Alexander Nevsky – Taken from Rio Bravo

By starrymag | August 27, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Taken from Rio Bravo is a follow up to Gunfight at Rio Bravo. Where do we pick up with Ivan?

 

A) It’s just a year or so later. Ivan is still big, muscular and adventurous. And he’s still ready to protect his town and his friends!

 

Q) What made you want to continue this character and bring him to a new battle?

 

A) First of all, this character is based on the real hero of American Civil War. Ivan Turchaninov was a colonel of Imperial Guards in Russian Empire, but he emigrated to the US, changed his name to John Basil Turchin and joined the Union army. He was promoted to the brigadier general by President Lincoln himself. Ivan was an amazing guy and it’s an honor to portray him on screen!

Secondly, Gunfight at Rio Bravo was very a successful project – it was released in thirty-two countries and right now it’s a Prime Video movie in North America (also available on DVD and pretty much all the Digital platforms). The decision to produce the sequel was a very easy one.

 

Q) How involved were you with the casting of the film?

 

A) As a producer I’m really involved with everything, including casting. As with Gunfight at Rio Bravo, it was very important to cast Martial Arts stars again and give them nice parts in Taken from Rio Bravo. Legendary Don “The Dragon” Wilson and Cynthia Rothrock did a great job in my opinion! And I should mention Matthias Hues and especially the amazing Art Camacho (he choreographed all the action scenes and also had a cameo).

Talking about casting – I was very happy that my beautiful girlfriend Tatiana Neva was able to make an appearance in Taken from Rio Bravo and also to record the original song (which was created by our Emmy nominated composer Sean Murray)!

 

Q) You often work with director Joe Cornet. What is it about his work that elevates these Rio Bravo films?

 

A) Joe Cornet is a great director. He’s very talented, hardworking, creative and a pleasure to work with. Joe has a unique style which allows these films to have action and be a Western at the same time. Taken from Rio Bravo is my third film with Joe, and we’ll definitely make more together!

 

Q) The costumes on Taken from Rio Bravo are just beautiful! Are they original pieces created for the movie or vintage items worn over the years?

 

A) They’re all original and I should thank again our great costume designer Renee Cloutier! Renee and her team are located in Tucson, AZ and they worked with us on both Rio Bravo.

 

Q) These movies are quite physical. Is there anything you do to change up your workouts to prepare for these kinds of stunts?

 

A) Yes! Instead of working out with weights six times a week and getting bigger (that’s what I usually do when I’m getting ready for an action film) I was doing more horseback riding, gun shooting, practicing with gun spinning, etc. Of course, I was still working out in the gym also, but maybe four times a week or so. Regarding fight scenes, I started as a boxer and it’s always fun to fight on screen, especially when I have Art Camacho on my side!

 

Q) What was your favorite scene to shoot and your favorite to bring to life from co-writing to on-screen?

 

A) I created the story with great writer Craig Hamann, and he wrote the script. I think for me and him it was a special fun to create an action prologue (because it was like “the movie inside of the movie”) and it was a pleasure to bring it to life with a lot of extras and stunt guys!

 

Q) What do you think it is about Taken from Rio Bravo that is going to make it such a fast fan favorite Western?

 

A) I think it’s the same as with Gunfight at Rio Bravo. This sequel is fun to watch for those who like classic Westerns and for those who like good action-adventure. Also, Taken from Rio Bravo is an independent film, but has a lot of production value, great cinematography and great editing (thanks to our very talented director of photography Sam Wilkerson and editor Cody Miller).

Another secret of success is a positive message, and I always have it in my films: good guys CAN fight evil, and they CAN win!

 

Q) Which other projects have you been busy working on lately that fans should keep an eye out for?

 

A) I’m in production of my next Western film The Wide West and this one is quite unique! It’s an American-Japanese co-production and we have a lot of great actors – Nick Baillie, Tatiana Neva, Kerry Goodwin and also Sumo superstars Hiroki Sumi and Ichi. Joe Cornet is directing and co-starring, Andrew Freund created an original story and he’s executive producing with me and Craig Hamann wrote the script. We should finish shooting this fall and film should be ready for an international release next year.

 

 

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

 

A) I really appreciate all the support, and I’d like to sincerely thank all my fans! Taken from Rio Bravo was just released exclusively on NBCUniversal’s Xumo Play in North America and we’re getting a lot of great reviews and positive feedback. The film already made it onto Xumo’s “Most Popular” list! Here’s the link to watch it for free (with ads): https://play.xumo.com/free-movies/taken-from-rio-bravo/XM08SQC6153AO0

I hope that my example will inspire other independent filmmakers to fight harder for their dreams. Success can be achieved, and we all should keep pushing!

And thank you and Starry Constellation Magazine very many again!