MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

 Each year, our ROCKY MOUNTAIN STUNTS/WARRIOR QUEST team members have the exclusive opportunity to put their hard-earned skills to the test in our premier event, the INDIE FILM EXPERIENCE (IFX). This dynamic mentorship program provides a unique, cost-effective pathway for aspiring stunt performers to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of action filmmaking.

 Before we delve into the IFX Indie Film Experience, it's important to understand why it was created. Film innovator Mark Steven Grove has worked at stunt schools, film schools, art schools, and with the Screen Actors Guild Conservatory, where he has served as a professor, instructor, and program director. It's because of these teaching endeavors combined with his real-world filmmaking and film distribution experience that he realized what is taught in these scholastic settings is good, but the inflated costs involved, and the lack of real on-set experience don't always lead to an actual career in the film and television industry. Let's take a look at some examples of the costs involved for those who want a career in film -

 The AFX Action Film Experience is an innovative way to train skills with the benefit of being able to apply them on micro-budget film sets. Built around hands-on, practical training on the sets of in-house produced independent films, this program offers several key advantages. Mentees gain authentic on-set experience that producers and directors value more than a degree, and as they train, mentees will also be acting in or helping to create real film content, providing them with professional-grade footage for their reel. Most importantly, mentees in our program earn credits on films that are released globally, boosting their resume and enhancing their employability. 

 It must be noted that, while the IFX Indie Film Experience, like more expensive training options, does not guarantee an ongoing career, it does offer a significant advantage. For a small fraction of the cost, IFX puts people on-set on a real project that will have real-world distribution - an aspect that none of the other training options provide. This hands-on experience, combined with the opportunity to build a professional reel and earn globally recognized credits, provides a practical and cost-effective pathway into the film industry. 

It's simple, on our films, the mentees are the cast, they are the crew, and they will delve into the world of independent film where they will face all the hardships associated with creating a project. They will also be tempered by the experiences, gaining knowledge, insight, and the thrill of completing an objective that will lead to a professional feature film that will be distributed globally, giving them credits, footage, and perspective. Films will be made under the banner of FUSION FACTORY FILMS, an independent production company focused on creating innovative cross-genre films utilizing Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Martial Arts, and Horror elements. 

The term "Jack of all Trades" is often followed by "Master of none", but in today's entertainment industry it is good to have a diverse set of talents. This means that beyond their stunt training we use our mentees to help with many aspects of the filmmaking process. Practical effects, prop making, special effects makeup, set building, wardrobe, lighting, sound... our mentees will be doing the work, and our mentees will reap the rewards of the overall process. 

 In layman's terms, to be brutally clear, "Jack of all Trades" means everyone who is present on an AFX set may be asked to do something they may think is not "their job" because they are there as an actor, a makeup artist, or a production assistant. But there is no such thing as one hat on a micro-budget film. Everyone is on deck and ready to do anything that is needed at any time. This is how one earns the "Jack of all Trades" moniker. 

The phrase "All Hands on Deck" means that every mentee and instructor on the crew must be ready at a moment's notice. In micro-budget filmmaking, this approach is vital. With limited resources and tight schedules, the ability to adapt and perform various roles can make the difference between a project's success and failure.

On a micro-budget film set, the spirit of "All Hands on Deck" fosters a collaborative and resourceful environment where creativity thrives. Every team member's willingness to step outside their primary role and support the project in diverse ways not only enhances their skill set but also strengthens the overall production. This camaraderie and shared purpose drive the project forward, ensuring that despite budget constraints, the film achieves a level of quality and professionalism that stands out in the industry.

Our mentees come from the Rocky Mountain Stunts / Warrior Quest training program, which costs $2400.00 a year, or $200 a month. Our program is year-round, and only those with pristine attendance and commitment are asked to be part of our productions. The AFX Action Film Experience process typically takes place from May to August and includes the development, pre-production, and production phases of our mentorship program. Although this process involves a great deal of elevated training, there are no additional training fees. 

However, because a micro-budget film is, well... micro, all involved need to understand that there is an extra "time" commitment involved outside of normal scheduled class times from May to August where everyone is needed to help create much of the content that will be seen in the film. This is where mentees learn skills in wardrobe creation, set design, prop-making, practical effects, and special fx makeup skills that will add to their repertoire of knowledge.

