Alexander Nevsky – Gunfight at Rio Bravo

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Gunfight at Rio Bravo. How was your character Ivan originally described to you? 

A) I did a lot of Action movies, but I’ve always wanted to make a Western. GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO was a perfect opportunity. My character is based on a real-life hero of the Civil War, and it was very interesting to play him. Ivan Turchaninov, a/k/a John Basil Turchin, was an immigrant from Russian Empire. He joined the Union and was promoted to Brigadier General by Abe Lincoln himself. GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO tells the story of what might’ve happened to him later on.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally in the breakdown?

A) Yes. I knew he was a great soldier, but I wanted to make him more human. My Ivan is fearless and strong. but he’s also sometimes tortured by guilt and sadness. It doesn’t stop him from killing a lot of bad guys though.

Q) This seems to be your first Western. What was your experience like going through cowboy camp? 

A) I loved it all! I trained with Western guns for months and I had a lot of horseback riding lessons. I should thank director /co-star Joe Cornet for all his time and support!

Q) You’re no stranger to action films. Were you familiar with any of your costars from this film or was it your first-time meeting everyone?

A) I’ve made four movies with Matthias Hues and already worked with Olivier Gruner once before the GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO. I‘ve always liked their classic 90s Action films NEMESIS, DARK ANGEL, SAVATE and BLACK BELT. I should also mention my wonderful co-stars Natalie Denise Sperl and Kerry Goodwin. To be honest with you, I can’t wait to work together with them all again!

Q) There is so much action and adventure to the movie. Which were some of the tougher or memorable scenes to film?

A) This film was a very interesting and memorable experience because we had combined two genres at the same time. Joe is a great director and he’s a huge fan of classic Sergio Leone Westerns, so that’s why our film is so stylish and cool. And action scenes were choreographed by the legendary Art Camacho. It wasn’t easy at all to shoot all those shoot-outs and fights, but I have no complaints. I felt like a happy kid even during the toughest stunts!

Q) With so much adrenaline shooting each scene, how did you shake off a long day of being on set?

A) It was easy: I just went to the gym. I still love bodybuilding and working out is the best time of my day, especially after long and hard hours on set!

Q) What do you think it is about Gunfight at Rio Bravo that’s going to make it a fast fan favorite action movie?

A) The film has a great story, great director, great actors and great stunts. It’s a very good entertainment! I honestly think it’s my best movie to date. GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO is available now everywhere on Digital, DVD and On-Demand.

Q) You are a part of social media, and the movie is already out. What kind of responses have you been receiving from fans?

A) Fans are always supportive, and I appreciate it. The world premiere took place in Tucson, Arizona, close to legendary Tombstone. The film will be released in Europe and Asia in March. By the way, critics like it too and we’re getting a lot of great reviews!

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on lately?

A) Joe Cornet and I have three new movies: a Horror film NIGHT OF THE CAREGIVER (completely finished and soon to be released), a Western film TAKEN FROM RIO BRAVO (which is Gunfight’s sequel and it’s in the post-production stage now) and a thriller THE KALEIDOSCOPE (which is in pre-production and will be shot this spring). It all requires a lot of work, but I enjoy every single day of it.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the wonderful work you do on our screens?

A) First of all, big thanks to you, Jamie and to Starry Constellation Magazine teamfor the continues support! Secondly, I’d like to thank all your readers as well and I hope they will enjoy GUNFIGHT AT RIO BRAVO!