Into the fire

Into the Fire was my first full film project. I wrote, starred, and directed the picture. It was a big undertaking at the time but I loved every moment of it. From writing the script, to auditioning and rehearsing the actors, setting the shot list with the DP, to scouting locations alone in my car listening to the music that inspired the film. It was the formative experience that told me I want to do this, not just be in film but, to make my own films, to have my projects come to life. There is a big difference and this project set that standard. Amongst the great experiences in the film, one of the coolest things was being able to train boxing for two months at the gym where we would film. The head coach, Timothy Knight, who’d trained champions prior, was kind enough to set me up with lessons to prepare me for the role. Another fantastic part was having my martial arts instructor, David Henderson play one of the key roles in this film. We’d always wanted to work film projects together and this film allowed us our first opportunity. Finally, on this project, through another acting connection, I met Rene Munguia, who played my boxing coach in the film. Rene would later become a dear friend and mentor in the acting world. He was the most experienced man on the set and yet, the most giving and kind. He let the new guys figure out their craft and stepped in when we needed a guide. What a wonderful man he was. Rene passed a few years after this film and I dedicate it to him, as my first mentor and coach in film, and a dear friend. Muchas gracias, Rene.