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Gladiator Challenge Featured in New MMA Flick

“NEVER SURRENDER,” an exciting new MMA feature film, showcases Gladiator Challenge and its trademark yellow-themed cage. “Crossfire,” GC’s October 2008 event, was the site of some of the filming, and I recently spoke with the Executive Producer of the film, veteran movie impresario Stan Wertlieb, about the movie and its connection to Gladiator Challenge. It was a very enlightening chat, and helped take us behind the scenes of “NEVER SURRENDER.”

Phil Lanides: You have been a part of the action movie business for over twenty years, through various roles including actor and producer. Where does “Never Surrender” rank on your list of favorite projects?
Stan Wertlieb: I am a huge MMA fan, and have been for years. So this was truly a major highlight, and "NEVER SURRENDER" ranks at the top of my list of movie experiences. I am also looking forward to screening a rough cut of our next MMA feature, "DEATH WARRIOR."

PL: Do you have a martial arts background?
SW: I've had no training whatsoever, but I've been a fan since the early days of Karate/martial arts films featuring Sonny Chiba and Bruce Lee. MMA put a whole new spin on the martial arts, and brought all the forms of martial arts to the forefront. Now, I train in boxing 2-3 days a week...but I'm an old dude. MMA keeps my spirit young...

PL: As you said earlier, you have been an MMA fan for years. How into the sport were you? What are your feelings on the evolution of MMA?
SW: I consider myself to be truly one of the early fans of MMA, as I was watching UFC events when they were being moved from venue to venue due to legal issues. My friends thought I was nuts for being obsessed with this "underground sport." Looking back now, I love how the sport has evolved, and I love turning people on to what to the sport that is stealing the spotlight within the world of sports. Once you watch MMA...you become a fan. I can't get enough of it!

PL: Some of the biggest names in MMA star in this movie, including UFC Welterweight Champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre, UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson “Spider” Silva, UFC Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn, former UFC Light Heavyweight (and Gladiator Challenge) Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and longtime MMA veteran “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring. What was it like working with them?
SW: I’m going to sound like a bit of a wuss here, but it was a dream come true! All of these guys in one film? Insane! They were all great, positive guys, true warriors in every sense of the word.

PL: Did they teach you any MMA moves?
SW: No, I was a happy spectator on the side, watching these athletes do their thing.

PL: GSP (St. Pierre) and Penn have fought twice, and are now embroiled in a feud or sorts. Was there any hint of that on the set?
SW: Absolutely not, because they were on different shooting schedules.

PL: Did the action ever get too real on the set?
SW: Not for me! The bottom line is that the action came out great, and the fights were overwhelmingly realistic.

PL: MMA has become the fastest-growing sport in the world, and as a result, a stream of MMA-themed movies have begun to inundate the movie masses. What sets “NEVER SURRENDER” apart from these other films?
SW: I have seen most of the films that have been released, and some that are looking for distribution. I think we were smart in how we utilized the fighters in the movie, and I don't think that any of those other films have the level of fighters that we have in "NEVER SURRENDER." We made sure that there are plenty of great fights, plenty of beautiful women, and plenty of rockin' music to keep things moving.

PL: "NEVER SURRENDER" was partially filmed at a Gladiator Challenge event. What was that like?
SW: Regretfully, I was not there for the filming, but the production team thought it was a great experience, and the GC team was extremely helpful.

PL: How much of an impact did that event have on the movie?
SW: The Gladiator Challenge backdrop gave the movie a sense of reality that I know the fans will greatly appreciate. It looked fantastic! I'd like to take this opportunity to express a huge "THANK YOU" to Tedd Williams and his entire team. We are very, very grateful!

PL: Do you have any funny stories or anecdotes to share from the set?
SW: None that can be put in print...

PL: You mentioned the forthcoming "DEATH WARRIOR" film. Do you have any other plans for more MMA-related films?
SW: WE have a series of these films planned. MMA is in our hearts and souls!

PL: Tell us a little about "DEATH WARRIOR."
SW: “DEATH WARRIOR” was shot in Toronto, and is in post-production now. It features Rashad Evans, Georges St. Pierre, "Rampage" Jackson, and "The Dean of Mean" Keith Jardine.

PL: Let’s play word association. Respond with the first thing that comes to your mind...
o Georges St. Pierre: THE ULTIMATE
o “Rampage” Jackson: POPS ON SCREEN
o Heath Herring: ENGAGING ACTOR
o Anderson Silva: FOCUSED
o B.J. Penn: CHARISMATIC
o Steven Segal: DIET
o Jean-Claude Van Damme: JCVD
o “Never Surrender”: PROUD OF IT!!!

PL: Thank you for your time, Stan. This was very interesting, and...educational. Do you have any parting words for Gladiator Challenge fans?
SW: "NEVER SURRENDER" was made for the fans, so I hope you'll all get your hands on a copy. Enjoy, and keep supporting MMA!