It’s been a few weeks since the banner release of actor and director Joe Cornet’s new Western, Gunfight At Rio Bravo. A sequel is currently in toe and Cornet and lead star and producer Alexander Nevsky have been campaigning for both films, with the first having had its red carpet press premiere last month in Arizona.
Of course, this includes interviews with multiple local news outlets including NBC and the like. The following is a read out of an interview Nevsky acquired the rights to in recent weeks for an exclusive presentation here at Film Combat Syndicate, thus signaling a debut interview here with Cornet in which the director discusses making the film, working with the cast, film influences, and more.
To add, this comes following our review of the film, also signaling our first bit of coverage of Cornet’s work; In addition to directing, Cornet also joins Nevsky on screen in a supporting capacity in the role of a Western lawman who pairs up with the star in a story about a former soldier who takes up arms once more when a gang of bloodthirsty outlaws threatens to raid the town and free its ruthless leader before justice is served.
Gunfight at Rio Bravo also stars Oliver Grunner and Mattias Hues. Enjoy the Q&A below!
Please tell us how the concept for GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO came about.
The concept for GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO was created by Alexander Nevsky. He and I were in discussions about making a film together and he suggested combining an action film (a genre he is well versed in) and a classic spaghetti western (something I know a thing or two about). Craig Hamann wrote the screenplay and we were off to production.
It has a definite 90’s action vibe going for it. Was that what you were going for?
Most definitely! Look at our costars-Matthias Hues and Olivier Gruner, these guys were in two of the most iconic action oriented films ever, DARK ANGEL and SAVATE.
You worked with the great Art Camacho in the film. He was a fight choreographer and second unit director. How was it that you two came to work together?
Alexander had worked before with Art. I have to say watching Art Camacho at work is amazing. He really knows how to design and choreograph action. As a second unit director, he was a major plus to the production overall. He pulled the action set pieces together while I was able to concentrate my efforts on the drama and dialogue.
GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO and it’s upcoming sequel are like a versions of The Expendables with some of the greatest action stars of the 90’s teaming up in the films like Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Matthias Hues, Cynthia Rothrock and Olivier Gruner. How did you get them all involved?
Being action stars themselves, it was easy to interest them in the production. I believe at that time only Olivier had done an actual western. Having the added bonus of a western really sold them. Every actor wants to do a western!
Do you have any special stories or things about the making of this film that really stand out to you?
The production went very smoothly as everyone from cast to crew were so prepared. The excitement level was very high. Staging the climactic shootout was thrilling for me as I wanted it to be a an homage to Sergio Leone while having a slight twist to it. When you see the end of the film, you’ll know what I mean.
How much training did you have in terms of weapons and horseback riding?
All the actors had training in firearms and horseback riding prior to the production. We also had on set one of the great armorers in the business, John Marrs (who also plays a role in the film). As for me, I have had a great deal of experience in the use of vintage firearms from already having made three previous westerns. I also own a horse that I ride every week, so I was a bit ahead of the game there as well.
Tell us about some of the locales that you got to film the GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO in. What was your favorite place?
We filmed the entire production at Gammons’ Gulch in Arizona. It is an authentically set dressed western town set surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping landscapes. I love filming there, it offers everything a western director could want.
Where can folks check out the film?
It is available on most streaming platforms such as AppleTV, Amazon Prime, iTunes, etc. It is also available on DVD at WalMart and Amazon.
Can you tell us about your other film NIGHT OF THE CAREGIVER you have coming.
NIGHT OF THE CAREGIVER is a creepy story of the paranormal with a dose of satanism thrown in for good measure. I would say the style of it is 1970’s Dario Argento. It stars Natalie Denise Sperl, Eileen Dietz (THE EXORCIST) and Eric Roberts. We are getting ready to release it very soon.
When can we expect TAKEN FROM RIO BRAVO?
TAKEN FROM RIO BRAVO will be out a few months after the horror film. Expect more action as well as more epic scenery as we take this story out on the trail. Some of the characters you met in the first one will be back, some intriguing new characters will be introduced and get ready for some of the most depraved villains ever. I hope the audience has fun!
Thank you for your time and continued support for our ongoing projects!
