Another Set of Shoots Down!

Happy New Year everyone!  We truly hope your holiday season was a fantastic time, spent with all of your loved ones.

The one studios crew has been working diligently to ensure Fight 4 Your Life stays true to its course.  The holidays may have been upon us, but we continued to push!  From January 1st through January 5th we had F4YL star Brandon J. Woods back from the east coast, where he is attending the Harvard School of Medicine, to shoot a string of scenes.  The shoots went great!  And it was awesome to have Brandon, aka Fleet Blackwood, back on set.

As we progress into 2014….WOW…..one studios will be shooting further scenes/shots without Mr. Woods during the months of January, February and March.  Our teenage Fleet, Antonio Mulqueeney, will be taking the reins for several of these shoots.  Wish him luck!

In addition to these shoots, we will be preparing with much vigor for having Brandon back in the spring for his final shoots, which happen to be the final scenes that will be needed for Fight 4 Your Life‘s completion!!!  Exciting news indeed!  We can’t wait to finish, but we are taking in every moment of this journey.  It’s priceless.  And we have some great stuff coming for you to check out over the coming months to show our progress….one being the first official teaser trailer for F4YL!!!

Thank you, as always, to everyone involved throughout this strenuous process.  And for those that are not directly involved, thank you for your support!  Fight 4 Your Life would not be possible without each and every one of you.  A very special thanks to all of the location providers for this past week’s shoots:

 

Frank & KC Richmond

Terry Colorado

David of Center Ring Boxing

Eliot Kelly of El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Hollie of River City Saloon

Peter Rodriguez

Brandon Umipig

 

Be sure to keep up on this site as we make some great updates over the next few weeks.  And be sure to peep the Fight 4 Your Life Facebook and Twitter pages.  Like the film and follow it here:

F4YLMovie on Facebook

F4YLMovie on Twitter

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

F4YL Update – 10.3.13

Hello everyone!  Hope you’re fighting that good fight.  We’ve got a lot in store for the upcoming month.  October promises to be a good one.

We’ve all been working hard in preparation to pick shooting back up in the coming weeks…..and we’re very excited, and thankful, for that.  We can’t wait to get ‘er done!  We’ve also been working on the first official teaser trailer for Fight 4 Your Life, which is right around the corner.  You better keep your eyes peeled.

Upon the launch of the teaser we’ll also be relaunching our Kickstarter campaign.  We really need everyone’s help this time around to make sure it’s successful.  So, tell your friends, family, rich boss or whoever you feel like.  The more eyes and ears we reach the better our chances!

This is just the calm before the storm everyone.  Thank you for your continued support of Fight 4 Your Life.  FIGHT!

 

– The one studios Crew

 

 

Brandon J. Woods Harvard Bound!

Brandon J. Woods w/ Proud Mom at Harvard School of Medicine

Brandon J. Woods w/ Proud Mom at Harvard School of Medicine

 

Fight 4 Your Life‘s lead, Brandon J. Woods recently made the move to the Ivy League.  Yes, that’s right.  Brandon is now a Harvard man.

When last spoken to by friend and director Bryan Bachar, Brandon told Bryan:

 

I’m loving it out here man.   A lot to take in at the moment.  But, hey, rest assured I’m looking forward to flying back out to finish my scenes.  I see this as an opportunity to represent Fight 4 Your Life and one studios on the east coast.  You know there ain’t no bigger city than the Big Apple baby!  F4YL is about to blow up!!!

– Brandon J. Woods

aka Fleet Blackwood

 

Awesome Brandon!  Keep it up.  We look forward to having Mr. Woods back out in the coming months to wrap up his final scenes.  Until then, be sure to keep up with Brandon’s east coast adventures here on Fight4YourLifeMovie.com!  You can also catch him on the F4YL Facebook page HERE.  Want to like Brandon on Facebook?  HERE you go!

 

– The one studios crew

 

Brandon J. Woods

Scientist, musician, Fight 4 Your Life lead / co-producer and overall Renaissance Man, Brandon J. Woods knows the hunger of earnest desire, the recipe for ambition, and the savory taste of achievement. Born in an inner-city drug stricken community of the late 1980s, Brandon emerged from humble beginnings. Concomitantly, he understands the nature of adversity and the will to overcome. As an adolescent, Brandon possessed a strong appreciation for the arts and science, interests that would eventually mature into a passion for music, acting and biomedical research. After graduating high school, Brandon matriculated into the University of California, Davis, where he would obtain a Bachelors of Science degree in Microbiology while concurrently developing his talents as an athlete, songwriter and musical producer.

Following his years as an undergraduate, Brandon continued to refine his skills as an artist while also attaining his Masters Degree in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.  As of the fall of 2013, Brandon now resides in Boston, MA, having matriculated into Harvard School of Medicine, where he is currently earning his PhD.

Brandon has a special affinity for F4YL, and particularly the character of Fleet Blackwood. Brandon says:

 

“Fleet’s story embodies the very essence of my life; the tale of an ambitious boy from a broken home, burdened with the weight of the world on his shoulders; however, blessed with the virtue of sincerity and conviction, is a story I have lived on all accounts.  Moreover, I am deeply moved by the moral undertone of the film.  I am a firm believer that the undertaking of great success and happiness in life is predicated upon self belief, principality and faith.  I feel F4YL does a wholesome job at illustrating the importance of all 3 attributes.”

 

Brandon ended his statement about the movie by saying:

 

“Furthermore, what better a thing to fight for than the vitality of one’s dreams?  Fore, a life without the vitality of wonder is no life at all.”

 

In addition to helping off camera as a co-producer on the project, Brandon plays Fleet Blackwood, the protagonist of Fight 4 Your Life.  We are thankful to have Brandon back for this feature length version of F4YL, with Brandon also having played the role of Fleet in the short version of F4YL from 2012Truly, Fight 4 Your Life is fortunate to have someone on board with the multitude of passion, talents and dedication Brandon possesses.

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

Eric Lawson

Eric “Lawless” Lawson is no stranger to fighting.  Having wrestled in high school, Eric was introduced to mixed martial arts by friend, UFC legend and Fight 4 Your Life supporter Urijah Faber, who he had met while attending UC Davis.  He quickly took to the sport.

Due to his successful career as a mixed martial artist, Eric knows what it’s like to step into the ring, or, in the MMA world, the cage.  His time as a professional fighter for MMA promotions Strikeforce and Gladiator Challenge taught him the keys to being a victor, not only in sport, but in life, carrying over to his career as a mortgage consultant, which he has also experienced great success in.

Another fun fact about Eric is in his youth he was a bit of a wild child.  His endless energy carried over well into extreme sports.  At one point he was a full time BMX competitor.  Many races did he win on the tracks.  Long story short, through his “live life to the fullest” mentality Mr. Lawson has found the equation for being a champion.  Success is in his DNA….a prime trait he shares with Fight 4 Your Life character and villain Hanson Hansome Kelly.

Having had a couple small roles in fighting based feature films TKO and Never Surrender, Eric caught the acting bug during his time as a professional mixed martial artist.  In fact, he claims:

 

“I actually had always wanted to act since I was a kid.  It was just one of those things that I never got a real chance to try.”

 

When the phone rang with the offer to go out for a lead role in F4YL, Eric was quite surprised.  His excitement was only challenged by his work and life responsibilities.  But in the end, after being offered the role, he knew playing Hanson Kelly was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.  No matter his schedule, he was determined to make it work.

 

“I just decided you only get opportunities so many times in life….I knew I would regret it later if I passed this movie (Fight 4 Your Life) up.  It was too awesome!”  – Eric Lawson

 

Eric played perfectly as Fleet Blackwood’s rival.  Truly, we couldn’t have asked for a better man for the job.  Thank you for all your hard work!  Look out for Eric’s future projects.  You never know where this social chameleon will turn up!

And if you’re ever in need of a mortgage revamp, please be sure to contact Eric at Pacific Funding Group in Concord, CA, where he is a Senior Mortgage Consultant.  His direct number is 925.771.4211

 
 
– The one studios crew
 
 

Fight 4 Your Life Collage Background (Short Version) (GRAPHIC)

So, you’re probably wondering how you can get the awesome background we currently have on this site on your desktop, right? Well, even if you aren’t, we have you covered! Go to the Downloads page for a FREE digital download of this awesome background. We have plenty of resolutions for you to choose from so you can rock it out on any of your personal devices. The feature film version of this collage background will be available in the near future. Be on the look out!

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E Bud & Rootie-too

E Bud and Rootie-too

E Bud and Rootie-too

Black Leavz has seen to it that the Dark Oaks run thick with quality soldiers.  But with such an immense gang network he needs to also have trusted leaders he can rely on to ensure operations run smoothly.  There are various levels of leaders withing the Dark Oaks ranks, with the title of oak general being the top of the totem pole, right below Black Leavz himself, the Grand Oak.  The Dark Oaks generals report directly to their leader supreme.

In addition to his oak generals, Black Leavz also knows he should always have dependable men at his side to help him take care of the nitty gritty…..so comes in his right hand and left hand men.  Each of these men hold a rank on their own.  Each has a specific purpose.

 

E Bud

E Bud, Oak General of Battle and Black Leavz’s Right Branch

Black Leavz’s right hand man, or right branch, E Bud, is a cold mutha…”SHUT YO MOUTH!”  Known as Black Leavz’s hardened muscle, E Bud is the Oak General of Battle.  It is his job to ensure the street muscle game of the Dark Oaks is on point.  He is entrusted to train the Dark Oaks in the many ways of street combat, with and without weapons.  He also is the highest voice when it comes to enlisting new Dark Oaks members with valuable skill sets involving combat.  E Bud also serves as Black Leavz’s personal body guard, protecting his leader nearly at all times.  When E Bud has no other choice but to attend other duties away from his Grand Oak he always makes sure Black Leavz is left well guarded with his most trusted soldiers, such as the dependable SloGrow.

Many of the Dark Oaks consider E Bud as Black Leavz’s true successor, the true number 2 in charge.  But, as there are many other oak generals, this isn’t fact, for Black Leavz has many prospects to take his place if the day comes for his departure as the Grand Oak.  And the last thing on Black Leavz’s mind is the relinquishing of his power.  In death do they part.

Lucky for Black Leavz, E Bud is his most loyal soldier, having been raised as a Dark Oak from the time he was seven.  Nevertheless, some say the reason Black Leavz keeps him so close is because he fears the potential of his Oak General of Battle.  But these are whispers in the night.  If anyone were to openly let Black Leavz or E Bud catch wind of this theory they would be handled…..severely.

 

Rootie-too

Rootie-too, Cedar Captain of Entertainment and Black Leavz’s Left Branch

Black Leavz’s left branch is a more interesting choice, and demonstrates the Grand Oak’s often odd ways.  Rootie-too is the type that can’t keep his mouth shut.  He’s a joker, a clown.  And many of the Dark Oaks have a hard time respecting him when respect is such an honored element to the Dark Oaks’ code.  So, why then has Black Leavz made Rootie-too his left hand man?

The way Black Leavz sees it, there should always be an example of what not to be.  There should always be someone by his side that makes him look good in comparison, just as there should always be someone by his side that demonstrates the success of his leadership, as with E Bud.  Rootie-too is Black Leavz’s outlet to show his power to his Dark Oaks.  It’s like he is Black Leavz’s punching bag, his way to take out frustration.

“Do this Rootie-too.  Do that Rootie-too.  Mutha Fucka, shut the fuck up!”  This is what it is to be Rootie-too.  But why does he take it?  Why does Rootie-too serve when he is often made the fool?  Simple answer….opportunity.

Despite the lack of respect he might get from his position, he has more respect than he would without it.  He knows he has the chance to make something of himself.  He knows Black Leavz must see something in him.  And he does.

There is more purpose to Rootie-too for Black Leavz than simply being his court jester.  He also recognizes the loyalty in his left branch.  He sees his sturdy spirit and undying determination to make something more of himself.  After all, not everyone can get clowned on as much as Rootie-too and still keep their head up and keep pushing forward.  There is promise in him.  He just needs to learn how to control that mouth of his!

So, in a way, Rootie-too also serves as Black Leavz’s personal experiment.  He aims to make something great out of this comedian, further exemplifying his greatness as a leader.  Black Leavz’s strategic mind is only rivaled by his creativity.  For only someone with such creativity sees the strategy of giving someone such as Rootie-too a prominent position.  He knows his left branch would never get to where he is without an open hand out to get him there, as he has given him.  And he also knows Rootie-too will continue to be one of his most loyal subjects, pushing himself to excel beyond the expectations of his peers, because of it.

As it is now, Rootie-too holds the rank of cedar captain.  His full title is Cedar Captain of Entertainment.  He sees to the social activity side of the Dark Oaks.  Many might consider this to be an unneeded role in the gang.  But Black Leavz understands how important it is to keep his family happy.  A happy family equals a loyal family.  So, Rootie-too makes sure everyone is well taken care of by way of social events, technology, human entertainment and other more alcoholic and medicinal based activities.

 

E Bud and Rootie-too

E Bud and Rootie-too

It’s like ying and yang with E Bud and Rootie-too.  But through these two men Black Leavz knows he has security and a tighter grip on his empire.  By having them by his side, along with the divisions they see over, he demonstrates his intelligence and control.  And he gains further respect and power.

If Fleet ever comes face to face with Black Leavz he better be certain he’ll be meeting E Bud and Rootie-too as well.

 

 

The Dark Oaks

The Dark Oaks

The Dark Oaks

One of the most feared gangs in the city, the Dark Oaks are notorious thieves, thugs and gangsters bent on strengthening and maintaining their control over the streets.  Any unfortunate soul that happens to wander into their turf better be ready to do two things; give up any belongings and pray they are able to walk away.

Black Leavz, the eccentric leader of the Dark Oaks, has made it his mission to usher in a new age for his “empire”.  He only recruits the best for his Dark Oaks.  He rewards intelligence and bravery.  And he insists upon respect among his gang members to bring a sort of unity and bond.  It might seem strange for people outside of gang life to understand, but for Black Leavz and his Dark Oaks, their environment is very family like in nature….even if it is a very rough and gritty family.

Many of the Dark Oaks members come from broken families or had rough upbringings.  Many are orphans and outcasts made to feel less than nothing throughout their lives.  It might sound weird, but Black Leavz is viewed as a father by many of his disciples, due to him taking them in and giving them purpose, giving them a home.  Aside from him being a very intimidating and in control leader, this is a big reason why the Dark Oaks follow Black Leavz.  They appreciate what he and his higher ups have done for them.  As much as his Dark Oaks soldiers fear him, they also respect him.

The Dark Oaks are Dark Oaks by choice.  Black Leavz forces no one into his gang; a very wise tactic indeed, as it gives the illusion of free will.  But once a Dark Oak there are very strict requirements that each member must adhere to in order to maintain their status as part of the family.   One such requirement is having a certain level of education.  This is why Black Leavz sees to it that all younger members of his gang finish school if possible.  For those members too old or unable to go back to an organized grade school setting, he has set up tutors to come in for daily lessons.  The most promising Dark Oaks members actually are pushed to attend college courses.  In fact, there are several members that have infiltrated well respected universities.

But it isn’t just education that separates the Dark Oaks from your average street gang.  Black Leavz holds many levels of eccentricity and uncharacteristic nature as a gang leader.  And his peculiar ways have rubbed off on his people, especially his psychological games.  Laughter is often abundant within the Dark Oaks ranks.  Many victims of their crimes have made reports of being made to feel as though what was happening was all just a joke, not taking it serious until it was too late.  Do not be mistaken, for this is exactly the intent of the Dark Oaks.  Their laughs and amusing calls hold more distraction and mental confusion than sincerity.

