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Robert Rodriguez Launches Fan-Driven Indie Action Studio ...
·
Mar 7, 2025
After producing multiple fan-favorites over the years, Robert Rodriguez is letting the fans have a say in the filmmaking ...
Announcement
I’m creating a new action label, Brass Knuckle Films, where I will develop my next set of movies with you—action film fans—as co-investors and collaborators.
Brass Knuckle Films
As part of the new label, the plan is to develop a slate of at least 4 films to start.
I will produce all films in the slate and direct at least one.
They will all be action films. Why? Because it’s the world’s most popular and profitable genre, and consistently in demand by both audience and distributors.
What will the films be? As investors, you get to be the first to know. I’ll be sharing details as the ideas get developed, and you’ll see that the characters and storylines are strong enough to build franchises, giving us multiple opportunities to profit.
In addition to sharing in the profits, you will get many investor perks, including my favorite: one of the films will be based on your idea.
Best Idea Wins
You might be an aspiring filmmaker. Or maybe just a movie buff with a great idea. Either way, I want to give you a chance to be a co-creator on one of the films in this slate.
Every investor will get an opportunity to pitch me one idea for a film.
We will review the submissions and select 10 finalists, who will all be invited to pitch to me live.
I will then select one winner and produce (and maybe even direct!) that film, so the winner will not just be an investor but also a co-creator entitled to an individual credit on the picture.
| EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Investors joining in the first 48 hours get to skip Round 1 (idea submission via a text form), and go straight to Round 2: where you can send Robert your idea by video. |
Investor Terms
How and when you are paid
Once we close this round, we will start the development of the films: scriptwriting, acquiring rights, hiring key creative personnel, conducting initial research, and concept development.
Once a film’s development is complete and the script is ready, Brass Knuckle Films will work to attach actors and get the film greenlit for production.
For each film that gets made, you are eligible to get paid:
- When the film is greenlit and enters production
- When the production ends
- When the film starts making a profit
- If and when there is a sequel
How it works
Once production (filming) of a film starts, investors receive the portion of their investment that went into that film, plus a 25% premium.
For example, if Brass Knuckle Films spent $100,000 on the development of “Film 1” in the slate, investors would get back $125,000 within 3 months of “Film 1’s” production start. You would then get your pro-rata (proportional) share of that $125,000.
I will produce all of the films with the Brass Knuckle Films team and earn a producer fee. Investors will receive 10% of that fee.
The amount of the producer’s fee varies but is generally in the range of 5% to 10% of a film’s total production budget.
For example, if on “Film 1” Brass Knuckle Films is entitled to a $1M producing fee, investors would get 10% of that ($100,000) once the film completes production. You would then get your pro-rata (proportional) share of that $100,000.
Once a film is released and profitable, Brass Knuckle Films will be entitled to a part of that profit. Investors get 50% of that until they have earned 120% back on their total investment in the slate. Afterward, investors will continue to receive 10% of the profits in perpetuity.
For example, if you invested $1,000 in the slate, you would get your pro-rata share of 50% of Brass Knuckle Films’ portion of each film’s net profits until you have received $1,200. After that, you would continue to receive your share of 10% of the profits in perpetuity.
Note: The amount and definition of Brass Knuckle Films' profit participation can vary depending on the project, its production and distribution cost, and the releasing partner, among other things.
If a film becomes a hit and a sequel is greenlit, investors are eligible to receive a portion of the fee generated by the film's Intellectual Property (IP).
This fee is typically 2.5% of the new film’s production budget, of which investors will receive 50%.
For example, “Film 1” is a box office success, so a “Film 1 sequel” gets greenlit with a larger production budget of $30M. If the IP rights fee in the “Film 1 sequel” is $750,000 (2.5% of $30M), then investors will get $375,000 (50% of $750K).
Keep in mind—returns are not guaranteed. There’s always risk involved with investing. Not every developed film gets converted into production, not every produced film makes money for investors; but we’ve designed the strategy and the team that we believe maximizes the chances of conversion and profitability.
Investor Perks
See your name in the on-screen credits, visit the set, win collectible memorabilia, and even get immortalized on screen.
