Filmmaker James Nunn chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his new film “One Last Shot,” as well as working with Scott Adkins and Dolph Lundgren.
Nunn is no stranger to high-octane action, and with “One Last Shot,” he returns for the third installment of an action trilogy that has continued to build a passionate fan base.
The synopsis is: Seasoned Navy SEAL Jake Harris (Scott Adkins) is called back into action when the world is threatened by disillusioned former comrade turned domestic terrorist, Elliot Carter (Steven Cree). With the Joint Chiefs of Staff held hostage in a nuclear bunker, time is running short before Carter extracts the nuclear codes and plunges the world into chaos.
To track down and prevent the mastermind from taking control of the U.S. missile defense network, Harris must lead his team into enemy territory against a brutal barrage of mercenaries, deadly traps, and a reckoning with his own checkered past.
It also stars Hannah Ware and Dolph Lundgren.
For Nunn, the latest chapter represents another opportunity to push himself creatively while reuniting with familiar faces both in front of and behind the camera.
The director has worked with action star Scott Adkins on five films now, and his admiration for his longtime collaborator remains clear.
“Scott is great,” Nunn exclaimed. “I’ve done five movies with him now, and he just gets better and better. His acting gets better, his fighting gets better. He’s great to be around.”
Nunn also had the opportunity to work with Dolph Lundgren, an actor whose career has made him an enduring figure in popular culture.
“Dolph’s great. What can I say? He’s an icon, right?” Nunn said. “He’s bigger than being an actor. He transcends acting, and he’s part of popular culture. It was amazing.”
The digital age
Having spent approximately 15 years making films, Nunn has witnessed considerable changes throughout the filmmaking landscape. Yet, in many ways, the transition to digital filmmaking doesn’t feel particularly revolutionary to him.
“We’ve always had digital cameras,” he explained. “We had them 15 years ago, so it doesn’t really feel different to me.”
However, Nunn recognizes that another major technological shift is already approaching, particularly with the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
“Obviously, there’s a new wave coming down the pipe with AI, so it will be interesting to see how things change,” he said.
The making of “One Last Shot” also challenged Nunn to continue developing his craft. As the third film in the trilogy, there was an expectation to elevate the storytelling and action.
“We try to push ourselves with these movies and how we make them,” he said. “We constantly try to up ourselves by putting in a more advanced plot, more advanced storytelling, more advanced camera moves, and more advanced stunts.”
For Nunn, that constant pursuit of improvement is part of what keeps filmmaking exciting.
“It’s always a challenge, and it feels like we’re just sharpening the spear,” he said.
Advice for Emerging Filmmakers
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring filmmakers, Nunn keeps it simple: make something.
“Do it. Make films, make stuff,” he said
He pointed to the accessibility of modern technology as an enormous opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers.
“It’s kind of never been easier to get hold of a camera and shoot something,” Nunn noted. “You don’t need to pay thousands and thousands of dollars for a camera anymore.”
Whether someone wants to write, direct, act, shoot, or work in production design, Nunn believes the best way to improve is through practice.
“Practice writing, practice shooting, practice directing, practice acting, practice art department—whatever skill you want to practice,” he said. “You can generally start to teach yourself.”
And filmmaking education doesn’t necessarily have to take place in a traditional classroom. Nunn encourages aspiring filmmakers to seek out online courses and, most importantly, keep experimenting.
“Even if you’re practicing at home with figurines or little toys,” he said.
The ability to distribute work has also changed dramatically. Platforms such as YouTube and social media give filmmakers ways to share their creations with audiences without needing traditional gatekeepers.
“So, my advice to young filmmakers is: make stuff, show your stuff, see if you like doing it, see if you’ve got the taste for it, see what other people think of it, generate an audience, and then just keep making bigger and better stuff,” Nunn said.
Hopefully, he noted that the journey can lead to a career, or simply something that brings joy.
“Daddy Daycare”
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Daddy Daycare.”
Away from filmmaking, Nunn is entering another important new chapter in his personal life.
With his second son due in just two weeks, he has a very appropriate title for the current chapter of his life.
“I guess the chapter is called ‘Daddy Daycare,’” he said with a laugh.
If Nunn could choose any superpower, however, it wouldn’t be something flashy. “Time,” he said. “I wish I could have more time.”
Getting the Band Back Together
One of Nunn’s favorite aspects of making “One Last Shot” was the opportunity to work with people he already knew and trusted.
“Working with friends,” he said. “It felt like getting the band back together.”
Through Sony, Signature, and Sky, Nunn and his collaborators have been able to build the trilogy with strong partners while bringing back many members of the same crew.
“We’ve been able to employ many of the same crew, so it really feels like family,” he said.
That sense of familiarity appears to have been one of the most rewarding elements of completing the trilogy.
Nunn isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He has already written two more movies this summer and hopes to begin shooting one of them in February.
As for what success means to him, his answer is refreshingly straightforward. “Success means happiness,” he said.
Message to the Fans
Nunn is particularly appreciative of the audience that has supported the trilogy and helped make subsequent installments possible.
“I’d like to really thank the fans,” he said. “Without the fans, we wouldn’t have been given movie number two or movie number three, so there really does seem to be a fan base for these.”
He also pays attention to the response to each film, using audience feedback as a way to think about how the movies can evolve.
“I read the reviews, and I smile. I listen to them, and between the movies, we’ve tried to listen and improve and do things that hopefully you guys want to see,” he said
That philosophy extends beyond One Last Shot and into his future work.
“For the rest of my career, I think about what I read and hopefully translate that into the future movies I make,” Nunn explains.
Ultimately, Nunn hopes audiences take one thing away from “One Last Shot.”
“I hope they get enjoyment,” he said. “Also, keep watching!”
“Please keep watching my movies. Please follow me. I’m @MrJamesNunn on Instagram,” he said. “Most of my announcements are on there. Please look out for them, and I appreciate all the feedback and welcome hearing what people think.”
For a filmmaker who continues to push himself, build lasting creative relationships, and sharpen his craft with every project, the next chapter already appears to be taking shape.
