Film Fights With Friends

Hugh Fitzgerald is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, BJJ Black Belt, and fight trainer at the legendary 87 Eleven Action Design and 87 North. Nearly 20 years ago, a struggling New York-based theater actor, Hugh, had a chance meeting with David Mamet that would literally change his life. That meeting opened doors he never could have imagined and paved the way for a transformative career in the film industry. His foray into this world was Mamet’s love story to BJJ and the Martial Arts—Redbelt—which ushered Hugh into a community of martial artists and filmmakers who would go on to become legends in the industry. We start this episode of Fights With Friends at the opening scene of Redbelt, which offers one of the earliest depictions of BJJ and grappling on the American screen. Sit back and get ready for a thoughtful, philosophical, and genuine discussion on martial arts, film, the struggles of working in the film business, and magic. Yes – Magic!GuestHugh Fitzgerald – Red Belt (2008)IG: https://www.instagram.com/hugh_gregoryfitzgerald/Website: https://hughfitzgerald.com/ Fight like a black belt scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhduo0v1kKcFilm Trailer: https://youtu.be/_LlkIRIQeuc?si=NnDjv2ZadXHc0Pm5David Mamet: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000519/?ref_=ext_shr_lnkRicky Jay: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/25/obituaries/ricky-jay-dead.htmlRaw Combat: https://www.amazon.com/Raw-Combat-Underground-World-Martial/dp/0806535040Cold Weather Tactics with Steve Jimerfeld: https://o3ct.com/the-story-behind-o3ctFIGHTS WITH FRIENDSE-mail: [email protected]: patreon.com/FightsWithFriendsPodcastInstagram: instagram.com/FightsWithFriendsPodFacebook: facebook.com/FightsWithFriendsPodYoutube: youtube.com/@FightsWithFriendsPodSteve’s Instagram: Instagram.com/sambosteve Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepferPaul’s on Instagram: Instagram.com/KravMagaChefPaul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: Instagram.com/breakfallstuntsOUR SPONSORSMetro Camera Carsmetrocameracars.comfacebook.com/metrocameracarsinstagram.com/metrocameracarsStunt Contactstuntcontact.cominstagram.com/stuntcontactfacebook.com/stuntcontactTactical Blackgetoutofthedark.comfacebook.com/Tacticalblackinstagram.com/tacticalblacklaFight or Flight Entertainmentfightorflightent.comfacebook.com/fightorflightentertainmentinstagram.com/fightorflightentPRODUCERSExecutive Producers:Stephen Koepfer Paul VaracchiThiago BenedettiProduced by:Press Record Studios-Matthew Kaplowitz -Richard Butler-Corey Gumbswww.pressrecordstudios.comAssociate Producers:Becca GTJared DiCroceVideo EditorMatthew KaplowitzOriginal music by:Ahrue LusterBrought to you by Breakfall Studios

Calvin Ahn is a New York-based actor and stunt performer who has appeared in Fallout, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Lovecraft Country, The Defenders, John Wick Chapter 2, and in one of the most noted shows in the martial arts space, Cobra Kai – as Chozen’s stunt double for the epic re-match with Daniel LaRusso! We begin this episode of Fights With Friends by breaking down this fight scene with Calvin and springboarding into a fascinating discussion about stunts, his career, and his life as a performer. Most importantly, Calvin is in our logo!GUESTCalvin Ahn (Stunt Double) – Cobra Kai, Episode 305 ‘Miyagi Do’IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3985980/?ref_=ext_shr_lnkIG: https://www.instagram.com/calvinahnstunts/Chozen vs Daniel fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBOg29ukGOMShow Trailer: https://youtu.be/LcDQqGJG8pAFIGHTS WITH FRIENDSE-mail: [email protected]: patreon.com/FightsWithFriendsPodcastInstagram: instagram.com/FightsWithFriendsPodFacebook: facebook.com/FightsWithFriendsPodYoutube: youtube.com/@FightsWithFriendsPodSteve’s Instagram: Instagram.com/sambosteve Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepferPaul’s on Instagram: Instagram.com/KravMagaChefPaul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: Instagram.com/breakfallstuntsOUR SPONSORSMetro Camera Carsmetrocameracars.comfacebook.com/metrocameracarsinstagram.com/metrocameracarsStunt Contactstuntcontact.cominstagram.com/stuntcontactfacebook.com/stuntcontactTactical Blackgetoutofthedark.comfacebook.com/Tacticalblackinstagram.com/tacticalblacklaFight or Flight Entertainmentfightorflightent.comfacebook.com/fightorflightentertainmentinstagram.com/fightorflightentPRODUCERSExecutive Producers:Stephen Koepfer Paul VaracchiThiago BenedettiProduced by:Press Record Studios-Matthew Kaplowitz -Richard Butler-Corey Gumbswww.pressrecordstudios.comAssociate Producers:Becca GTJared DiCroceVideo EditorMatthew KaplowitzOriginal music by:Ahrue LusterBrought to you by Breakfall Studios

