AUSTIN, TX - Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez has launched Brass Knuckle Films (brassknucklefilms.com), a new initiative that invites fans to become investors and take an active role in the filmmaking process. This includes the chance to have their own idea developed into a full-length feature film. Through this venture, Rodriguez will develop and produce a slate of high-impact action films through his production facility, Troublemaker Studios.
Brass Knuckle Films will offer a new approach to independent film financing, empowering everyday fans to invest in a project and share in its profits. Each investor will have the opportunity to submit a movie concept, which will be reviewed by Rodriguez’s team at Troublemaker Studios based on originality, feasibility and market potential. From these submissions, ten finalists will be selected to pitch their concepts directly to Rodriguez, who will personally choose one to be developed into a full-length feature as part of the Brass Knuckle Films slate.
"Across my work, I’ve always sought to overcome the idea that great action movies need big Hollywood budgets," says Rodriguez. "With Brass Knuckle Films, we have a chance to rewrite the rules, giving fans the opportunity not just to watch, but to get a piece of the action. It’s exciting to continue to create high-energy films for the people who love them, while now being able to offer direct access to the filmmaking process at such a monumental time for Texas film."
Rodriguez's credits include El Mariachi, Sin City, Spy Kids and From Dusk Till Dawn. With Brass Knuckle Films, he is set to develop several action movie concepts, each designed with franchise potential. Rodriguez will personally produce these films and is set to direct at least one himself. Investors will also gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the filmmaking process from start to finish. This includes early involvement as Brass Knuckle Films selects projects for its slate, along with regular updates on development, casting and production. Investors will also enjoy private, insider access, including exclusive previews, set visits and direct discussions with Rodriguez and his creative team.
To power this initiative, Brass Knuckle Films has teamed up with Republic, the global investment platform, to democratize access to investment opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors worldwide, and to raise funds for a development slate of films, enabled by the Avalanche network. Brass Knuckle Films is a joint venture between Robert Rodriguez and Alexis Garcia’s action film label CAT5. Rodriguez will operate it together with Garcia and Kevin Dartt. Garcia, a former agent at WME and head of film at Fifth Season, founded CAT5 last year. Its first movie, A Working Man, starring Jason Statham and directed by David Ayer, will be released in theaters on March 28th via Amazon/MGM.