Inside The Workout: James Cullen Bressack and Cast Bring Found-Footage Chaos to Indie Action
- Travis Brown
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
HMU EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: James Cullen Bressack and the Cast of The Workout Talk Chaos, Brotherhood, and Found-Footage Fury
When it comes to redefining action in the independent space, James Cullen Bressack has always played by his own rules. Known for his prolific streak in genre filmmaking, the director returns with The Workout — a bold hybrid of raw found-footage energy and bruising, emotionally charged storytelling. Following its Fantastic Fest debut, The Workout hits Los Angeles this week for its official theatrical premiere.
The film follows Wyatt Park (Peter Jae), a former Army Ranger whose life spirals into violence and grief after tragedy strikes his family. Alongside his brother-in-law Levi (Josh Kelly) and their fearsome ally Tank (Ashlee Evans-Smith), Wyatt’s descent unfolds through a web of body cams, surveillance feeds, and social media streams — creating a frantic, immersive experience that pushes both emotion and action to their limits.
We caught up with Bressack and his crew — co-writer David Lawrence, stars Peter Jae, Josh Kelly, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Augie Duke, and the rest of the team — to break down how The Workout came to life.
“We wanted to break bones and break hearts.” — James Cullen Bressack
For Bressack, The Workout marks a return to his roots in visceral, hands-on filmmaking. “David [Lawrence] and I wanted the film not only to break some bones, but also break some hearts,” he says. “If you’re rooted in this character’s journey, you’ll follow him anywhere. When the violence is grounded in something real, you feel every hit.”
Co-writer David Lawrence adds, “We focused on heart and motivation. The big question for us was why there’s a camera. We didn’t want audiences asking, ‘Why are they still filming?’ We built that justification into the story so the found-footage aspect would always feel authentic.”
“I did every stunt myself.” — Peter Jae
For lead actor Peter Jae, The Workout was both a physical and emotional gauntlet. “When James and David asked me to lead this, I was shocked. I’ve been in the business for over twenty years, but never had that opportunity,” Jae says. “It was personal for me. I dove in completely — every bruise, every hit, every tear. I did every stunt myself. It was wild, but it felt right.”
Josh Kelly Brings Army Ranger Realism
A former Army Ranger himself, Josh Kelly brought authenticity to the film’s military tone. “There’s this brotherhood that comes with that background — that Fast & Furious type loyalty,” Kelly says. “Levi’s torn between family, duty, and guilt. I wanted that weight to show. And when it came to gun work and movement, I was happy to help the cast get the details right.”
Ashlee Evans-Smith Channels Warrior Energy
MMA fighter–turned–actor Ashlee Evans-Smith transforms into “Tank,” the group’s fearless and explosive ally. “The physicality was my favorite part,” Evans-Smith says. “In MMA, you’re trying to hurt your opponent. In film, you have to unlearn that instinct. Safety comes first, but when it’s time to go, you go. Tank’s tough, but she’s got heart — loyal to her brothers and calm in the chaos.”
Director Bressack recalls her energy on set: “Ashlee would flip a switch instantly. One moment she’s joking, the next she’s in full Ranger mode. Watching her and Josh work through tactical movement together was incredible.”
Augie Duke Embraces the Madness
For Augie Duke, playing Monroe was pure chaos in motion. “James called and gave me two choices: the doctor or the prostitute,” Duke laughs. “I said, ‘Prostitute.’ Then David read the scene, and I was like, why am I even here? He should play Monroe! But honestly, it was a blast. This film has so much heart — working with friends, doing something wild. I’m all in for the next one.”
“Go make a movie with your friends.”
Co-writer David Lawrence sums up the spirit behind The Workout: “James put out a message saying, ‘I want to make a movie. Who’s in?’ Everyone showed up. That’s the heart of indie filmmaking — creating something raw with people you trust.”
Bressack agrees. “We did this during the strike, during downtime, with our friends. Every person on set — from crew to cast — made this film what it is. I hope people see that love on screen.”
The Takeaway
The Workout isn’t just an indie action film — it’s proof that creativity and camaraderie can still punch harder than any studio budget. With found-footage fury, DIY muscle, and genuine heart, Bressack and his cast have built something personal, chaotic, and unforgettable.
The Workout is now making its Los Angeles premiere at The Sin Lounge and Alamo Drafthouse, both sold out within days.