In this episode of Fights with Friends, Paul and Steve take a deep dive into writing action with Joshua Todd James. Joshua is a screenwriter, playwright, novelist, lifelong martial artist, and BJJ Black Belt behind JCVD’s Pound of Flesh (2015) and the upcoming Hulu feature Take Cover (2024), starring Scott Atkins. Our discussion begins with a breakdown of the bible fight from Pound of Flesh and springboards into Joshua’s career, the writing process, the importance of story and authenticity when writing action, what goes into getting a screenplay made, and so much more. You will not want to miss this one!JOSHUA TODD JAMESWebsite: https://joshuatoddjames.com/Josh’s substack: https://joshuatoddjames.substack.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatoddjames/Bible Fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV_qKfQq_EwPound of Flesh Trailer: https://youtu.be/0Ynsh_gLA2Y?si=0kEc3g12PUTf2ldWFIGHTS WITH FRIENDSE-mail: [email protected]: patreon.com/FightsWithFriendsPodcastInstagram: instagram.com/FightsWithFriendsPodFacebook: facebook.com/FightsWithFriendsPodYoutube: youtube.com/@FightsWithFriendsPodSteve’s Instagram: Instagram.com/sambosteve Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepferPaul’s on Instagram: Instagram.com/KravMagaChefPaul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: Instagram.com/breakfallstuntsOUR SPONSORSMetro Camera Carsmetrocameracars.comfacebook.com/metrocameracarsinstagram.com/metrocameracarsStunt Contactstuntcontact.cominstagram.com/stuntcontactfacebook.com/stuntcontactTactical Blackgetoutofthedark.comfacebook.com/Tacticalblackinstagram.com/tacticalblacklaFight or Flight Entertainmentfightorflightent.comfacebook.com/fightorflightentertainmentinstagram.com/fightorflightentPRODUCERSExecutive Producers:Stephen Koepfer Paul VaracchiThiago BenedettiProduced by:Press Record Studios-Matthew Kaplowitz -Richard Butler-Corey Gumbswww.pressrecordstudios.comAssociate Producers:Becca GTJared DiCroceVideo EditorMatthew KaplowitzOriginal music by:Ahrue LusterBrought to you by Breakfall Studios

Steve and Paul are joined by Becca GT, a professional stunt performer who has doubled Natasha Lyonne on Orange is the New Black, Russian Doll, and most recently, Poker Face. This episode centers on the epic retirement home fight from Season 1, Episode 5 Poker Face, and takes a deep dive into Becca’s career beginning 20 years ago driving at the legendary Chitwood traveling thrill show.GUESTBecca GT (Stunt Double) – Poker Face, Episode 105 ‘Time of the Monkey’IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3331876/?ref_=ext_shr_lnkIG: https://www.instagram.com/beccagt/Rally team IG: https://www.instagram.com/gt_action_rally_team/Fight link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYUtjIrT2RYPoker Face Trailer: https://youtu.be/4x2NzusLAqkMENTIONS:Jery Hewitt: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0382047/?ref_=ext_shr_lnkBill Anagnos: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0025574/?ref_=tt_rv_t69Tom Place: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1555005/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_3_nm_5_q_tom%2520placeChris Place: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686333/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_2_nm_6_q_chris%2520placeFIGHTS WITH FRIENDSE-mail: [email protected]: patreon.com/FightsWithFriendsPodcastInstagram: instagram.com/FightsWithFriendsPodFacebook: facebook.com/FightsWithFriendsPodYoutube: youtube.com/@FightsWithFriendsPodSteve’s Instagram: Instagram.com/sambosteve Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepferPaul’s on Instagram: Instagram.com/KravMagaChefPaul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: Instagram.com/breakfallstuntsOUR SPONSORSMetro Camera Carsmetrocameracars.comfacebook.com/metrocameracarsinstagram.com/metrocameracarsStunt Contactstuntcontact.cominstagram.com/stuntcontactfacebook.com/stuntcontactTactical Blackgetoutofthedark.comfacebook.com/Tacticalblackinstagram.com/tacticalblacklaFight or Flight Entertainmentfightorflightent.comfacebook.com/fightorflightentertainmentinstagram.com/fightorflightentPRODUCERSExecutive Producers:Stephen Koepfer Paul VaracchiThiago BenedettiProduced by:Press Record Studios-Matthew Kaplowitz -Richard Butler-Corey Gumbswww.pressrecordstudios.comAssociate Producers:Becca GTJared DiCroceVideo EditorMatthew KaplowitzOriginal music by:Ahrue LusterBrought to you by Breakfall Studios

Lifelong martial artists, stunt performers, and filmmakers Paul Varacchi and Stephen Koepfer introduce themselves and give a taste of what’s in store on their new podcast, ‘Fights With Friends’ – premiering soon with a 26 bi-weekly episode season!Choke Artist: https://vimeo.com/94755803Choke Artist Behind the Fight: https://youtu.be/UoszFNvwxJI?si=9-DJms28LFcMbyTvNY Mixed Martial Arts Documentary: https://vimeo.com/213540327E-mail us at [email protected] WITH FRIENDSPatreon: patreon.com/FightsWithFriendsPodcastInstagram: instagram.com/FightsWithFriendsPodFacebook: facebook.com/FightsWithFriendsPodYoutube: youtube.com/@FightsWithFriendsPodSteve’s Instagram: Instagram.com/sambosteve Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepferPaul’s on Instagram: Instagram.com/KravMagaChefPaul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: Instagram.com/breakfallstruntsOUR SPONSORSMetro Camera Carsmetrocameracars.comfacebook.com/metrocameracarsinstagram.com/metrocameracarsStunt Contactstuntcontact.cominstagram.com/stuntcontactfacebook.com/stuntcontactTactical Blackgetoutofthedark.comfacebook.com/Tacticalblackinstagram.com/tacticalblacklaFight or Flight Entertainmentfightorflightent.comfacebook.com/fightorflightentertainmentinstagram.com/fightorflightentPRODUCERSExecutive Producers:Stephen Koepfer Paul VaracchiThiago BenedettiAssociate Producers:Becca GTJared DiCroceBrought to you by:Press Record StudiosBreakfall StudiosOriginal music by:Ahrue Luster