The Bam Theory

Interview with Bear Frazer about "The Bam Theory," a film based on an MMA fighter

Envision learning about a mixed marital arts movie that was essentially the ‘Rocky’ movie of the MMA industry, would you be dying to see it? How about gaining the bragging rights of saying you were part of such a monumental film? That is exactly the opportunity that you are faced with when you dive into contributing to production of the MMA film, ‘The Bam Theory‘. One journalist with a vision and a determined to beat all hell attitude, is Bear Frazer. He has written a script to produce quite possibly one of the most influential movies to come out of the current MMA frenzy.

You may be pondering whether an MMA writer is well-versed enough to create a film with a vivid perception of a fighter. Some writers have such a distorted version of MMA they shouldn’t even be allowed to watch the fights from a safe distance. Others however, gain a generous amount of knowledge about what it takes to be a fighter. They witness the contenders backstage, in their family environments and in midst of their grueling training schedules. Bear Frazer is one writer that has made it evident through his film he has a crystal clear vision of surviving the fighter lifestyle.

‘The Bam Theory’ is a film based on a young, 23 year old fighter that will have to block out endless tragedies such as suicide and home foreclosure while on his journey to make it big in the UFC. Frazer is excited that the film has the potential be the next ‘Rocky’ of the mixed martial arts world, something the public has yet to see.

Bear is seeking a mere $3,200 from the general public to begin putting his script on film by shooting three scenes to hopefully result in a movie deal. By making a contribution you can receive autographed items from Jake Fields, Carlos Condit, AlphaDog Combat Gear and a few bands which are distributed for very low donation amounts. Bear was able to provide a deeper insight into the MMA film dubbed as the next Rocky and you can easily tell how eager he is to get started.

Getting the basics out of the way first, give the readers some background information to solidify where your vision has spawned from. How long have you been an MMA writer and do you train in any disciplines?

I'm 26 years old and I've been published in national print magazines since 2004. I've been on the pages of a wide variety of magazines including The Source, XXL, Metal-Edge, Outburn, GIANT and a couple of dozen others. My first actual MMA article was for Urban Latino Magazine. They were doing a sports issue and I pitched a feature on Diego Sanchez, which turned out really cool.

In 2007, I learned that FIGHT! Magazine was being launched and as soon as I saw the inaugural issue with Matt Serra on the cover, I knew this was something I wanted to be apart of. I saw a few early UFC’s back when it first started, but I re-discovered it in the early 2000’s and tried watching it whenever I saw it on pay per view. By the time I saw FIGHT! Magazine in 2007, I saw it as an opportunity for me to delve deeper into the culture, report on the sport I absolutely adore and felt my pen skills could hang with the other writers. I sent an inquiry to the contact page and they liked what I had to offer and I've been writing ever since.

Unfortunately, I do not currently train. I want to train in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu especially, but I don't have any health insurance. So if I break an elbow, I won't be able to afford the hospital bill, hehe.

You specifically chose to create the film around a character that will suffer from many real life scenarios that millions of people are faced with today. Why did you choose this angle to direct the movie versus making the entire plot based around MMA?

Well I've seen most of the modern day MMA movies and not to knock any of those films they're all great as far as intensity and fighting, but part of me felt kind of empty inside. Honestly, I haven't seen a fight movie that makes me overwhelmed with emotion. I wanted to create a movie that was universal, something everyone can relate to in some way and go over and beyond what has been done. It's still very much MMA oriented and explores the culture of the industry and competing in regional promotions in a way that hasn't be done. While MMA might be somewhat of a close-knit circle, the fact is that the circle exists inside the rest of the world. It's a real movie that focuses on real characters who deal with real issues they try to overcome. It just happens that MMA is heavily involved and overwhelmingly present. That's the way I wanted it.

Would you categorize the film as a drama with a sports theme or will they witness any comedy in it or even get some inspiration by it?

I would definitely say this is a Mixed Martial Arts Dramady, which would probably fall under the realm of an action comedy-drama. I'm not sure if that exact genre has been created, if not I suppose I just innovated it haha! There is some comedy in there, for sure. It might not be Chael Sonnen funny, but that's pretty hard to top in all fairness. If I didn't feel this could inspire people, I wouldn't even waste my time trying to fund it.

Are there are tips in it that an up-and-coming fighter can take away from the movie?

I'm not entirely sure, but I suppose so! Choosing MMA is similar to a career anybody pursues, be that a lawyer, an editor, a doctor, etc. The only difference is you don't get punched in the face. If you want to be a mixed martial artist and compete on an elite level, it's going to be a long road to travel and a lot of sacrifice. Any fighter could take away from this movie that dreams can come true as long as you stay focused, which is a universal message. Oh yeah ... and that you don't necessarily have to drink your own urine to become a world champion. You could if you want, but I'm just sayin' ...

How long did it take you to complete writing the script?

I started writing this on October 28th and after I finished editing, revising and re-writing it, on April 27th.

Do you think there is a large demographic for an MMA film currently?

That's a tough question, but I think there is. I don't believe however, the public or the mainstream is foaming at the mouth to see a movie that is all about fighting, fighting, fighting. Personally, I think there is a huge demographic who wants to see a incredibly, touching movie whether it has MMA in it or not. Look at Rocky Balboa for instance. There was a lot of substance in that movie and you could feel Rocky's pain, be it with his unstable relationship with his son, coping with the death of his wife Adrian, Paulie feeling down on his luck, or meeting Marie from the neighborhood who is a single mother that works as a bartender just to put food on the table for her and her son. Yeah, there's boxing in that movie as there should be, but people also loved it because they love a comeback tale, they love to see some fighting and they also love a well thought out story. It did amazingly well so I think the demographic is there, but it needs to be a well thought out story that goes over and beyond just the element of fighting.

