Today, thanks to the great folks at Katrina Wan PR, whom I gotten to know for the past five years since my Kung Fu Cinema days, the fanboy in me came out today.
On December 4, Video on Demand platforms will release the film Close Range, the seventh collaboration of director Isaac Florentine and martial artist/actor Scott Adkins. To commemorate the release of the film, I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with Colton MacReady himself, Scott Adkins!
While we did have a time constraint and I faced a little bit of nerves, we got through it and I will stress that Scott Adkins is truly one of the nicest guys around. So without any further delay, here’s my interview with Scott Adkins on his newest release, Close Range.
First of all, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about your new film.
It’s my pleasure, Albert.
I’ve been a fan of your films for a long time and Close Range brings something different than what many are used to when it comes to your collaborations with director Isaac Florentine. How did the film come about?
Well, Isaac brought the idea over and we discussed the location. Reading the script, I really enjoyed the character of Colton MacReady. He’s not really a good guy or a bad guy. He’s more of an in between kind of character.
One of the interesting factors of the film is the opening, which describes the samurai and ronin. Even though your character is clearly out to protect his family, he can be described as a ronin because he seems more like a lone wolf where even the sheriff can be said to be somewhat of a samurai who follows a master, in this case, drug cartel leader Perez. How would you describe your character of Colton?
As I said, Colton is not really a good guy. On any other day, he would be more likely on the bad guy’s side. However, on this particular day, he’s on the just side because he has to protect his family. He’s definitely an outlaw. He’s a true badass and I loved playing the character.
When it comes to you and director Isaac Florentine, you two are this generation’s dream team of action films in my opinion. For this film, you tried a different style of action, using more close-quarters combat with a style reminiscent of perhaps Krav Maga and knife fighting. Is this perhaps the meaning of the title of the film and how did the idea of this brand of action come about?
Jeremy Marinas was our fight coordinator and he definitely wanted to bring a more close-quarter combat style, more of a Special Forces-like style of action. He wanted to bring a more realistic approach to things. I actually came in a week before filming began to work on the choreography because once you’re on the set, you don’t have much time to work on the action. However, we had a great stunt and Jeremy was simply amazing to work with.
My favorite fight scene in the film actually was your fight against Jeremy. What was he like working as fight choreographer and did either you or Isaac have a hand in the action scenes, or was it all Jeremy?
I had some input to a certain extent, but Jeremy was fantastic to work with. He’s an amazing kicker too, I feel he’s better than me. Jeremy is one of the next generation guys. He does things that I wish I can do. The next generation truly stands on the shoulders of the giants and he’s definitely one of those talents.
Scott, you are one of the busiest actors today. It is like everywhere I look, you have a new film in the works or a film set for release. Again, I know we didn’t have much time but I do appreciate you taking the time out of your hectic schedule to talk about Close Range, which comes out tomorrow. With Christmas coming up, I wanted to personally wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season and I hope we can continue to keep in touch when you are available.
Thank you and a very Happy Holiday to you too Albert. You make me feel like I need to catch a break and stop doing films, because eventually people will get sick of seeing me on the screens (Laughs). But let’s face it. I enjoy making them.
Don’t worry Scott. I’ll still check out your films and I have to admit, even my mother is a fan of your films.
(Laughs) If your mom is a fan, then I think there may be something seriously wrong.
Actually, we watched Undisputed III a few weeks ago and she actually rooted for you through the film.
That’s great! I hope you two will enjoy the fourth one. (Boyka: Undisputed is due for release next year).
Once again, thank you so much Scott and I do hope we keep in touch when you are available.
Definitely, mate. Cheers!
A major Thank You must go out to Camelia Adibi and Samantha Arevalo of Katrina Wan PR for allowing the chance to have this interview done as well as the amazing Scott Adkins. While we didn’t have much time and yes, I did have a set of nerves going, just the experience of talking to one of my favorite action stars is truly unforgettable. Once again, thank you Scott.
2016 is truly shaping up to be the Year of Scott Adkins. With Close Range set for release on VOD then in theaters then a January DVD/Blu-Ray release, this is one of many films we will see from Adkins. Scott will be seen next year in Home Invasion with Natasha Henstridge and Jason Patric, Jarhead 3: The Siege with Charlie Weber and Dennis Haysbert, the long awaited “four-quel” Boyka: Undisputed with Martyn Ford and Brahim Achabbakhe, Criminal with Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, Grimsby with Sacha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong, Eliminators with WWE superstar Wade Barrett and Daniel Caltagirone, the recently completed sequel Hard Target 2 with Robert Knepper and Rhona Mitra, and finally, Marvel’s Doctor Strange with Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton.
Once again, Close Range comes out on Video on Demand platforms on December 4, followed by a limited theatrical release on December 11, followed by a DVD and Blu-Ray release on January 5, 2016 from XLrator Media.
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