The Infamous Sparring Session.
They say that there are two sides to every story… Balancing perspective was a challenge we faced many times with this film. In this case, it was essential to the entire premise of the film.
The rivalry between Chuck and Tito was built around bad blood, but how do you articulate the roots of that conflict?
Using a well known “sparring story” as a launching pad, we carefully weed through contrasting perspectives while providing important historical context to a complicated situation.
The result is a balanced sequence highlighting the origins of a rivalry fueled by greed, anger and the desire to become a champion.
Chuck & Tito (2019)
ESPN Films - 30 for 30
The Huntington Beach Bad Boy.
This is the audience’s first impression of UFC legend Tito Ortiz. The task was to reveal as much information about his upbringing, personality and influences while continuing to explore his true motivation. By the end of this section I wanted the audience to understand Tito’s desire to be loved, admired and respected was his motivation for becoming a fighter, which eventually served as a perfect contrast to his rival.
Chuck & Tito (2019)
ESPN Films - 30 for 30
Who Deserves Forgiveness?
One of the most difficult parts about telling this story was that our main hero was a murderer.
How can you expect the audience to root for someone whose actions are unforgiveable?
One of the themes I was passionate about exploring was forgiveness. Who deserves it and does context or reformation matter?
Up to this point in the film, it was unclear whether Noy had actually committed the crime he was convicted of. His mentor had (allegedly) been a victim of a corrupt system, maybe he was the same?
I wanted Noy to be known as a father, before being overshadowed and judged for his crime. As his freedom fight approaches, we finally hear the details of his conviction, but not from Noy…from the victims own parents.
I wanted the audience to be torn going into the freedom fight. Do I root for the prisoner or do I root for the challenger?
Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom (2016)
Showtime Sports
Can Violence Redeem the Violent?
Since Prison Fighters was set in a world foreign to a majority of viewers, it was critical that the audience understood the Thai culture and how this rehabilitation fit into its worldview.
Although we had a genius writer, and Hellboy himself narrating, we began to look for ways to avoid long VO rips that might compromise the authenticity of the film.
To accomplish this we set rules: All historical content must point back to a character and the advancement of their arc. In this clip we learn about the prison fight program through Oh and ultimately learn about Noy’s quest to follow in his footsteps.
Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom (2016)
Showtime Sports
