financing. Its credits include superhero movie Cicakman, which is the highest grossing domestic film ever at the Malaysian box office.

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