Here’s the list of perks at every investment level:
All travel required for perks will be at the investor's expense. Perks are cumulative and include all perks from lower levels
All perks explained:
PITCH ROBERT RODRIGUEZ YOUR FILM: Submit your written film concept to the Brass Knuckle Films creative team. If selected in the first round, you'll advance to create a video pitch showcasing your concept. The most compelling video pitches will be invited to the final stage—a pitch meeting over Zoom with Robert Rodriguez to present your idea. The winning idea will be developed into a film as part of the slate, potentially launching your idea onto screens worldwide.
PROJECT UPDATES: Stay informed with exclusive email updates about production milestones, behind-the-scenes information, and company developments before they reach the public.
RAFFLE REWARDS: Enter ongoing raffles exclusively for investors, with opportunities to win such items as authentic production props, limited-edition posters signed by Robert Rodriguez, annotated scripts from our productions, and other rare memorabilia from the Brass Knuckle Films collection.
+everything above
FILMMAKER INSIGHT SESSION: Participate in an exclusive annual Q&A event with Robert Rodriguez and the Brass Knuckle Films creative team. Submit your questions about the filmmaking process, industry insights, and upcoming projects directly to Robert and his team. This interactive session provides rare access to the creative thinking behind Brass Knuckle Films' approach to action filmmaking.
FOUNDERS' WALL OF FAME: Receive a limited-edition commemorative poster exclusively created for Brass Knuckle Films investors, featuring all investors’ names who made Brass Knuckle Films possible.
+everything above
INVESTOR-ONLY EVENT AT ROBERT'S STUDIO: Join fellow Brass Knuckle Films investors for an exclusive event at the legendary Troublemaker Studios. Experience a private tour of the production facilities where Robert's iconic films are created, followed by a reception where you'll connect with other investors and members of the Brass Knuckle team.
SIGNED COLLECTOR'S ITEM: Own a hardcover copy of Sin City: The Making of the Movie personally signed and dedicated to you by Robert Rodriguez.
+everything above
ACTION CINEMA MASTERCLASS: Gain exclusive access to a specialized online webinar hosted by Robert Rodriguez and industry professionals from the Brass Knuckle Films team. This comprehensive session covers Film Industry 101 fundamentals and reveals Robert's proven techniques for creating high-impact action sequences without the Hollywood price tag.
FILMMAKER'S BIBLE WITH PERSONAL INSCRIPTION: Receive a copy of Robert Rodriguez's groundbreaking book Rebel Without a Crew—the definitive guide to guerrilla filmmaking that revolutionized independent cinema. Your copy comes personally signed and dedicated to you by Robert.
+everything above
ON-SCREEN CREDITS ON BKF FILMS: See your name in the end credits of all productions with a special acknowledgment of your contribution to independent filmmaking.
BRASS KNUCKLE EXCLUSIVE MERCH: Receive exclusive Brass Knuckle Films merchandise: premium t-shirt, embroidered hat, and signature brass knuckle mug.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: Receive personalized acknowledgment as a valued Brass Knuckle Films backer across our official social media channels.
+everything above
BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCE: Visit the active sets of all productions, witnessing firsthand how Robert and his team create movie magic from script to screen.
TROUBLEMAKER STUDIOS PRIVATE TOUR: Receive a private, guided tour of Robert Rodriguez's Troublemaker Studios, exploring the facilities where groundbreaking films are crafted.
COLLECTOR'S ARTWORK: Own limited-edition, numbered film posters from each production, perfect for framing and displaying your connection to cinematic history.
+everything above
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (END CREDITS): Receive Executive Producer credit in the end credits of all Brass Knuckle Films productions.
RED CARPET PREMIERE INVITES: Attend the star-studded premiere events for all Brass Knuckle Films productions in the slate.
+everything above
CAMEO APPEARANCE: Step in front of the camera with a guaranteed non-speaking role in one of our productions. Experience the filmmaking process firsthand as you appear on screen in a Brass Knuckle Films release, creating a permanent, personal connection to the project that friends and family can spot for years to come.
EXCLUSIVE FILMMAKERS DINNER: Join Robert Rodriguez and the Brass Knuckle Films team for an intimate private dinner experience, where you'll engage in candid conversations about filmmaking, hear exclusive stories about Robert's career, and build personal connections with the creative minds behind our productions.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (MAIN TITLES): Receive Executive Producer credit in the main titles of all Brass Knuckle Films productions in the slate, establishing your name alongside industry veterans.