  The IFX Program does not cover any travel, lodging, or additional food expenses beyond what is provided on set. Mentees should be prepared to cover their own personal costs during the filming process. We believe this approach is more cost-effective for the mentees rather than charging a set premium to participate in the IFX Program to cover these expenses. The IFX Program will always offer guidance to help mentees plan for each shoot.

 While many in the industry argue that performers and crew should not have to spend their own money when creating a project, the hard reality is that this situation is no different than being responsible for these expenses during college or any other training program. Colleges don't cover your gas, lodging, food, or any other personal expenses. Every individual is tasked with managing their survival while enrolled in training. The IFX Indie Film Experience operates under the same principle. These costs should be viewed as an investment in oneself. By committing to these expenses, participants are investing in their future careers. The real-world experience gained, the professional network built, and the practical skills developed are invaluable assets that significantly enhance employability and career prospects in the film industry.

Our projects are meticulously crafted around the unique talents and skills of our team members. Typically, scripts are tailored to highlight the strengths of our current troupe. As the producer and director, Mr. Grove finds inspiration within the team, developing and writing the initial draft screenplay based on the available talent.

Dedicated students, committed to their training and driven to excel, are then cast in appropriate roles. The development and writing process is dynamic, evolving continuously until a comprehensive and compelling project emerges.

Additionally, individuals with secondary skills are given opportunities to grow by working under the guidance of our division heads in areas such as wardrobe, practical effects, and props. These members assist wherever they are needed, gaining invaluable experience and contributing to the overall success of the production.

This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of our projects but also fosters a nurturing environment where every member can develop their craft and expand their professional capabilities.

 Creating a micro-budget film, especially with a mentee cast and crew, presents numerous challenges and stressors. Crew members often juggle multiple roles, leading to frequent shifts in responsibilities and a steep learning curve. Limited sleep becomes the norm, as tight schedules demand long hours, leaving little time for rest.

Unforeseen issues, such as equipment failures, location changes, and last-minute script revisions, add to the stress. With a conservative budget, resources are scarce, meaning there's little room for error or additional expenses. Every setback requires creative problem-solving, often on the fly.

Additionally, the inexperience of a mentee cast and crew can slow down production, necessitating extra time for training and guidance. Balancing mentorship with the need to stay on schedule and within budget further complicates the process. 

There is no getting around the fact that shooting a micro-budget film is like war in the trenches, where you work together to survive. This relentless environment demands perseverance, collaboration, and resourcefulness from everyone involved. Only the strong survive is not an understatement.

Micro-budget means exactly that—micro. There should be no mistaking these are not Hollywood productions with the comforts and luxuries often associated with large-scale projects. Micro-budget films operate under tight financial constraints, demanding resourcefulness and adaptability from everyone involved. This means limited resources and a lack of amenities such as catered meals or trailers. Instead, the focus is on creativity, collaboration, and embracing the challenging micro-budget ethos. 

A common term in the industry is to "MacGyver" something, inspired by the 80s TV show about a character who uses his ingenuity and encyclopedic knowledge of science to get out of predicaments and defeat the "bad guys" in every episode. This same mentality is central to micro-budget filmmaking. Filmmakers often have to think on their feet, using whatever materials and resources they have at hand to solve problems and achieve their vision. This resourcefulness is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about discovering new creative possibilities and solutions. 

In other collaborative filmmaking endeavors, such as the popular 48-hour film competitions, teams are tasked with writing, shooting, editing, and producing a 4-to-7-minute film within a 48-hour window. Each team pays an entrance fee of $150-$200 plus a $35-$50 administrative fee. This wild, sleepless, yet creative competition awards a trophy to the winner and provides an opportunity for participants to connect with other artists. No one is paid to work on these films, and all expenses for creating the content are the responsibility of the entrants. Beyond bragging rights, the real-world rewards of making these films are limited.

 The IFX Program is essentially built on the same dynamic but on a larger scale. It transforms into a 150–180-hour project over 15 days, creating 6-7 minutes of film each day to produce a 90–105-minute feature. The difference is that a feature film offers far greater notoriety, worldwide marketability, professional credits, and more elaborate footage for participants' reels. So, like a 48-hour competition, the AFX Program fosters creativity and collaboration but with a more lucrative goal beyond the thrill of making a short film that will be seen by a limited audience. 

 The films produced through the IFX Indie Film Experience are indeed designed to make money, but not in the traditional sense. If there is an investor, we have a plan in place to return their money plus a small percentage through our "Profit Participation" agreement. Our ultimate goal is to take the greater portion of any funds generated by the film and reinvest them into future AFX projects. This approach ensures that we can continuously support and improve our mentorship program, maintaining its integrity and providing ongoing opportunities for our participants to learn and grow in the industry.

