Robert Rodriguez's Brass Knuckle Films · B...

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<img src="https://uploads.republic.com/p/images/attachments/original/000/188/473/188473-1743628715-2f8b88cc8b5ad0b95f5f3c6cd9a6d3cb56012e41.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Hey everyone!I recently had the pleasure of joining my friend Tim Ferriss once again on his incredible podcast.We had a wide-ranging conversation — from the "Fear-Forward" way of life and how embracing fear can propel you forward to some counter-intuitive parenting techniques that have worked wonders with my kids.And, of course, how all of it connects at Brass Knuckle Films! I shared how I’m already applying these principles at my film studio — the fear embracing mentality, the freedom of limitations, and democratizing creativity. These aren’t just philosophical ideas; they’re embedded into the DNA of Brass Knuckle. Which is designed to harness fan passion and creativity in a way that’s never been done before. Our upcoming slate includes four action films, all fueled by the assets and infrastructure I’ve built over the years — from standing sets and vehicles to costumes and props — allowing us to keep budgets tight and creativity high.But what makes this different is the fan-first model: we're enabling anyone — not just accredited investors — to invest in the slate and actually share in the upside. Fans can pitch ideas, vote on what gets made, and even get killed on screen in spectacular fashion. One of the projects will come directly from our community of investors. It’s not crowdfunding — it’s co-creation. And with a targeted budget range of $10M–$30M per film, we're aiming for the sweet spot: agile productions with global action appeal. Because I want fans to win. Our goal is to bring the first Brass Knuckle film to SXSW next year — and I told the audience, why be in the crowd when you can be on stage with us? That’s how you manifest. This isn’t just about making movies — it’s about rewriting the rules of who gets to be part of the process.You can listen to the full Tim Ferriss episode here:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbPEvPERqpE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Youtube</a></li><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/804-robert-rodriguez-the-wizard-of-cinema-returns/id863897795?i=1000701810036" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Apple podcasts</a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g4XfV8ccshhlCeH2uKMxL" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li><li><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9814f3cc-1dc5-4003-b816-44a8eb6bf666/episodes/c59a6afc-eb07-45c8-b4d6-b5c8e9d6cf9e/the-tim-ferriss-show-804-robert-rodriguez-the-wizard-of-cinema-returns-%E2%80%94-the-fear-forward-way-of-life-how-to-overcome-self-doubt-learning-to-love-limitations-and-counter-intuitive-parenting-that-works" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon Music</a></li><li><a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F3CHBCJZ?ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=625c212d-b95a-47db-8d56-d35a359de6e9&pf_rd_r=16Z655FCRNNTZMDAE74T&plink=ynTkw6VuOmuokCg4&pageLoadId=6UVwEbgD5gjyXzGV&creativeId=6c5159d7-bb10-4fb4-929b-ae2b2f5000c7&ref=a_podcast_T_c3_lAsin_0_0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Audible</a></li></ul>Let me know what your favorite takeaways are! Robert Rodriguez

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Apr 2

2025

Brass Knuckle Films on Tim Ferriss!

Hey everyone!

I recently had the pleasure of joining my friend Tim Ferriss once again on his incredible podcast.

We had a wide-ranging conversation — from the "Fear-Forward" way of life and how embracing fear can propel you forward to some counter-intuitive parenting techniques that have worked wonders with my kids.

And, of course, how all of it connects at Brass Knuckle Films! I shared how I’m already applying these principles at my film studio — the fear embracing mentality, the freedom of limitations, and democratizing creativity. These aren’t just philosophical ideas; they’re embedded into the DNA of Brass Knuckle. Which is designed to harness fan passion and creativity in a way that’s never been done before. Our upcoming slate includes four action films, all fueled by the assets and infrastructure I’ve built over the years — from standing sets and vehicles to costumes and props — allowing us to keep budgets tight and creativity high.

But what makes this different is the fan-first model: we're enabling anyone — not just accredited investors — to invest in the slate and actually share in the upside. Fans can pitch ideas, vote on what gets made, and even get killed on screen in spectacular fashion. One of the projects will come directly from our community of investors. It’s not crowdfunding — it’s co-creation. And with a targeted budget range of $10M–$30M per film, we're aiming for the sweet spot: agile productions with global action appeal. Because I want fans to win.

Our goal is to bring the first Brass Knuckle film to SXSW next year — and I told the audience, why be in the crowd when you can be on stage with us? That’s how you manifest. This isn’t just about making movies — it’s about rewriting the rules of who gets to be part of the process.

You can listen to the full Tim Ferriss episode here:

Let me know what your favorite takeaways are!

