In the adrenaline-fueled world of motorcycle racing, one fast move can mean the difference between victory and defeat, life and death. Kelly Blatz’s latest film, One Fast Move, captures this high-stakes environment while delving deep into the complex relationships of its characters. Slated for release on August 8th, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video, this action-drama is already generating buzz for its compelling storytelling and stellar cast. This blog post explores the journey of creating One Fast Move and the passion that fueled its making.

A Story Born from Passion

Kelly Blatz, an acclaimed American director, actor, and screenwriter, is the creative force behind One Fast Move. Known for his work on Senior Love Triangle, Blatz has always had a knack for storytelling that resonates on a deeply emotional level. His journey into the world of motorcycle racing began in an unexpected place—Cambodia. During a trip in 2016, Blatz found himself riding scooters and experiencing an almost spiritual connection to two-wheeled life. “I was riding scooters over there, and, for some reason, it just felt like the most natural thing in the world to be on two wheels,” he recalls.

Upon returning home, Blatz wasted no time in booking his motorcycle license test and purchasing a Triumph Street Twin. This newfound passion for motorcycles, combined with a long-standing interest in father-son dynamics, laid the groundwork for what would become One Fast Move. “I was always intrigued by the world of motorcycle racing – the danger and the excitement. I just loved the characters that world was filled with – the grittiness and, most importantly, their passion for the sport,” Blatz explains.

Crafting the Script

The idea for One Fast Move had been simmering in Blatz’s mind for years. He began outlining the story in 2017, inspired by great sports dramas like Rocky, The Fighter, and The Wrestler. These films, grounded in family dramas but set in specific worlds, provided a template for Blatz. He envisioned a father-son story set in the motorcycle racing realm, one that wouldn’t feel like two disparate narratives but a cohesive tale of passion and relationships.

With the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020, Blatz used the downtime to craft his script. He titled the story One Fast Move, borrowing a line from Jack Kerouac’s “Big Sur” – “One fast move, and I’m gone.” This title perfectly encapsulated the essence of motorcycle racing and the lives of those who partake in it.

Blatz’s dedication to authenticity led him to shadow older racers on the Club Circuit, absorbing their language, terminology, and culture. “I would just pick up on the stuff he would say to me,” Blatz recalls. This immersion into the racing world ensured that the script would resonate with real racers and enthusiasts alike.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Filming for One Fast Move took place in Atlanta from the last week of June to the last week of July 2022. Despite having only directed one feature film before, Blatz’s experience in the industry allowed him to assemble a skilled team of creatives. “This was a much bigger scale, but it didn’t change the process,” he says. The result is a tight, well-crafted, and exciting film that promises to captivate audiences.

Blatz’s years in front of the camera also influenced his directorial approach. He aimed to create an environment where actors felt free to fully inhabit their characters. “It’s not about telling them what they should do. It’s more about creating that trust naturally,” Blatz explains. This approach paid off, as the cast, including K.J. Apa, Eric Dane, Maia Reficco, and Edward James Olmos, deliver performances that are both authentic and deeply moving.

The Heart of the Film

At its core, One Fast Move is a story about relationships—between father and son, mentors and protégés, and even between lovers. Wes Neal, played by K.J. Apa, is a young man with a passion for speed. After being kicked out of the military for motorcycle drag racing, Wes seeks out his estranged father, Dean Miller (Eric Dane), a former motorcycle racing champion, to be his coach. This decision sets off a chain of events that test and strain every relationship in Wes’s life.

Dean’s intense pressure on Wes to be the best creates fresh wounds on old scars, putting a strain on their father-son bond. Wes also meets a local waitress (Maia Reficco), who becomes another pivotal figure in his life. As Wes navigates these complex relationships, he must decide what he truly wants for his future and what he is willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

Capturing the Thrill of Racing

One of the most challenging aspects of making One Fast Move was capturing the thrill and danger of motorcycle racing. Blatz and his team knew that the racing scenes had to be portrayed in a way that real racers would appreciate and believe. With the help of skilled stunt coordinators and a dedicated crew, they achieved this goal, creating racing sequences that are both exhilarating and authentic.

Conclusion

One Fast Move is more than just a film about motorcycle racing; it’s a story about passion, relationships, and the sacrifices we make for the things we love. Kelly Blatz’s dedication to authenticity and his deep understanding of the human condition make this film a must-watch. As we await its release on August 8th, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video, one thing is clear: One Fast Move is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.