Las Vegas Ignites with Premiere of “Action! Action!” at Circa’s Stadium Swim
The Neon Museum’s Duck Duck Shed Architectural, Design and Culture Event Series Presented a Thrilling Debut for New Action-Comedy Thriller
On Friday, April 25, the Las Vegas-born film “Action! Action!“ made it’s explosive debut at Stadium Swim in Circa Resort & Casino, delivering an unforgettable poolside premiere to the nearly 1,000 attendees. The action-packed film was showcased on Stadium Swims massive 143-foot screen as part of The Neon Museum’s Duck Duck Shed event series that celebrates the city’s architectural, design and culture. The event blended the glamour of a Hollywood premiere with the vibrant energy of a Las Vegas pool party.
Directed, produced and starring Las Vegas local Adam Kilbourn, alongside co-director Danny Shepherd, “Action! Action!” is a high-octane heist film that captures the city’s electric downtown spirit. The movie follows a team of quirky misfits as they attempt to steal a priceless Al Capone painting from The Mob Museum, unleashing explosive car chases, dramatic stunts and a cascade of comedic chaos across landmarks including Fremont Street Experience, Plaza Hotel & Casino Las Vegas and the World Market Center.
Chuck Muth of Nevada News & Views praised the film’s authenticity, writing, “Action! Action!” plunges you headfirst into the pulsing heart of REAL Vegas—the gritty, electric, neon-drenched downtown that locals recognize, and most tourists never see,” and called the film “an absolute blast from start to finish.”
The movie features an all-Las Vegas cast and crew led by UNLV alumni Kilbourn, Shepherd, and cinematographer Jeremy Le (Ismahawk). Standout performances come from Shana Dahan (“Storage Wars,” “Thrifters Anonymous”), Mari Takahashi (“Survivor,” “Smosh”), Lundon Boyd (“Dealer and Liars,” “Fires and Bears”), David Valenzuela (“Margaret the Brave”), stage veterans Marcus Weiss (Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group) and London Mace (“The Second City”), alongside Hollywood pros David Barker and Andrew Comrie-Picard. Barker, a local pyrotechnician whose credits span Marvel, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Michael Bay productions, delivered the film’s explosive effects, while Comrie-Picard, known for “Atomic Blonde” and “Deadpool 2,” orchestrated the thrilling car chases.
Fight directors Aaron and Ezechiel Ortega, along with the Arhat Orphan Brotherhood Stunt Team, unleashed dynamic kung fu sequences that give the fast-paced heist a razor-sharp physical edge. The brothers also take the spotlight, delivering on-screen performances as forceful and precise as their choreography.
“Action! Action!” marks the final screen performance of the late Clarence Gilyard, the beloved actor and longtime UNLV film professor known for his iconic roles in “Die Hard,” “Top Gun,” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.” His presence in the film brings a poignant layer of legacy, community, and heartfelt tribute to Las Vegas’s creative spirit.
Filmed entirely in Las Vegas, “Action! Action!” showcases the city’s rising potential as a hub for high-quality independent film. “Everything we needed was here — the locations, the talent, the passion,” said Kilbourn. Co-director Shepherd echoed the sentiment: “Las Vegas was the perfect canvas. You can feel its energy in every frame.”
The premiere atmosphere at Stadium Swim was electric, with guests enjoying the film from cabanas and pools. DJ sets, themed cocktails and a lively after-party kept the energy high long after the credits rolled. The venue’s blend of luxury and laid-back energy perfectly mirrored the spirit of “Action! Action!” — bold, energetic and unapologetically fun.
The event was a highlight of The Neon Museum’s Duck Duck Shed. The multi-day event held April 24–27 offered insights from voices that built — and continue to build — the luxurious casinos, megaresorts and productions that have earned Las Vegas its title as the Entertainment Capital of the World. Duck Duck Shed shares decades of the city’s architectural character through a range of individual events, including lectures, access to historic artifacts and one-of-a-kind experiences.
“Action! Action!” is set to screen May 2–4 at the Brenden Theater at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas. The film will then travel to LA, Phoenix and Fairbanks, before making the rounds on the film festival circuit, with distribution on major streaming platforms later this year.
About Black Raven Films and Ismahawk
Black Raven Films and Ismahawk, two powerhouse production companies founded by Las Vegas-based UNLV alumni, have joined forces to bring this electrifying vision to the screen. With an impressive lineup of Hollywood stunt coordinators, pyrotechnics experts, and local talent, “Action! Action!” cements itself as a landmark moment for filmmaking in Las Vegas. Visit wwww.blackravenfilms.com for more information.
About Circa Resort & Casino
Get ready for the time of your life at Circa Resort & Casino, an adults-only casino-resort concept in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The AAA Four Diamond Circa pays homage to Vegas’ Golden Era through vintage design, old-school hospitality and nods to the city’s history while introducing high-tech advancements and innovative amenities. The resort features upscale rooms and suites; the world’s largest sportsbook; Stadium Swim, a year-round pool aqua theater; a two-story casino; Garage Mahal, a high-tech transportation hub; the luxe Legacy Club rooftop lounge; an expansive local art collection; 35,000 sq. ft of meetings and conventions space and more. Guests can indulge at original restaurant concepts including premium steaks and seafood at Barry’s Downtown Prime from Chef Barry S. Dakake and Make It Happen Hospitality; Pan-Asian fare at 8 East from Chef Dan Coughlin; deli classics at Saginaw’s Delicatessen from restaurateur Paul Saginaw; authentic Carolina barbecue at Project BBQ; and all-star menus at Victory Burger & Wings Co. from the founding family of American Coney Island. Visit circalasvegas.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @circalasvegas to stay up to date.
About The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum illuminates the cultural essence of Las Vegas by sharing iconic signage, diverse collections and stories that define its vibrant past, present and future. Its core values seek to create a sense of belonging for everyone; promote scholarship through its work and collaborations; offer fun engagement that reflects the spirit of Las Vegas; and demonstrate overall excellence.
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2021, the highest national honor for museums in the United States. Situated on a 2.27-acre campus, the Museum features:
- The Neon Boneyard: An outdoor exhibition space displaying historic signs no longer in use.
- The North Gallery: Home to Brilliant! Jackpot, an immersive audiovisual experience that re-illuminates over 40 non-operational signs using advanced technology.
- The Boulevard Gallery: A transitional space showcasing collection pieces.
- The Visitors’ Center: Located in the iconic former La Concha Motel lobby designed by famed architect Paul Revere Williams.
- The Neon Boneyard Park: A green space where visitors can learn more of Las Vegas’ rich history.
The museum’s collection also includes 15 restored signs displayed as public art in downtown Las Vegas collectively known as The Las Vegas Boulevard Scenic Byway Project and additional pieces on loan to non-profits and government entities. Its ongoing initiatives encompass public education, outreach, research, and arts preservation.
Recently, The Neon Museum announced plans for a relocation and expansion to the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas. Updates will be shared soon.
For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Also follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.