To dive into the storyline just a bit, the main character "Bam" is he based on anyone in real life?

Bam Thomas, in a lot of ways, is based on me. A lot of the struggle and pain he goes through is very similar to a lot of the pain and struggle I have gone through. There are no doubt a few differences, the most glaring one is he is a mixed martial artist and I'm a journalist, but the personality and struggle is very reminiscent to things I've experienced over the past couple of years. If you ask any of my close journalist friends who have read it, they'll tell you Bam was me immediately. I'm still trying to figure out if that's a good thing or a bad thing, haha.

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In your experience as an MMA writer, would you say the vast majority of fighters have come from a background of hard knocks and that's why you chose to base the plot on rooting for the underdog (who would be Bam in the film)?

I don't necessarily want to say that every fighter or a vast majority of fighters come from a background of hard knocks because that simply isn't the case. Some haven't, others have. Some have crossed over from NCAA wrestling who've had fine lives, and some of those have struggled along the way. Off the top of my head, Jens Pulver has had an extremely difficult childhood and Gregory Bayne - a film maker who has given me advice and who even used Kickstarter.com to fund his entire documentary on Jens Pulver - explores that topic in the 'Lil Evil' film he is putting out. As it pertains to Bam, I wanted to make his life situation very relatable to the current socially depressed climate. That in turn has turned him into an underdog of sorts. Then again, everyone loves an underdog, and if they tune into this movie and can identify with this character, it will probably lead them to becoming an MMA fan.

You have made some references to the Rocky films, is it safe to assume this is an MMA version of the popular Rocky series?

Without a doubt. I strongly believe this is the Rocky of our sport and for our generation, and I've already been writing follow-up scripts. There's more to this movie than I have let on...

If ‘The Bam Theory’ is successful, will you continue down a path of producing MMA films?

Yes and no. Do I want to create another MMA movie with different characters that has no correlation to 'The Bam Theory?' Nope. I have no desire for that. The only desire I have is to make 'The Bam Theory' a movie series just like 'Rocky,' as there are many adventures and fights to be had.

What are your thoughts on the MMA movies, or ones that have recently been produced featuring fighters in them as cameos or to star in the films?

I mean, as far as intensity and fight scenes, they're good. I don't see anything wrong with having UFC fighters in movies because I'd definitely want one or two doing a cameo or taking some sort of a role. I just feel like the script in many of those flicks could have been written way better and the movie could have been shot better.

Have you had the chance to run your idea for the film past Dana White to get his views on how he feels about you writing a film based upon a young guy trying to get into the UFC?

To be honest, I wish I had the chance to talk to Dana White about the script. I'd love to get him involved, I interviewed Dana White once back in 2008 for a feature I did on Jon Fitch and it is easily one of the highlights of my journalism career. Here is the UFC President, the man who runs a multi-billion dollar juggernaut, calling me on the phone just so I can get a few quotes about Jon Fitch for this feature I was working on. He's a visionary and I think he'd really connect with the concept.

In your honest opinion - the average Joe that may reside in a small town, but has a decent skill level...what are their chances of actually making it into the UFC franchise?

I definitely think they can make it into the UFC. We even see it now on The Ultimate Fighter. Matt Riddle for example, came from a small town, had some talent and made it into The Ultimate Fighter house. I think it just depends how bad you want it and how much you're willing to sacrifice to make your dream come true.

Who is your favorite fighter?

Haha, I knew it was only a matter of time before this question was asked. Oh boy, haha. Carlos Condit, I just love his style of fighting. He is always in your face, on the attack and trying to finish you off, even if he seems exhausted. From bell to bell, the dude is trying to smash you. I also have love for a lot of other fighters too such as Matt Serra, Kenny Florian, Jon Jones, Chris Leben and obviously Jake Shields. In fact, I hope Jake Shields and Carlos Condit never fight each other again, haha.

If you could obtain one professional fighter to star in your film, who would you choose?

It would have to be Melvin Guillard. I have a character I think he could relate to very, very well and think he'd be perfect for the role from the attitude right down to the fighting style.

How is the fundraising coming along for ‘The Bam Theory?’

It's moving along, I have $2,400 left to raise and I hope it gets there. I have to stay positive, keep focus and continue to strengthen this movement as much as possible. I've been getting a lot of support and there is no doubt this wouldn't even be as big as it is without kind, caring, compassionate folks like yourself.

Can female fighters relate to the storyline as well?

I'd like to believe that this movie has multiple universal meanings that can relate to anybody of any gender, of any race and perhaps of any sexual preference. I think anybody who dreams about becoming a mixed martial arts world champ, be it a male or a female will be able to relate to 'The Bam Theory.' Though I haven't exactly dipped into the realm of female fighters, that is something I definitely plan to explore and write about in a future installment and quite frankly, something that will need to be talked about.

Do you think the professional fighters in the UFC, Strikeforce and WEC would enjoy viewing the film, perhaps even see themselves in it?

Absolutely, 100%. I think a lot of mixed martial artists be it professional or amateur, will be able to relate to this movie and will absolutely fall in love with this film. I think if this movie does hit theaters, most of them will enjoy it and a handful will probably want to be in it.

For further details on The Bam Theory, visit www.thebamtheory.com and for donations, please visit http://tinyurl.com/thebamtheory. Bear Frazer can be contacted with any other inquiries regarding the film at: bearfrazer@hotmail.com

By Jaclyn M Hughes
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer