Beverly Hills Film Festival - John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs
Discover the unknown legend behind “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid” in this official biography about a prolific filmmaker who directed seven actors to Academy Award nominations and earned his own Oscar for Best Director.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Derek Wayne Johnson
Watch John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs on Tubi, Vudu, Kanopy, iTunes and Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I’ve been a fan of John Avildsen and his movies since I was a child. “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid” are my two favorite films of all time and I felt that John never got enough recognition for his contribution to cinema (besides the Best Director Oscar for “Rocky”, of course). I wanted to shine some light on my filmmaking influence and his masterpieces.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
For some, it will be nostalgic. For others, educational. To see how these classic films came together from the man who made them and the impact they still make on the world is intriguing. Listening to Sylvester Stallone, Ralph Macchio, Martin Scorsese, Burt Reynolds, Jerry Weintraub, Talia Shire and so many others discuss working with John is both fascinating and inspiring.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Our film highlights John Avildsen’s so-called “underdog” films and how relatable the underdog story is to everyone. We all feel like the underdog from time to time. John’s films celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and we’d like to think that our documentary does, too.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
We worked hard on this documentary for the last three years. Once we had a rough cut to show John about a year into production, he really opened up to us and knew he could trust our vision. He then opened up his vault of behind the scenes footage, rehearsals, auditions, home movies and photos that he wanted us to include. Being the stubborn filmmaker that he is, he gave hundreds of notes until we got it just right. I’m proud to say that he is extremely happy with the end result.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from audiences, fans, critics, festivals, etc. Everyone who has seen the film seems to really like it. The Hollywood Reporter gave us a good review as did Leonard Maltin (who also appears in the film) from Entertainment Tonight and Turner Classic Movies. The great reviews from the festival circuit keep piling on and we are thrilled at the response we are getting.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Honestly, I am extremely thankful for the positive feedback because I knew I had to make John and his millions of fans happy. I think we accomplished that.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
My team and I want to make sure audiences get a chance to see this film when it’s released. But before that, we want them to have a chance to catch the film at festivals and stay up to date on social media as the journey of this movie progresses. We also want aspiring filmmakers to see that hard work, determination and a little bit of luck can make a difference in Hollywood. John Avildsen proved that and gave my team and I a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We don’t have a distribution deal in place as of yet, so buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, critics and of course fan’s of John Avildsen’s films peak our interest! Film buffs and filmmakers, too!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’d like to see this documentary put John Avildsen back on the map and hopefully back in the director’s chair. He hasn’t been behind the camera in nearly two decades and I think it’s time to awake this sleeping giant for one more “stand up and cheer” film.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Who directed “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid”? Nobody ever gets that answer right. Now they will!
Would you like to add anything else?
One day at lunch I asked John what it feels like to know that his movies have influenced the world. He called a waiter over and said, "Excuse me, I have a question for ya. What do you think of when you hear wax on, wax off?” The waiter smiled and replied, "Is that a trick question? The Karate Kid, of course." John grinned and thanked the waiter for his time. He turned to me and said, "I can go anywhere in the world and ask that question and every time they immediately know where that line comes from. They may not know who I am, but the fact that they know and love my films makes me very happy."
Getting to know John over the last several years I have come to realize just how important his mark on the world of cinema is and how equally unknown he is to the general public. To this fact Avildsen admits, "My lack of name recognition is the result of me never paying a publicist a lot of money to get my name in print. I thought the few people who can hire me already know my name. Probably a mistake." It’s time for the world to discover the unknown legend behind their favorite movies.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently, my team and I are working on two other documentaries simultaneously. “40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic” featuring Sylvester Stallone, and a documentary about his brother Frank Stallone entitled “STALLONE: Frank, That Is”. I’m also busy writing a narrative feature film to be produced next year. Great things are happening thanks to “John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs!”
Interview: April 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs
Discover the unknown legend behind “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid” in this official biography about a prolific filmmaker who directed seven actors to Academy Award nominations and earned his own Oscar for Best Director.
Length:
78 minutes
Director:
Derek Wayne Johnson
Producer:
Derek Wayne Johnson, Chris May, Emmett James
Writer:
Derek Wayne Johnson
About the writer, director and producer:
Derek Wayne Johnson (Director/Writer/Producer) is an award winning director/writer/producer who got his start in the film business in Texas and Louisiana and is now located in Hollywood, CA.
Chris May (Producer) is a freelance film producer who has worked on numerous feature films, commercials and industrials in both Texas and California.
Emmett James (Producer), originally from London, England, is a producer/actor and Head of Print and a Partner at BPG Advertising in Los Angeles, CA.
Key cast:
Sylvester Stallone, Ralph Macchio, Martin Scorsese, Burt Reynolds, Jerry Weintraub, Talia Shire, John G. Avildsen and many more.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists.
Social media handles:
Facebook:
facebook.com/JohnGAvildsenUnderdog
Twitter:
@JGAunderdog
Instagram:
@JGAunderdog
Other:
Funders:
Executive Producers - James Adamitis, Jodie and Will Boyczuk, Chris and Sara Collier, Bernard Dalichau, James Hussey and our amazing Kickstarter donors
Made in association with:
Where can I see it in the next month?
Beverly Hills Film Festival Saturday, April 29th and at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase (IFS Film Festival) on Sunday, May 7th.