Acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez has partnered with investment platform Republic to launch Brass Knuckle Films. This new initiative provides fans the chance to have their ideas developed into full-length features – allowing them to become investors and have an active role in the filmmaking process. Through this, Rodriguez will use his production company Troublemaker Studios in combination with Brass Knuckle to develop high-impact action films.
Brass Knuckle Films offers an innovative approach to financing independent films, encouraging everyday fans to invest in projects and share the profits. Each investor can submit a concept that will be reviewed by a team at Troublemaker Studios based on originality, feasibility, and marketing potential. From these submissions, ten finalists are selected to pitch their concepts directly to Robert Rodriguez, who will choose one to be developed into a full-length feature under Brass Knuckle.
With iconic works such as Spy Kids, Sin City, and many more, Rodriguez has established his career by redefining independent filmmaking. Through Brass Knuckle Films he is set to develop and produce potential franchised action movies, directing at least one.
Investors will also gain exclusive access to the filmmaking process from start to finish, including previews, set visits, production updates, and discussions with Rodriguez and his creative team. To push this enterprise, Brass Knuckle has teamed up with the global investment platform Republic to increase access to opportunities for accredited and non-accredited investors, enabled by the Avalanche network. The company’s launch comes at a crucial moment in the Texas film industry, as the state drives to become the world’s film capital.
“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.”
Brass Knuckle Films is a joint venture between Rodriguez and Alexis Garcia’s action film label CAT5. The two will operate it together along with Kevin Dartt, Rodriguez’s long-time executive and business manager of Troublemaker Studios. Garcia founded CAT5 last year as a former agent at WME and Head of Film at Fifth Season. CAT5’s first movie, A Working Man, stars Jason Statham, is directed by David Ayer, and is set to release theatrically on March 28, 2025.
