Taken from Rio Bravo is a follow up to Gunfight at Rio Bravo. Where do we pick up with Sheriff Kelly?
Joe: Sheriff Kelly is now involved in a deep and loving relationship with Jenny Gray (Kerry Goodwin) who was also in GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO. There are rumors of an upcoming marriage when she and her cousin Valerie are kidnapped by “compradores”. This puts Kelly and Ivan on the trail to save these and other kidnapped women from the slave trading band of thugs.
You’ve made 5 Westerns. What do you like about the genre? What’s the hardest part of making a Western?
Joe: I have had a lifelong love for the Western genre. I like them because the stories are often universal and timeless, dealing with subjects such as heroism, duty, honor, and ethics. They are much like Greek Mythology in that respect. The hardest part of shooting a Western is keeping it authentic. This does not mean every detail needs to be specifically appropriate to another time in history but the characters need to be authentic. Also, the choreography of all the action, which includes horses, fights, and gunplay, must be well planned in advance and can take much time to shoot.
Your Rio Bravo franchise is quite physical. Is there anything you do to change up your workouts to prepare for these kinds of stunts?
Joe: My workouts change all the time. One needs to regularly change the gym routine, adding weights, new routines, etc. My workout is basically strength training 4 or 5 times a week, cardio on off days. I also hike and I own a beautiful horse who I get to ride frequently.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
Joe: I have two. The early scene with Cynthia Rothrock, Kerry Goodwin, and Irina Antonenko is a very nice one. I like the lighting and the interplay between the three of them. I also had a good time with the scene between Alexander Nevsky and me when we are discussing our plan. Excellent dialog by Craig Hamman in both scenes
How involved were you with the casting of the film?
Joe: Usually the casting is a collaborative process between Alexander Nevsky and myself. We discuss each character and have “wish lists” of actors we feel would be the best for each role. Fortunately, Alex knows just about every actor in this town, so we usually find exactly the right person for the right role.
Let’s talk about your working relationship with star Alexander Nevsky, who also produced the movie with you and co-wrote the story.
Joe: We are currently in production on our fourth movie together. I think what makes the partnership work is trust in each other’s judgement and we plan everything out in a strategy in advance (as much as we can). When we begin a production, many pieces of “the puzzle” are already in place.
Your new Western is quite popular on NBCUniversal’s Xumo Play streaming platform in North America. What do you think it is about Taken From Rio Bravo that is going to make it such a fast fan favorite action movie?
Joe: I believe the audience will love the scope of the film and its fun, outrageous action.
What was it like working with action legends Don “The Dragon” Wilson and Cynthia Rothrock?
Joe: This was a dream come true. These two were so professional and great fun to work with, I even got Cynthia to perform her signature spider kick. Having stars like this brings up the production level quite a few notches. Cynthia even went on to do her second Western after our production wrapped.
You’ve worked with fight choreographer Art Camacho several times now. Please describe your working relationship with him.
Joe: Art is another top tier pro. Always prepared, he arrives on set with the action concepts ready to execute. He also performs very well on spur of the moment creation. With a guy like this, I just give him his freedom and let him do his thing.
What can we expect to see in Last Heroes of Rio Bravo?
Joe: LAST HEROES OF RIO BRAVO will be even bigger in scope! The story will open up with our heroes going to a whole new location and meeting up with some very sinister villains. There will be some new characters as well as the favorites from the first two. Check out the character Ellen Teal (Tatiana Neva) in TAKEN. She will have an even bigger role in LAST HEROES.
Any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Joe: Yes. We are currently in production on THE WIDE WEST, a story that combines the Western and elements of Japanese culture such as Sumo and Martial Arts set in 1907. It is based on a true incident.
I also have my first book of fiction coming out on October 12. It is a novel version of my first feature length film (with quite a few surprises added) titled “A Prayer for the Damned and other Tales of The West”. It will be available on Amazon as well as select bookstores.
What is your favorite Western? What is your favorite Action film?
Joe: Favorite Western is THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES. Favorite Action is TOTAL RECALL.
What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do on our screens?
Joe: I want them to have fun with all these movies and I hope it inspires the audience to enjoy more Westerns! Of course I am deeply grateful to all the audience for taking their time to watch whatever the genre is I continue to work in.