Robert Rodriguez

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1 year ago

Sooooo many gems and nuggets! I'm gonna have to rewatch and get quotes! So happy and excited to be on this journey with you :)

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Loved this conversation! This episode was a masterclass in creative leadership and courage. “Fear Forward” isn’t just a mindset... it’s a movement. What Robert’s doing with Brass Knuckle Films is more than filmmaking. It’s redefining ownership in the creative space. The idea that fans can be real stakeholders, not just spectators, flips the entire studio model on its head. Keep thinking outside the box!

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I agree that partnering with your children is a great thing. My youngest daughter got her degree in Music Recording Engineering a couple of years ago. Before she graduated, she had to do a senior project where she had to produce, record, mix, and master 3 songs. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any friends that had bands she could record. I am a musician and played in bands when I was younger. So, I called up an old friend of mine and we played guinea pig for her.
Getting to work with her, sharing my experience with her, and seeing her grow in a setting we could both identify with was amazing. I will cherish that memory forever.

Really enjoyed this interview, fear forward is the only way I like to live my life!

Excellent interview! So many positives in this. Rebel Without A Crew is a must read, this book was so helpful for me as a young writer for when I first starting writing my first novel Esperanza, and screenplays. Glad to hear you turned it into an audio book. Looking forward to listening to it as I drive up and down the Garden State Parkway. Yes, I always keep a journal with me, it's my companion throughout the day. Always fun and an eye opener when looking back inside the pages of old journals. There are always gems of inspiration or useful content that wasn't needed at the time of writing but now when rediscovered. Great parenting tips, I have two girls who are partnering with writing and filmmaking with the iPad. "Fear Forward", great advice Robert.

GREAT episode. Enjoying re-experiencing "Rebel Without A Crew" on audio - didn't know that Thad happened

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Loved it! Listed to it yesterday. :). I whole heartedly agree that you are what you think. My entire life has been a whirlwind of opportunity because I constantly choose to take a leap of faith and look through the lens of positivity. The last few years, for some reason I have been finding myself become more negative and doubting myself and I have been trying to bring myself back up. What you said completely made sense- especially with my previous experiences with creativity and optimism. I'm stoping negativity and doubt today. :). You also just got me to start journaling! I went and grabbed a a notebook and now take a walk every morning and journal for a bit.

Loved this podcast. Had listened to it before you posted actually.......I do still feel there is 100,000% more opportunity in the USA than the UK. The whole mindset and opportunities that Robert talks about doesn't exist here. You're never getting those opportunities or breaks......I know, myself and many others have been at it years!!!! That's why I invested in Robert/Brassknuckle.

I have to add this, probably my favorite takeaway around the parent parts... Your comment, "Don't parent, partner" is so incredibly relevant. My son, Kanae, a musician and beautiful soul, and I truly embody this concept. Such a wonderful interview/podcast. 💞

@stacey-arcangel I loved this part too!

Yes. I would much rather be sitting up there with the Brass Knuckle Fam than down there in the Audience. Let's GOOOOO.
#Manifesting

The culture that I grew up in was very risk averse, especially my Dad. It took until I was 30 to break out of it, which I did by leaving a solid Job at a very reputable corporation for a 12-person startup. My dad thought that I was nuts. Even though that only lasted for 2 years, and the startup after that lasted for another 2, it was so rewarding and educational that dealing with the instability and less pay seems like minor inconveniences today.

Robert, this interview and your general approach to life would have really helped me back then. At least it's here to help going forward. Thank you.

Loved the interview! Dad knowledge!!! Reinforced lots of my sayings but with your spin "don't let the world label you" "live life as it hits you prepared or unprepared" and my dislike for the phrase "welcome to the real world" when others think you've failed. Journaling i will try. You've given me a 2nd gear to create and do more in my kids and family future. Thanks

Okay, you're just a straight up badass, Robert. Thanks man. Inspiring.

Awesome! Just boosted visibility by adding the podcast to our geek blog riseupdaily.com - keep it going full steam!

The Home of Rise Up Daily - Rise Up Daily

Rise Up Daily

Can’t wait to do my video pitch, both terrified and excited haha. Cool to be a part of this no matter the outcome.

Phenomenal episode. I need to listen to the audio book version of my favorite filmmaking tome now. Really insightful pod.

Fantastic interview! Always inspiring to hear you talk, Robert. You're absolutely right- the biggest obstacle in our lives is always ourselves.

Excellent

This was a great interview, I find myself telling myself a lot of the same things you spoke about - Just do it, speak it into existence, aim high, the reward on the other side of fear. I grew up watching your films and I'm excited to be an investor in Brass Knuckle films. I'm going to pitch you a great idea.

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