Benny Safdie on The Smashing Machine, Directing Kevin Garnett & Ryan Bader | Sports Illustrated
Filmmaker Benny Safdie sits down with Sports Illustrated's Greg Cally to discuss his latest project The Smashing Machine, the true story of MMA legend Mark Kerr, brought to life by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Safdie explains how The Rock first approached him about the film, why authenticity was key to capturing Kerr’s brutal world, and how the team layered real sounds of fat, muscle, and bone for fight scenes. He also shares what it was like directing former MMA fighter Ryan Bader in one of the film’s most intense performances. Safdie also reflects on working with Kevin Garnett in Uncut Gems, heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, the unique challenge of coaching athletes into award-worthy acting roles, and why he and his brother Josh compare themselves to the Klitschko brothers of filmmaking. Chapters: 00:00 Benny Safdie reveals the sound design secrets behind fight scenes 00:45 Benny Safdies discusses how The Smashing Machine came together with The Rock 01:29 Benny Safdie speaks on directing Ryan Bader, Oleksandr Usyk and Kevin Garnett 04:06 Benny Safdie describes filming MMA fights 06:14 How The Smashing Machine made MMA scenes with The Rock look real 07:12 Which sports siblings the Safdie brothers compare to ________________ Executive Producer: Alex Tzavalas Producer/Editor: Greg Cally Producer/Cam: Jean Chery Cinematographer: Brianna Devons ________________ #SportsIllustrated Don't miss a video! Subscribe NOW: / @sportsillustrated About Sports Illustrated: Sports Illustrated offers sports fans trusted, authentic, agenda-free reporting and storytelling featuring sports news, scores, photos, columns and expert analysis from the latest in today’s world of sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, college basketball, college football, soccer, golf, NHL, tennis and fantasy. Follow SI: Website: https://www.si.com/?utm_campaign=clic... Facebook: / sportsillustrated Instagram: / sportsillustrated TikTok: / sports.illustrated X: / sinow Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialog, music, and images that are property of Sports Illustrated. You are authorized to share the video link and channel, and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube Channel is provided. © 2025 Sports Illustrated Benny Safdie on The Smashing Machine, Directing Kevin Garnett & Ryan Bader | Sports Illustrated / @sportsillustrated
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