Jonathan Calizar – fight choreographer / casting associate

Sixth Degree Black Belt KJN, Jonathan Calizar, has been training with Ernie Reyes’ West Coast Martial Arts since the age of four.  He has traveled nationally with the Ernie Reyes Demonstration Team.  He is experienced in Tae Kwon Do, Wu-shu, gymnastics and a variety of martial arts.

With thirteen years of teaching experience, Jonathan still follows his passion for instructing students.  Having moved to Folsom, CA in July of 2004, he proudly has honored the opportunity to teach the Martial Arts way.  One of his favorite quotes comes from Kwan Jang Nim Scott Coker,

 

“It’s not the teacher who teaches, it’s how the teacher teaches.”

 

Jonathan says,

 

“I’ve learned a lot in my brief lifespan, but what I will always remember are all the people who supported me.  Unfortunately, the list would never end!  So to everyone who supported me in the decisions I’ve made, I want to thank you for being there for me, and I will forever be indebted to you.”

 

Jonathan has served as a fight and stunt choreographer for Fight 4 Your Life, having met director Bryan Bachar through mutual colleague, and dear friend to B, Eliot Kelly.  B was amazed at the crazy acrobatics and high-flying kicks Jonathan could execute with precision.

 

“There was without a doubt Jonathan had to be a part of this film.  His abilities separate him from the pack.  He’s the kind of guy that you watch and say, yeah, he’s a professional.  Jon belongs in the movies.”  – Bryan Bachar aka B

 

And lucky for Bryan, Jonathan’s flare carries over into his attitude on camera as well.  A natural actor, he also plays one of the main villains in F4YL.  Working with lead Brandon J. Woods, a fight everyone is sure to remember was choreographed.

We thank Jonathan for his continued support and dedication to Fight 4 Your Life.  His energy and positive attitude has been addictive…and during the long shoots we need that!  Like a handful of F4YL‘s cast and crew members, Jonathan has been with this project since the very start, having also been in the F4YL short film in 2012.  This just shows the character of Mr. Calizar, as he is truly a loyal friend and a man of his word.  The one studios crew forever thanks you Jonathan.  We are in YOUR debt!

Check Jonathan out on the official El Dorado Hills West Coast Martial Arts site, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter!

 

– 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

 

 

Kaveh Rezaie

A dedicated actor and father, Kaveh was approached to play the principal role of Ahiga Montejo in Fight 4 Your Life.  After an excellent audition, it was apparent Kaveh was perfect for the character.

 

My producer Alonzo Chism and I knew he was right for Ahiga as soon as he left the room.  His mellow attitude and willingness to dive into the character made it an easy decision.

Bryan Bachar   Director

 

Throughout the production process Kaveh has been a huge help, not only by being a very professionally-minded actor, but also by often lending a hand behind the scenes.  Without his diligence, patience and focus, F4YL would not be turning out to be the fantastic film it is.

Kaveh resides in Sacramento with his lovely wife and children.  He is thoroughly thrilled to be a part of Fight 4 Your Life and is dedicated to the process of seeing the film through to its completion.  Truly, Kaveh is a man of his word, someone every filmmaker would be lucky to have aboard.  We thank him for his continued hard work.

 

– The one studios crew

 

Tony “The Tiger” Lopez

3x World Champion Tony “The Tiger” Lopez is a name many people know when it comes to boxing.  A Sacramento native, Tony had a stellar professional boxing career, having had the kind of success all boxers strive for.  Out of the ring, Tony has continued to serve as an example of leadership and professionalism, owning and operating his own business for over a decade now.  Not unlike the character of Tony in F4YL, Tony acts as a role model and community leader.  He has played a key role in Fight 4 Your Life’s success so far, aiding our cast and crew throughout the production process.

 

When Tony came in to audition, I have to admit, I didn’t know who the hell he was.  I love boxing, but I’m not going to lie and say I follow it closely, although I can definitely see myself doing so more after this production.  All I knew is he was a former boxer who had some acting experience.  It was a funny circumstance really, because I had created the character of Tony “The Tiger” Mercado long before I even met Tony.  So, when he came to the audition and I learned of his name and nickname, I cracked up.  Then, when I saw the personality he possessed, I soon realized it was meant to be.  He was perfect for the role.  He was Tony “The Tiger” Mercado.  

Tony has been a savior when it comes to this production.  Constantly helping the cause, he has spent time training our actors, choreographing fight sequences and pulling strings to get us key locations.  Not only is Tony a huge factor in the success of this film so far, he is also just a good dude.  I am nothing but happy to know him.  Like so many other persons I’ve gotten to know through this process, I look forward to having Tony not only as a colleague, but as a genuine friend, for the years to come.

Bryan Bachar    Director

 

Taking on the biggest role of his acting career, Tony is elated to be a part of Fight 4 Your Life.  The hours he has put into this project are enormous.  And he knows it will all be worth it in the end.  His professionalism and dedication are highly appreciated.

For more on Tony’s boxing career, Google him!  HERE is a good place to start though.  To visit his bail bonds business website, please go HERE.

 

– The one studios crew

 

EMilio Mils

EMilio Mils

EMilio Mils

 

“Good Days Don’t Make Themselves!”

 

EMilio Mils (born October 1987 as Emilio Cordiel Richardson) is an American actor, artist, designer, singer/songwriter, rapper, and acrobatic yoga instructor. In 2012, under the artist name, Mili Mils, Crystal Rain Productions released 2 singles, “Chainless” and “My Treasure,” both written, composed, and performed by Mils. At the time, he was serving in the U.S. Military and was unable to pursue his full career.

After medically leaving the Air Force in 2014, EMilio pursued a much more freeing career in radio, rekindling his flame for creativity. In 2016, he left radio to pursue expressive art as a career adding digital illustration and performance art to his arsenal of artistic ability under his personal brand, The Mils Edition (@theMilsEdition).

EMilio has enjoyed much of his success in Sacramento’s arts & media scene using his creativity to entertain, spark social change, and empower the entrepreneurial artist within. His community events are for like-minded, inclusive, and positivity-focused people to connect in a safe and collaborative environment whether it be an artist mixer or an acrobatic yoga jam session.

As a published writer, poet & lyricist, EMilio has written & voiced on-air commercials and promotions for 6 major radio stations and 7 brands in the Sacramento market alone. EMilio has worked with hundreds of people, businesses, products & events as an all-around creative. He has been featured on over a dozen websites & podcasts, radio shows, over 1,100 social media pages, and a handful of news broadcasts including Good Day Sacramento and nationally syndicated Fox 40,

EMilio has emceed and performed at festivals, concerts, tours, and outdoor events with over 10,000 people in attendance and has made several commercial television appearances and some cameos including Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back. His professional modeling background consists of commercial, promotional, fitness, fashion, and editorial work including Chevrolet’s Finding New Roads magazine (October 2015) #FuelYourHustle campaign.

Using his childhood skill to impersonate, EMilio has found a home in front of the screen as a feature film and commercial actor, which brought him into the mix with Fight 4 Your Life.  Originally a featured background cast member of the project for a single scene, director Bryan Bachar approached EMilio about taking on a larger role.  Luckily, he accepted.  Now audiences will be fortunate to see Mr. Mils play the heroic Kung Fu Stone in his feature film debut in a leading role!  

Currently represented in Northern California (including Reno/Tahoe) by Cast Images based in Sacramento, Ca., spreading comfort and happiness to others is what fuels EMilio to continue pursuing an incredibly competitive & challenging, yet rewarding career as a professional actor.  It is our hope that the sacrifices and great efforts he’s endured throughout his time with F4YL provide him a lane for even more advancement and overall success.  We know first hand how awesome a talent he is.  And we can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve been experiencing for years.  The dedication this man has shown will shine brightly on the big screen.

As an artist and designer, EMilio has created digital media from logos and brand marks to 6 ft mural designs. His passion for creativity and wild imagination has allowed him to push the confines of any box.

 

“If I had a superpower in art and design I would say it was ideation. The ideas are the easy part. Bringing them to life is a whole other story.”   –EMilio Mils

 

Mils’s ultimate goal is to bring enjoyment, value, and inspiration to people’s lives.  He strongly believes in collaboration over competition and welcomes any opportunity to create and artistically express himself and his views on life.

Check out this blog post to find out a little more.

Behind the Brand.

There’s lots on EMilio’s personal site….themilsedition.com

And you can keep up with him on various social media outlets, like Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter) and Facebook, by plugging in his handle @themilsedition.

 

 

– The one studios crew

 

Craig DeLuz

Craig is well known throughout the Sacramento Region as an actor, writer, media personality and community activist.  And as an actor, he is best known for his work on stage.

He has starred as “Louie”, short for Lucifer, in Calvary Christian Center’s original stage production, Oh Hell No: A Revelation of Hell, which he also helped write. He also played a major role as “Roman” in, and was the principal writer for, Jesse: A Modern day Easter Story, which was another Calvary original. Craig played major roles in numerous other Calvary Christian Center productions as well, including Where Are the Fathers, The Cup, Christmas at Myrtle’s House and Before It’s Too Late.

On film, Craig played a principal role as “Julio” in the groundbreaking independent film Dark Truths: The Movie in 3D.  In California Kings, a crime-drama web series, he plays a a violent drug trafficker named “Andre”.  Craig is also in the midst of producing his own web series, DOA: Diary of an Assassin, where he plays “Gideon”, a hired killer with a moral code.

Craig was a natural fit for his role as “Craig” in Fight 4 Your Life.  In fact, before Craig joined the cast his character had no official name, only simply known as “Hanson’s Sidekick”.  But Craig’s ferocity with the role on set gave creator / director Bryan Bachar inspiration to add to the hyper-mouthed character.  He also realized Craig’s own name fit the character perfectly!  We’re truly blessed to have had Craig on board.  He’s a valuable member of the F4YL and one studios Family!

To learn more about Craig visit him online at www.craigdeluz.com or facebook.com/craigdeluz

 

– The one studios crew

 

 

Chris Sousa

Born in Hemet, CA, Chris Sousa has spent most of his life living in the Northern California mountain town of Placerville.  He has been training in parkour and free running for the last three and a half years.  He also has some experience in martial arts aggressive driving techniques, which he was able to utilize during his scenes in F4YL.

Fight 4 Your Life marks Chris’s first dive into acting and stunt work.  He is extremely excited about doing more projects in the future and is thankful for this awesome opportunity!

 

– The one studios crew