Nico Quijano on “Ranger”
Q: What is
your experience in front of the camera?
A: Well, people will always say that they have had a great
experience being in front of the camera, because being in front means that you
are working. Some people can't adjust to being in front of the camera when it
comes to dialogue and remembering their lines. Acting, is about having a
conversation with the other actor(s), etc. You have to let go and forget that
the camera is there. When the director blocks a scene and you know what is
expected, then it is time for you to deliver. A great director will help pull
out the emotions needed in a scene from an actor. The more you get in front of
a camera the more experience you will have in being comfortable. For me, it is
always a great experience.
Q: What is
your experience behind the camera?
A: Besides with acting, I have worked as a stuntman, stunt driver,
stunt coordinator and fight choreographer on many films. When you are putting
together a fight scene or a stunt, it is exactly like you are putting together
a story but with action. I have worked with some really great directors and
some that were not so great. You try to learn from the best of them and you
have to continue to study, take classes and finally, you just have to do it.
Watching your work unfold on the monitor after you have shot the scene will tell
you a lot also. You have to know when to take input and also when to stick to
your vision.
Q: What can
you tell me about your new project "Ranger"?
A. "Ranger" is a passion project of mine. I created the
story, wrote the script, I am playing "Ranger" in the film and I have
done everything needed to get this project off the ground. From raising money,
to casting, to finding locations, vehicles, buying props, uniforms, clothing,
etc. You name it, I am doing it. Unfortunately, you can't always depend on others
to help out or to stay true to your vision. But more about "Ranger"
now. Ranger is called home from Afghanistan, while serving in the U.S. Army
Special Operations, hearing that his father has passed away. He finally decides
that after more than 20 years in the army, it is time to retire. Back home, he
finds out that many things have changed. Crime is rampant, drugs, prostitution,
cartels, human trafficking, and local law enforcement is involved. He decides
to stand up for what is right, but he doesn't do it alone. Ranger lives by the
army values, integrity, honor, respect, discipline, selfless service, etc. But
it is way more than just an action film. It has drama, a love story and also
deals with PTSD issues. We have a lot of veterans attached to this film, acting
as advisors from the special ops community, etc. Also, some of them are playing
actors in the film. My goal is to create an avenue to help people in the
community, regardless of race, creed, etc. I am a minority myself. I am Puerto
Rican. So I want people of diversity in my films. All people are welcomed. I
hope to teach the youth and others about filmmaking and acting in my community,
because they lack these resources right now.
Q: Is the
script a work of fiction or based on real life events?
A. Some things are based on facts. Researching the cartels and
their activities in the U.S. and South America has been instrumental for this
film. Not only talking about Mexican or Colombian cartels, but there is also a
huge activity among the Chinese population (Red Dragons and others) in Latin
America that far extends into the U.S. I worked in Latin America when I was in
the Army, working with Military Intelligence and Special Forces. I was also a
police officer working the streets of Oakland. I have encountered many people
involved in drugs, gangs, human trafficking, etc. Some of these experiences are
in the film. But I also drew inspiration from several other films that I love.
The same with certain directors.
Q:
"Rangers" are a very specific military topic, do you have any
connection to the military or military experience?
A: Yes, Rangers are an elite group, no doubt. They are not only
trained as infantrymen, but many are also airborne qualified and the training
that they have to go through is not easy (Ranger School). They are a part of
special operations. Having worked and served in special operations, I have had
the opportunity to work with real heroes! I am no hero, but I have served with
real heroes! They deserve all of the kudos and respect. I was just lucky to tag
along for the ride.
Q: How is the
stunt work and action choreography in "Ranger" different from other
films?
A: The stunt work and action work in "Ranger" is not
going to be your average run of the mill film where they exploit and have no
training in military tactics whatsoever. Based on my training, experience and
knowledge, being a former military soldier myself, having attended many schools
both in the military and outside, I want the tactical scenes (shooting, moving,
communicating, and fight scenes) to be realistic and authentic as possible.
That is why I am not only advising on this film, but I am not the only one. I
have friends that have served as Rangers, Special Forces, Para-Rescue, Law
Enforcement SWAT officers and a few others that are helping to advise on this
film as well. So that way, they help to keep everything on track. We will have
plenty of shoot em up scenes, car chases, and lots of stunts. But we also have
to remember that it is a movie. We have a very limited budget. The important
thing is to keep the vision true and to honor veterans as well. We don't want
fantasy stuff in the film, but it is a movie. I don't want people to be too
critical, because at the end of the day, it is a movie, meant for people to
enjoy. But we will do our best to keep things as legit as possible.
Q:
"Ranger" is something of an international project, tell us about your
experiences oversees with the film.