+everything above
GET IMMORTALIZED ON SCREEN: Star in your own custom death scene (or near-death experience – your choice) in one of our productions. Work with our effects team to create a memorable cinematic moment that will live forever in film history.
DINNER AT CASA RODRIGUEZ: Enjoy a private dinner with Robert Rodriguez at his personal residence, along with the Brass Knuckle Films team, where you'll get insider access to filmmaking stories and creative discussions in an intimate setting.
SCREEN-WORN SIGNATURE COLLECTIBLE: Take home an authentic piece of costume worn by a character during filming, complete with the actor's personalized signature.
PERSONALIZED DIRECTOR’S CHAIR: Own a custom-crafted director's chair featuring your name alongside the Brass Knuckle Films logo. This professional-grade production piece—just like the one Robert uses on set.
+everything above
EARLY BIRD (private launch) Perk — NO LONGER AVAILABLE
FAST-TRACK VIDEO PITCH ACCESS: As an early investor, bypass the initial written submission round in our three-stage selection process. While standard investors begin with written synopses that will be evaluated for advancement, you'll automatically qualify for the second round and have the opportunity to submit a video pitch directly to our creative team. This exclusive advantage puts you one significant step closer to the final round, where selected finalists pitch their concepts directly to Robert Rodriguez for potential development into a Brass Knuckle Films production.
My Studio
Hollywood believes you need a giant budget to produce a great action movie. My films are living proof that's not true.
That’s why I built Troublemaker Studios—to make great action movies for much less.
Take a look:
We’re known for using the latest technologies to film groundbreaking movies like Sin City and Alita Battle Angel and apply cost efficiencies Hollywood can’t match.
It’s also where I get to work with an A+ team that knows my production style. The studio has everything we need:
Troublemaker Studios lets us make any idea look bigger than its budget. That ultimately boosts our production value and maximizes our profits from the film.
I look forward to making movies with you as my co-investors and collaborators.
Let’s make some trouble!
About Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez is an American filmmaker who shoots, edits, produces, and scores many of his films in his home state of Texas. Rodriguez directed the 1992 action film El Mariachi, which was a commercial success after grossing $2.6 million against a budget of $7,000. The film earned him a Guinness World Record and spawned two sequels known collectively as the Mexico Trilogy: Desperado (1995) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003).
Rodriguez directed From Dusk till Dawn in 1996, starring George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino, and developed its television series adaptation (2014–2016). He co-directed the 2005 neo-noir crime thriller anthology Sin City (adapted from the graphic novel of the same name) and the 2014 sequel, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. He is also the creator of the Spy Kids franchise, as well as The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D (2005), Planet Terror (2007), Machete (2010), We Can Be Heroes (2020), and also directed The Faculty (1998) and Alita: Battle Angel (2019).
Rodriguez provided the first major film roles of their careers to talents like George Clooney (From Dusk Till Dawn), Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas (Desperado), Danny Trejo (Machete) and Lady Gaga (Machete Kills).
And partnered with some of the world’s most respected actors and directors:
- Robert De Niro (Machete)
- Ben Affleck (Hypnotic)
- Bruce Willis (Sin City)
- Mickey Rourke (Sin City)
- Quentin Tarantino—With close friend Quentin Tarantino, Rodriguez both co-wrote From Dusk till Dawn and co-directed Grindhouse.
- James Cameron—Rodriguez directed Alita: Battle Angel, working with James Cameron who wrote and helped produce the film.
Rodriguez is known for wearing many hats as a filmmaker: personally lighting the set, manning the steadicam, editing the film, composing the film’s score, and mixing the film in post-production.
He has carried this spirit of innovation throughout his career. His adoption of early technology and innovative techniques allowed him to become one of the first filmmakers to:
- Digitally edit a studio movie (Desperado)
- Shoot exclusively in high definition digital video (Once Upon a Time in Mexico)
- Film an entire major motion picture on a green screen (Sin City)
- Digitally project a film in theaters (Spy Kids 2)
- Make the first digital 3D movie (Spy Kids 3)
Now, Rodriguez is the first major director to partner with his fans to develop and finance projects.
