Movies are one of the most powerful tools we have. Where else do we come together to experience the primal power and pleasure of storytelling? Where else, but the moving images that travel the globe?
American Bravado is a Brooklyn-based independent film production company — we're exclusively geared toward thought-provoking stories. We develop, write, and produce original material — all in-house. Together, we are a tight union of creative and business minds. In this business, you usually find one or the other, but it's rare to find a unit that can hold those two attributes in balance. What other production companies do with a staff of twenty plus, we do with three producers, our agents, and lawyers who only get paid once our projects reach distribution.
Our strategy is simple; We are a small, low overhead outfit with an excellent pedigree in film and production education. AB builds value for its financiers, has an established track record of success. We’ll continue to execute our business and creative objectives as we evolve into larger productions.
The Team
Creative Executive
Travis Burgess
Travis is a Brooklyn-based producer and screenwriter. He's produced award-winning feature films, documentaries, commercials, and an animated web series. Travis was the associate producer on Death Metal Angola, which first gained attention when it screened at DOC NYC. The Huffington Post called it a "must-watch film" and "a cult-classic in the making." IndieWIRE's film critic Matt Mueller stated, "It’s absorbing… beautifully shot documentary." The Vladar Company acquired the film, and it had a theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles. Travis went on to Co-Produce, The Preppie Connection, starring Thomas Mann and directed by Joseph Castelo; IFC Films released the film in theaters in 2016. Travis has worked with major brands and shows such as CBS, Sony, Girl Scouts, For Dummies, DKNY, Cheerios, Rachael Ray, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tyra Banks. Travis was a producer for CliffsNotes Films, an interactive series of animated short films based on the CliffsNotes study guides—Mark Burnett produced the series. CliffsNotes received nominations for Best Animated Web Series, and Best Interactive Social Media Experience at IAWTV Awards, and Best Branded Entertainment at The Streamy's.
Producer
Mike Brown
Michael is an ADDY award-winning commercial director and producer. He has over twelve years of experience and has built brand campaigns with clients such as Merrell, Hush Puppy, Hersey's, PepsiCo, Spartan Motors, and the cities of Savannah, GA, and South Haven, MI. His American Advertising Federation awards include 'best cinematography,' 'best editing,' and 'best of the show.' Previously, Michael was the camera operator on the feature film, 'When Icarus Fell' and camera operator on the series 'The Adventures of Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Treasure' and 'Perks.' Michael is a member of the Los Angeles chapter of Filmshop, a nonprofit collective of independent filmmakers committed to developing new work through peer support and collaboration. Michael studied film production with an emphasis on directing at Cornerstone University.
Screenwriter / Producer
J. MAnuel
J. Manuel is a novelist and screenwriter. His works include the Jake Slade military thriller series of novels and the upcoming novels The Review and The Preserve. He is currently writing and developing a television series based on the Jake Slade novels. In addition to his work, he is co-writing and editing several feature-length screenplays. Jorge is a Marine Corps veteran having served as an infantryman in Iraq. His experiences on the Shatt al-Arab river provide the framework for the Jake Slade Series. He used his G.I. Bill to pay for college and law school. He has practiced law both as a scrappy, city litigator and corporate paper pusher. His upcoming legal thriller, The Review, marks his first foray into the genre.
Producer / Cinematographer
DAN MARTINEZ
Daniel is a cinematographer specializing in commercial, corporate, non-profit documentary, and narrative video production. He has worked on campaigns for brands such as Under Armour, Merrell, Hush Puppies, McCormick Gourmet, Kwikset, Sagamore Distillery, and dozens more. Daniel's video work for the 20liters Organization is genuinely stunning and inspirational. Daniel has a Bachelor of Arts in Video Productions from Cornerstone University.