Rep Sheet Roundup: 3 Arts Signs First Non-Asian Alum of Beijing Film Academy
THR’s at-a-glance look at the week in representation news
Who got signed, promoted, hired or fired The Hollywood Reporter’s Rep Sheet rounds up the week in representation news. To submit announcements for consideration, contact rebecca.sun@thr.com.
Gong xi, Ma Tai!
3 Arts has signed actor Matt William Knowles, a South Carolina native who has built a career in China over the past half-decade. The former Clemson University defensive end and civil engineering major had NFL aspirations until a senior-year knee injury forced him to rethink his plans. After graduation, he moved to a relatively impoverished province in southeastern China to serve as an English teacher, where he was scouted as a model. As his fluency in Mandarin developed, he transitioned to TV hosting and acting, and in 2013 was offered a scholarship to the Beijing Film Academy, where he became the prestigious school’s first Caucasian student. Knowles’ most prominent role to date has been a recurring part in China’s hit 2015-16 suspense drama Love Me If You Dare, and he next has a major role as a mythic demigod in Alibaba’s $100 million fantasy adventure Asura. Now based in Los Angeles, Knowles is looking to establish himself in his home country.
