Kelly Blatz directs “One Fast Move” with KJ Apa. Photo credit: Frank Masi.

Filmmaker Kelly Blatz chatted about writing and directing the action thriller “One Fast Move,” which premiered on Amazon Prime Video.

Working with the cast

The cast includes KJ Apa, Eric Dane, Maia Reficco, Edward James Olmos, Austin North and Adam Thomas Ziemba.

“Working with KJ, Eric, Maia and Edward was a dream,” he exclaimed. “They are all equally passionate about what they do and put everything into this film. For example, KJ spent a year learning to ride a motorcycle to prepare for this film,” said Blatz.

This film is about a down-on-his-luck young man, Wes Neal (KJ Apa), who seeks out his estranged father, Dean Miller (Eric Dane), to help him realize his dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer.

With the help of his small-town lover and the owner of a motorcycle shop who doubles as his mentor, he begins to break down the walls built by his father’s absence.

Inspiration for writing and directing this film

Speaking about what inspired him to write and direct this film, Blatz said, “Two things inspired me to write ‘One Fast Move.’ My love of motorcycles and how riding them has changed my life.”

“And secondly, there is my own transition from my mid-20s to my early 30s,” he said. “I felt a little lost and had so many questions about what it means to be a man in the modern world.”

“The character Dean represented one direction, the characters Camila and Abel represented another direction. For me it was about finding the balance between family, responsibility and pursuing my dream,” Blatz added.

Blatz about Adam Thomas Ziemba as Leo

Blatz also talked about working with Adam Thomas Ziemba, who plays young Leo. “Adam was so great,” he admitted.

“Adam was truly my dream choice for Leo. First of all, he looked so much like Maia. Secondly, he was so instinctive and spontaneous (like children do) and he did so well; I’m so proud of him,” exclaimed Blatz.

Lessons from this film and script

Regarding the lessons he learned from this film and script, he said, “I learned so much while making this film.”

“From a narrative perspective, I was exploring themes that I’ve struggled with in my own life, and making this film gave me so many answers,” he said.

“It’s also the first time I’ve done something this big and action-packed. I’ve worked with so many amazing and talented people and learned something from each of them. I’m very grateful,” he admitted.

The digital age

On life as a filmmaker in the digital age, Blatz said, “I don’t really think much about the way films are distributed.”

“Technology is constantly changing and I feel like I just have to focus on telling the best story I can,” he noted.

“Storytelling will always be a constant, no matter how it is distributed. I think streaming has opened up so many opportunities for filmmakers who otherwise wouldn’t have had a chance,” he explained.

Advice for young and aspiring filmmakers

For young and aspiring filmmakers, Blatz said, “My advice is just do, do, do. Do whatever you can to tell your stories. We live in a time where you can shoot and edit your film on your iPhone.”

“The tools are there, but focus on telling the best, most personal, most powerful story you can, and it will impact the people it’s meant to impact. Focus on your contribution, not what you can gain from it,” he said.

“When we tell stories, we are putting our personal point of view out into the world. Don’t focus on the result, focus on the doing, and then let go and move on to the next thing,” he added.

Success

Regarding his definition of the word success, Blatz said, “Success is expressing your truth. When you speak your truth and make it available to the world, you contribute to the good of humanity.”

“It doesn’t matter how many people see it, five people or five million. If you can influence even one person with your truth, that’s a success. It can be incredibly healing for everyone involved,” he explained.

“I think it’s a mistake to think about money, numbers or critics. It’s about expressing your truth as a contribution,” he added.

Final thoughts on “One Fast Move”

Addressing fans and viewers, Blatz said of “One Fast Move”: “I hope that ‘One Fast Move’ can inspire the people it is meant to inspire. I hope it has contributed to something good.”

“For me, it’s a story about healing, forgiveness and redemption. I hope it impacts people in a positive way, whatever that may look like for each individual,” he concluded.

To learn more about filmmaker Kelly Blatz, follow him on Instagram.