Acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez is taking his legendary action filmmaking to a new level with the launch of Brass Knuckle Films, a bold initiative that invites fans to become investors and to take an active role in the filmmaking process – including the chance to have their own film idea developed into a full-length feature. Through this venture, Rodriguez will develop and produce a slate of high-impact action films, utilizing his renowned production studio, Troublemaker Studios, to maximize production value.
Brass Knuckle Films offers a fresh approach to independent film financing, empowering everyday fans to invest in a project and share in the profits. Each investor will have the opportunity to submit a movie concept, which will be reviewed by Rodriguez’s team at Troublemaker Studios based on originality, feasibility, and market potential.
From these submissions, ten finalists will be selected to pitch their concepts directly to Rodriguez, who will personally choose one to be developed into a full-length feature as part of the Brass Knuckle Films slate. Launching at a pivotal moment for Texas’ film industry, Brass Knuckle Films aligns with the state’s biggest push yet to become the film capital of the world.
“Across my work, I’ve always sought to overcome the idea that great action movies need big Hollywood budgets,” said Robert Rodriguez. “With Brass Knuckle Films, we have a chance to rewrite the rules—giving fans the opportunity not just to watch, but to get a piece of the action. It’s exciting to continue to create high-energy films for the people who love them, while now being able to offer direct access to the filmmaking process at such a monumental time for Texas film.”
Rodriguez has built his career on redefining independent filmmaking, with groundbreaking works like El Mariachi, Sin City, Spy Kids, From Dusk Till Dawn, and more. With Brass Knuckle Films, he is set to develop several action movie concepts, each designed with franchise potential. Rodriguez will personally produce these films and is set to direct at least one himself. As action films dominate the global box office — Brass Knuckle Films is strategically positioned to meet audience demand.
Investors will also gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the filmmaking process from start to finish. This includes early involvement as Brass Knuckle FIlms selects projects for its slate, along with regular updates on development, casting, and production. Investors will also enjoy private, insider access, including exclusive previews, set visits, and direct discussions with Rodriguez and his creative team.
To power this initiative, Brass Knuckle Films has teamed up with Republic, a leading global investment platform democratizing access to investment opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors worldwide, to raise funds for a development slate of films, enabled by the Avalanche network.
Brass Knuckle Films is a joint venture between Robert Rodriguez and Alexis Garcia’s action film label CAT5. Rodriguez will operate it together with Garcia and Kevin Dartt. Garcia, a former agent at WME and Head of Film at Fifth Season, founded CAT5 last year. Its first movie, A WORKING MAN starring Jason Statham and directed by David Ayer, will be released wide in theaters on March 28, 2025, via Amazon/MGM. Dartt, Rodriguez’s longtime business manager and executive for the past 15 years, manages Troublemaker Studios. He will leverage his financial and operational expertise to help guide Brass Knuckle Films.