This strategy elevates the profile of everyone involved, opening doors to further opportunities and success. In essence, IFX is a brand synonymous with excellence, creativity, and professional growth. Our commitment to reinvesting profits ensures a sustainable model that benefits both current and future participants, fostering an environment where emerging filmmakers can thrive and continuously hone their craft. This cycle of reinvestment and growth cements IFX's role as a leader in nurturing and showcasing new talent in the film industry.

What's most important to us, is that our mentees are fully aware of the numerous loopholes, pitfalls, and dead ends within the industry. For many aspiring stunt performers, there is a common dynamic where, before they have marketable skills, they fantasize about working on blockbuster movies, making lots of money, traveling to exotic locations, and having a job that doesn’t feel like work. Unfortunately, this mindset is misguided. Wanting it is very different from earning it. You have to put in the time, learn the skills, build your marketing materials, and then, if you are lucky (which means prepared) a career changing job will arise and you will be ready to seize it. Then you will be on your way. But wait... you mean these jobs aren't permanent? After you are done with one you have to hustle for another?

The fact is, when you are working, there is no better feeling. This is especially true on bigger budget films, where there is a feeling euphoria. But when the film ends, that feeling often ends with it. Every stunt professional I have ever met has had what is called a dry spell, a period of weeks, months, or even years where work is scarce. This means that in order to survive in this business, you need to be armed with the knowledge of the hardships involved. If you can accept this factor, then you may have what it takes to face the uphill battle to success.

 Gig work, whether for union or independent productions, is characterized by short-term, flexible jobs rather than traditional full-time employment. 

Gig workers often face fluctuating income based on the availability of gigs and market demand, making budgeting and future planning difficult. They typically do not receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave, requiring them to manage and fund these independently, which can be costly.

With most gigs being temporary and contract-based, workers constantly need to search for new opportunities to maintain a steady income. This ongoing job hunt can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, gig workers are often classified as independent contractors, limiting their rights and protections under labor laws, such as minimum wage guarantees, and overtime pay.

The flexibility of gig work often blurs the lines between personal and professional life, leading to burnout and difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The highly competitive nature of the gig economy can drive down rates, further reducing take-home pay. 

Gig workers must also handle their taxes, including self-employment tax, requiring careful financial planning. Some gig roles offer limited opportunities for skill development and career progression, making it harder to advance. Lastly, gig workers rely heavily on client reviews, with negative feedback significantly impacting their ability to secure future work.

 As your mentors, it's our duty to highlight the challenges you'll face, helping determine if you have the discipline and fortitude to pursue a career in stunts. In my philosophy, true growth comes from embracing challenges head-on and using them as opportunities to develop resilience and skills. This mindset is crucial for anyone serious about making it in the demanding world of stunt performance. 

 Consider gig work like being Batman. When the bat signal lights up the sky, you have to be ready to act immediately. This signal represents a potential job opportunity, and you need to be the first on the scene to make your presence known. In your utility belt, you must carry essential tools: a current, professional headshot, a well-thought-out resume, and a demo reel that showcases your skills in action. These items are your primary weapons in securing gigs and standing out to casting directors and stunt coordinators. 

 But to truly stand out, you need more than just the basics. You should have surprises in your arsenal that make you appear as the most qualified candidate for the job, making you the obvious choice. Whether it's unique skills, innovative techniques, or a distinct style, these elements will set you apart in the competitive world of the gig economy. 

Additionally, maintaining a network of industry contacts and continually honing your craft will further enhance your reputation. By being prepared and proactive, you can turn every opportunity into a steppingstone for success, navigating the complexities of the industry with confidence and determination. 

 The ultimate aim for each individual is to advance their career to new heights. The majority of members from the Rocky Mountain Stunts team and the Warrior Quest training program have chosen Colorado as their home base while they diligently pursue their professional aspirations. Here, they meticulously craft their marketing materials and actively submit them to projects nationwide.

As their careers progress, some members decide to relocate to different states to seize new opportunities. Regardless of where their paths may lead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to support and nurture our family. We provide unwavering encouragement and assistance, ensuring that our members have the resources and backing they need to thrive creatively and professionally. Our network is a lifelong community, dedicated to the success and well-being of every individual, no matter where their journey takes them.