Joe Gawalis and Michele Frantzeskos talk Bare Knuckle Brawler
Award-winning filmmaker-producer Joe Gawalis has teamed up with Michele Frantzeskos for Bare Knuckle Brawler, an action film about a man forced into the underground world of bare-knuckle fighting in order to find his brother’s killer. The film stars Danny Trejo, Martin Kove (The Karate Kid series), and Pete Passaro, who co-wrote the story along with Gawalis. Michele and Joe were gracious enough to give us some details on the film, which is available on Amazon Prime Video now, and what’s next for them.
Tell us about the film?
Joe Gawalis:
Bare Knuckle Brawler is on the surface a story about a family of hard-working police officers that are torn apart by a criminal organization that they’ve tried so hard to stop. The outcast “rebel” older brother Steve returns home and decides to take matters into his own hands and teams up with both the police and underground fighters to stop them. But really the true heart of the story is about redemption, and not only in sense of seeking retribution for what happened to Steve’s family but Steve’s own redemption journey within himself and the relationships with the people he cares about
Michele Frantzeskos:
Bare Knuckle Brawler, an emotional dramatic film, that showcases loss, family struggles within the Calderon family dynamics. Your hearts will tug as you watch the Calderon family unravel, when their faced with adversity when one family member joins the gritty crime infested MMA underground fighting world, as you fight to the death and hope to defy the odds.
-Tell us about work w Action Film Icons Danny Trejo and Martin Kove?
Joe Gawalis:
It was a pleasure to work with these two iconic actors, it was really a surreal moment getting to direct two legends that I grew up watching. I was a fan of the Karate Kid since I was five years old and as I got older Desperado became one of my favorite movies. To see their professionalism everyday on and off the set, and how kind and humble both men are is truly an inspiration.
Michele Frantzeskos:
What an honor is was to have worked with two iconic actors like Danny Trejo and Martin Kove, was absolutely a surreal moment for me, and my dreams became a reality. They are two of the most exceptional gifted actors in the industry, kind -hearted and humble at all times.
-What is up Next?
Joe Gawalis:
I have multiple films that I am I a producer on coming out during 2020, and have another in pre-production. I’m also involved with a comedic television pilot along with another show as a producer. As a director/writer my next film is currently in development going through the next process of its draft. We already have some fantastic talent attached and we are excited to move the movie into its next phase of production.
Michele Frantzeskos:
Michele Frantzeskos Entertainment and Consulting Inc. is currently slated to be Producing some upcoming feature films that are currently in development, event producing, consulting and production,
Set to be released soon are two projects that I have worked on “Gravesend” an episodic series, which I served as Production Manager and a documentary called “Cruisin 86thStreet” which I Co-Produced.
How did you come together to work on this film?
Joe Gawalis:
I’ve known Michele for almost a decade and we have worked together now on multiple projects from feature films to pilots to commercials. So when Bare Knuckle Brawler was brought to me it was only natural that I reached out to her to come on board as producer. She is not only one of the most talent producers I’ve had to pleasure of working with, but also someone I consider a close friend. I’m excited for our next project together.
Michele Frantzeskos:
I have known Joe Gawalis for almost a decade, we have worked together on various films, which we were able to build strong business relationship. Joe is one of the Producers of my award -winning feature film, “The Right To Live” a film that has garnered significant press coverage for saving lives. I’m fortunate enough to have worked on his film sets over the years, he is true visionary, an extraordinary Director, Writer and Producer. Honored he asked me to be a Producer for Bare Knuckle Brawler. Looking forward to working with Joe on upcoming projects.
What was the most challenging part of the film?
Joe Gawalis:
All films have various challenges in different forms. I feel the key is making sure the people behind the film always focus on the long-term objective for the film. If we can keep striving towards our end goals, any minor challenge, or success will just be another building block to achieving our true objectives.
Michele Frantzeskos:
There were no challenging parts working on this film set, it was truly a pleasure to work with all.
What was a highlight moment during filming?
Joe Gawalis:
I’d have to say the big finale at the end during the death match sequences. It was such an intense few days of filming with so many talent people both in front and behind the camera working in sync. It took an amazing team to pull that off and we should all be very proud of our accomplishment.
Michele Frantzeskos:
One of my favorite moments was during the Death Match scene, to see the intensity, rawness in this fight, it really kept you on the edge of your seat. So many remarkable moments during the film shoot, especially working with a sensational cast and crew.
What is it about action movies of the 80s and early 90’s that make these films timeless?
Joe Gawalis:
They’re fun! When Pete approached me about creating a film that replicated these, I was excited to jump at the opportunity.
Michele Frantzeskos:
When a film can leave an impact in your memory, attach to the excitement of the action, via visuals, techniques, style of filming. It makes me want to continue to reminisce about the film, continue to keep the film alive, which transcends time.