It isn’t the goal of the Grand Oak to have a common bunch of criminals under his wing.  Black Leavz has visions of grandeur.  He values the street game, the lifestyle.  But he knows too the power in knowledge, the necessity of incorporating the other side of the tracks into his world.  And one day he sees the Dark Oaks controlling not only the city streets, but the city itself, from the capitol to the the underground.  From the depths his empire will spread.

Indeed, the Dark Oaks are no stupid bunch, mixing brawn and intimidation tactics with intelligent schemes, techniques and structure.  If Fleet was to run into this crew of advanced thuggery will he have the smarts to get past them?  How can he earn their respect?  One thing is for certain, he wouldn’t be able to fight them all, not at least in the physical sense….

 

 

Ghost Crew Leader

Ghost Crew Leader

Ghost Crew Leader

Mysterious and silent, little is known about this ghostly figure.  Like a campfire story he has become, mythical and spooky.  Urban children get chills at the mentioning of him, a sort of modern day Grimm fairy tale.

For what is known, the account is always the same…….as the Pied Piper has his flute, so does this being have the rhythm of his body, beckoning those that might come across his path, magically enticing with flow and style.  There is no limit to his expression.  There is no pattern to the beats of his body.  It is as though his movements are endless and hypnotic, putting those near him in a deep trance…..and this is where the story of the one called the Ghost Crew Leader takes an unfortunate turn for those souls that stumble upon him.

No face can be described by those that he has visited.  No voice has been heard by those that have paid witness.  But the inner music he projects is powerful and other worldly.  It is said you cannot resist his flare.  And wherever there has been reported a sighting of this eery specter, so too has there been with him a crew of following spirits.

His Ghost Crew follows him throughout the darkness of the night.  As if a collective of one mind and soul, an extension of the Ghost Crew Leader himself, the group of mischievous beings have been said to plague the streets few embark on in the weary hours of the moon’s shadows.  They glide throughout the urban sprawl, searching for their leader’s next battle for entrapment.

Tales of how this haunting presence has built his crew are things of nightmares.  Many people believe they are the disappeared victims of his cryptic web.  He feeds from their life energy, empowering his essence and absorbing them into his being, controlling them, for they are now him.

It is not known where exactly one might run into the Ghost Crew and its leader, nor when.  But if you are alone, drifting through the streets, accompanied only by the blackness around you, and you hear music……run.  For the few that have escaped have done just that….aside from one.

One woman is known to have survived her supposed encounter with the Ghost Crew.  Legendary, she now teaches dance at an after school program for underprivileged youth, driven to spread the knowledge of the dancing arts.  Never one with words, she has been mute since a babe.  Only through her bodily movement and expression does she talk.  Only to her own song does she dance.  In this independent wisdom lays the key to her survival.

Fleet has never met this woman…..if only he had.

 

 

The Madame

The Madame

The Madame

Smooth…..Sexy……Seductive.

The Madame’s job is to make sure her ladies are well taken care of.  She provides them with a home, food, money, fine linens and, most importantly, a purpose.  In return, the Madame’s seductresses give her the only thing they have to offer….everything.

It’s unknown how exactly the Madame persuades her seductresses into the lives they now lead, whether by presenting a choice or by other means.  But what is known is that they will do anything for her….anything.

Men and women alike are drawn to the harem of the Madame and her ladies of the night.  Some come for escape.  Some come for pleasure.  Some just come to feel something again in their worn out, numbing lives.  The Madame sees to it each person is given the attention he or she deserves.  She makes sure her seductresses give their lustful attendees proper…..entertainment.

It is quite easy to allow all of the troubles of the world leave one’s shoulders when you are in the care of the Madame.  Her words calm.  Her smile entices.  Her touches arouse.  Her seductresses please.  It would not be untruthful to say many patrons find it, well, impossible to leave.

But why does the Madame herself partake in this life of giving satisfaction?  What exactly is in it for her?

One thing is certain, the Madame aims to see Fleet very nice and comfortable.  All desires will be met.  She has everything in total control.  All Fleet needs to do is sit back and relax.

The Madame wants to see the stoic boxer around for a long, long time…..