OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
GM: On April 14th, GREEN RUSH will be released, distributed by Lionsgate. You produced this film. What can you tell us about it and what should the audience expect?
This movie has its roots in California, was inspired by true events, and the action ramps up quickly as the movie develops. Some of the twists and foreshadowing make this a movie that you should definitely watch a second time (to pick up details you might have overlooked).
GM: This was based on actual events. What drew you to the story?
I was drawn to the story, first because of the ties to what’s happening in California and many other states with the Marijuana market. Things are changing fast, and the whole topic, business and public views are fascinating. I also wanted this movie to be a calling card for our team of actors, writers, directors and production team. The way we pulled this movie together, with the time and resources we spent was amazing. Only people that really understand the industry could appreciate the process we went through and executed. This movie was a culmination of a bunch of people with something to prove, and I love that.
GM: I got a chance to watch the film and it was really intense and gritty. It really pulled no punches. How important was it for you for this film to be so dark and intense?
For me it wasn’t so important, it was more about execution. Gerard Roxburgh as the director and Matt Irwin as his DP really had the goal and vision, also the writers Paul Telfer (the villain, Ticker in the movie) and Danny Acosta. I really believed in the script and the team we had put together.
GM: You’ve done some acting. When you come from MMA, the natural transition is to go into action films. Is this something you are considering or is there another genre that you are drawn to?
I like the action genre a lot, but I feel like the next films we make will just have a great story line, I’m sure drama is gonna be a big part of the recipe, but I imagine there will always be some grit, intensity and action.
GM: Do you have a series of films in mind that you want to produce? If so, what should the people expect beyond GREEN RUSH?
We have a whole slate of projects lined up, movies, documentaries, mini series it’s just a matter of prioritizing. We have the life rights to an amazing athlete named James Lawerence “the iron Cowboy” known for the 50/50/50 Iron man races. We also have an awesome script called “The Manly Art of The KO” that I’m really excited for, and is already in development.
GM: Are you more interested in producing films or acting in them and being a star in front of the camera?
I’ve really enjoyed learning the business side of the entertainment world, and feel that I can really excel at producing. There is a ton of Similarities in the movie industry, and the fight biz, that is exciting to me. I definitely have aspirations to be in front of the camera more, unfortunately I’m not an actor that commands guarantees and foreign sales yet, that is something I can work toward in the future.
GM: You can Conor McGregor have had an interesting history and friendship. Did you learn anything about promotion from him and how would you classify your relationship with him? Friend or foe?
(Laughs) Yeah it’s interesting for sure, I would definitely consider him a friend. When we do interact it’s always positive, minus some classic ball busting. I wouldn’t say promoting necessarily, but I always love how big Conner thinks, and how he sees things through. He has really stepped the game up for everybody, so much respect for that.
GM: McGregor made an incredible amount of money in his bout with Floyd Mayweather, JR., in a boxing match. This seems to be the route for a big cash in. Did you consider, at any time, challenging a boxing champion to a cross-sport bout in the squared circle?
I have a hard time turning down a great opportunity, but MMA is my wheel house.
GM: I am a huge boxing fan. I am a casual MMA fan. I have always looked at the cage as a much scarier situation then the boxing ring. How much anxiety is there when that cage door slams shut or do you feel more at home in the cage?
For Somebody that doesn’t Fight, train for decades, and have an understanding of competition on this level, it would be very scary. But this is my world, so it’s pretty regular for me.
GM: With guys like Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn and so on, becoming pro wrestlers or doing both, have you ever had an inclination to go into that?
Maybe a three man tag team with a bunch of lightweights. Me, Cody Garbrandt, and chad Mendes would be a good trio, to go against one giant wrestler.
GM: As a filmmaker, I have found that piracy has really hurt film and much like the music industry, the money isn’t what it once was. How do you overcome the online viewers that are quick to watch your films for free instead of putting down the few dollars to watch it the right way?
This is our first feature film, and luckily we found a great partner in Grindstone entertainment, and ultimately Lionsgate. They have been around a long time, and know this part of the business.
GM: To wrap up, you have GREEN RUSH coming out. I can honestly say that it’s gritty, intense and a great watch. I commend you on it. Is there anything that you hope the audience takes away from it?
It’s obviously an action movie, but we tried to add as much detail and art as possible. I hope people follow and appreciate the little things.
GM: Thank you for your time. Do you have any final thoughts?
Just excited to know in my heart that this will be the first of many great projects, hope everyone keeps an eye out for the future.
