Film Fights With Friends
Film Fights With Friends
Film Fights with Friends is the premiere action filmmaking podcast and film festival. Join filmmaker stuntmen Paul Varacchi and Stephen Koepfer on a show that was nominated for Best TV/Film Podcast at the 2025 Podcast Awards and won the Dramatic Action Awards for the past 2 years running! In 2015 Paul and Steve founded Breakfall Studios, New York’s top action design studio. Get a view behind the camera as they sit with industry guests, break down cinematic fight scenes and action sequences, explore the filmmaking craft, and share their own filmmaking journeys. STEPHEN KOEPFER Stunt performer, filmmaker, renowned coach and martial artist. Stephen has stunt doubled for the likes of Jonanthan Banks, Eddie Marsan, Henry Winkler and Tom Hollander as well as performed stunts on productions including Ray Donovan, Caught Stealing, The Beast in Me and John Wick 2 & 3. As a filmmaker, he has produced and directed several narrative films and documentaries that reflect his passion for storytelling. PAUL VARACCHI Martial artist, stunt & motion capture performer, and celebrity chef. Paul has appeared in such shows as Daredevil, The Punisher, Walking Dead: Dead City and World Beyond, The Night Agent and Gotham. Behind the camera, Paul has many years of production involvement in roles ranging from PA to department head including extensive Health and Safety experience at Marvel and Disney. At the age of 8, Paul’s dad took him to see Robocop and the rest is history! ® Film Fights With Friends, LLC
June 21, 2024

004: There's No Escaping Hugh Fitzgerald

004: There's No Escaping Hugh Fitzgerald

Hugh Fitzgerald is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, BJJ Black Belt, and fight trainer at the legendary 87 Eleven Action Design and 87 North. Nearly 20 years ago, a struggling New York-based theater actor, Hugh, had a chance meeting with David Mamet that would literally change his life. That meeting opened doors he never could have imagined and paved the way for a transformative career in the film industry. His foray into this world was Mamet’s love story to BJJ and the Martial Arts—Redbelt—which ushered Hugh into a community of martial artists and filmmakers who would go on to become legends in the industry. We start this episode of Fights With Friends at the opening scene of Redbelt, which offers one of the earliest depictions of BJJ and grappling on the American screen. Sit back and get ready for a thoughtful, philosophical, and genuine discussion on martial arts, film, the struggles of working in the film business, and magic. Yes – Magic!

Guest

Hugh Fitzgerald – Red Belt (2008)


FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS



OUR SPONSORS

Metro Camera Cars


Stunt Contact


Tactical Black


Fight or Flight Entertainment


PRODUCERS

Executive Producers:

Stephen Koepfer

Paul Varacchi

Thiago Benedetti


Produced by:

Press Record Studios

-Matthew Kaplowitz

-Richard Butler

-Corey Gumbs

www.pressrecordstudios.com


Associate Producers:

Becca GT

Jared DiCroce


Video Editor

Matthew Kaplowitz


Original music by:

Ahrue Luster


Brought to you by Breakfall Studios