A: Well, I went to Germany to shoot several scenes over there. I
got to work with some very amazing actors. Everything was on my dime, my
money. It wasn't cheap. I financed the trip, the food, equipment,
etc. But I must say that the crew from Roman Sky Pictures did an amazing job! I
love these guys! We shot for several days in Dusseldorf, Cologne, etc. It was
such a beautiful experience. By shooting in Germany and using an international
crew we have made this movie so much more better! Although, the German crew won't be coming to
the states to work like originally planned, they did a fantastic job and
captured the "vision" of the film. I learnt a lot over there, even
about myself. I will tell you that it is not easy to do a lot of the jobs
necessary as well as act in your own film. Everybody thought that a big
"Hollywood" production company was coming to Germany. But in reality,
we are shooting a micro-budget film. Somehow, some things were lost in
translation. But it all worked out. It was such a great experience. Germany is
full of hospitable people, the food, the locations, etc., all was great. I plan
to shoot "Ranger 2" in Germany and Serbia after we are done with
"Ranger".
Q: What can
we expect from this film?
A: You can expect a great story, with some great actors and
locations. This film should hit everyone's emotions. We are not going to get
into politics or anything like that. It will be a story that a lot of people
can relate to. This story has something for everybody: military, law
enforcement, action, stunts, love, honor, cowboys and cowgirls, ranchers,
people who love America and want to be here, people from all walks of life. We
touch on some very hard issues, PTSD and Human Trafficking. We want you to root
for the underdogs in this film.
Q: Who are some of the people involved in the film, in front of and
behind the camera?
A: We have Geno Romo, an amazing actor with a lot of experience in
films. His work can be seen on Amazon, etc. We have JC Smith, a phenomenal
world touring musician and singer! He is an amazing actor having done several
films as well. We have Thommy Luke Boehlig, an amazing martial arts teacher and
this is his first film starring in a full feature film. He was instrumental in
helping me out in Germany. True brothers all of these men. We have some amazing other actors involved in
the film as well. Ronald "The Black Dragon" Van Clief. I wrote a part
just for him. He is like another father to me, having been my martial arts
teacher back in New York. As a matter of fact, not only did I look up to him,
but I kind of followed his path in life: serving in the military, becoming a
cop, fighting in Thailand in Muay Thai, acting in films, etc. He has been such
a big influence in my life. We also have such great actors as Joseph Payne,
Jonathan Avalon, JT Morris, Terry Golden, and a few others. As far as
directors, we had Phil Ramcke in Germany who did an amazing job with his team,
Xavier and Daniel, etc. Right now, we have the U.S. either Chris Leong will
direct this film, who has produced some great work himself or I may direct it.
Depends on a lot of factors. Again, we have a lot of military people advising
on this film. I have a great team of people working behind the scenes as
assistant producers, executive producers, etc. Josh Burgess, Derek Chin, Andy
Leong, Drew Brown and a few others.
Q:
10. How can we support the film?
A: By putting the word out. Helping us to get more exposure,
publicity for the film. Also, if you still want to donate to our film you can
contact me at nicoquijanostunts@gmail.com. Again, we are a micro-budget film,
more money, equipment, crew will definitely help us out in big way. People can
come down and cater (cook) for the crew. Donate food, drinks, etc. I am willing
to work with people who help us out. You may end of with a role. We are hoping
to shoot the rest of this film in 10-12 days since we have completed a lot of
work in Germany already. We have most of the locations locked in already. We
are still in need of some things. But please, contact me. Not everyone is
getting paid on this film. Many are doing it because they believe in me and the
project. They will get credit on IMDB, a copy of their reel and film, and they
will be fed. We are hoping that when Ranger sells, we will have a much larger
budget on the "Ranger 2" . I
wasn't able to raise all $30K on indiegogo. We ended up with about $22K , but
they took their cut which I ended up with about $18K. So you have to figure
that you have to pay some people, crew, buy food, equipment, vehicles,
costumes, prop weapons, air squib machine, tactical uniforms and equipment,
lodging for the main crew and actors, permits, insurance, etc. But you still
have to some left over for post-production (editing the movie, color, etc.) and
for the premieres, etc. So any help will be greatly appreciated. I did a lot of
work trying to contact possible sponsors, big sponsors but many turned us down
because they didn't want to be associated with anything military, veterans,
etc. I mean, I contacted Goya, Coke, Ozeki Sake, major airlines, famous actors
and talk show hosts, country singers, etc. etc. But they all turned us down. I
had more success with a few friends that have businesses that decided to help
us out a little bit by sponsoring us. That went a long way. This has been such
a major learning experience when you are trying to raise money for the film.
Not many people will help you. I can now safely say that I can teach a class on
the do's and don'ts of raising money. But for my first time out, I believe that
I did well. I talked with one director and he said that he couldn't even raise
$20 bucks let alone $20K.
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