An interesting show this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at two very different films and filmmakers, thanks to producer/actor Johnny Danks talking about his new film, SHAKEY GROUNDS, the first one produced under the banner of his company Dank Productions, and director/editor VINCENT GRASHAW discussing the emotionally powerful character study BANG BANG.

First up, Johnny Danks and SHAKEY GROUNDS. What began as a short film about coffee and a coffee shop, after 15 years, morphed into the feature film we have today, SHAKEY GROUNDS, which is not about coffee, but a film that features grunge music and captures Seattle's 1990s vibe.

SHAKEY GROUNDS is the story of a troubled musician and his band as they navigate personal demons and a shot at redemption with a disgraced record executive. After multiple obstacles, they rise together, finding purpose in their music and each other.

Switching gears, we move into the world of boxing with BANG BANG, an exquisite character study courtesy of director and editor VINCENT GRASHAW. I love this film and every element of the storytelling.

In BANG BANG, retired boxer Bernard "Bang Bang" Rozyski finds a renewed sense of purpose when he reconnects with his estranged grandson and begins training him in the very sport that destroyed his life. As the bond between them grows, questions arise about Bang Bang's true motivations – including from an old flame who witnessed his explosive rise in the 1980s and his bitter rivalry with her cousin, now a formidable political figure and Detroit mayoral candidate, Darnell Washington. Is Bang Bang simply passing down his anger, or is there real redemption in his mentorship?

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