Behind the Project: “Firebreak” Filmmakers On Documenting the Inspiring Story of Brandon and Royal
Blue Chalk’s newest documentary, Firebreak, follows Brandon Smith and Royal Ramey, two men who met fighting wildfires while imprisoned in California’s penal system. Overcoming institutional barriers, financial pressures, and escalating environmental challenges, they are now training others like them to become professional firefighters. Ahead of the film’s premiere at the 2024 Bend Film Festival in October, we caught up with filmmakers Kenzie Bruce and Chris Janjic to learn more about their experience working on the project. In this interview, they share insights into the challenges of filming in a fire zone and how they built relationships with the film’s subjects to tell their stories authentically.
Kenzie, how did you first come across Brandon and Royal’s story? What drew you to them?
Kenzie: I came across Brandon and Royal’s work after reading an article about the passage of AB-2147, which gives the opportunity for individuals who participated in fire camp to have one felony expunged from their record. The article mentioned Brandon and Royal’s nonprofit (The Forestry Fire Recruitment Program or FFRP) and their work in just a couple of sentences, but it seemed obvious to me that they were sitting at the intersection of criminal justice and climate justice and that there was likely a powerful story there. And there was.
While working on this film, you both earned Type 2 wildland firefighting certificates. Did this experience influence the way you approached the film? Were there specific moments during training that changed your perspective?
Kenzie: Chris and I both earned Type 2 wildland firefighting certificates in the spring of 2021, just as we started production. We wanted to be able to go out with Brandon and Royal’s crew if given the opportunity. We were uncertain about the experiences we might find ourselves filming in, and some of the classes were more accessible due to the pandemic. Also, from a safety perspective, all parties at Blue Chalk and FFRP agreed that it would be beneficial for Chris and me to be educated in the various aspects of fire safety and terminology.
Brandon and Royal are two incredibly inspiring characters. Can you talk about building a relationship with them and the FFRP community to tell their story authentically?
Kenzie: I felt very instantly welcomed by the FFRP community. I started attending online trainings in January 2021 when we began applying for production funding and was able to start understanding the program and some key roles. I spent a lot of time from October 2020 to April 2021 talking with Brandon in particular about what was going on with him and FFRP during that time period. Once we got on the ground, we learned that Royal was often in the field with the current trainees, so it wasn’t until we arrived on our first production that we got to spend more time with Royal. In terms of trust, good communication on both the filmmaker’s and the collaborator’s side, along with transparency, was key to establishing and maintaining a strong relationship. Moments when we weren’t filming were also essential for establishing a rapport with one another.
Chris, filming in environments where fire is present must have presented unique challenges. Can you share any stories about how you navigated those situations?
Chris: The biggest challenge was figuring out how to film during an active fire safely. The training Kenzie mentioned was key, as we needed to be self-reliant in dangerous situations so that our presence didn’t add any safety risks to the fire crew. I also had to streamline my camera gear to what I could carry on long hikes through rugged terrain.
During training, I learned the risks of dead trees that had burned through inside while walking through scorched areas. On one occasion, our crew was tasked with ‘mopping up’ a burned zone. I joined the scout team as they checked a burned area in advance. They had me drop my pack, explaining we might need to run if a tree started to fall. After assessing the area, they decided it wasn’t safe and that they would have to wait for a specialist to clear the dangerous trees before they could continue their operations. I later learned that a crew had narrowly avoided a falling tree in the same spot the day before. No matter how much training and preparation I had done, I was deeply grateful for the expertise and guidance of the crews who treated us as one of their own.
Looking back on the four years of work, is there a particular scene, moment, or experience that stands out to you? Why?
Kenzie: Some of my favorite moments are with Brandon and Royal’s kids (Rhyece, Bradley, Makayla, and Jamir). Those scenes brought a tenderness and also some instances of comedic relief. It’s a small moment, but I also love the scene where Royal comes over to Brandon’s house to give him a jacket. We weren’t expecting that to be a moment, but it was sweet and funny and always makes me smile.
Chris: I loved being in the interview when Kenzie asked Brandon and Royal individually what they thought of each other. Their compliments — and brutal honesty — clearly came from a deep friendship built over years in less-than-ideal circumstances. From day one, it was obvious to us that they have each other’s back, no matter what.
What do you both hope audiences will take away from Firebreak? Is there a specific change or feeling you hope to inspire?
Kenzie: I hope people are struck by the severity of wildfires, firefighter shortages, and the use of incarcerated labor in firefighting and other industries. I hope people specifically are able to think about the last point and truly how rehabilitative prison programs can be without reentry support to continue in a specific trade or craft. Lastly — and Melissa Burch hits on this point in the film — you shouldn’t have to be an exceptional individual to build a meaningful life after prison.
Chris: Ditto to everything Kenzie said. I hope our audience feels as inspired by Brandon, Royal, and everyone at FFRP as I was when I first met them.
“Firebreak” will screen on Thursday, October 10, at Regal 1 at 2:45 pm. Tickets can be purchased here. The film is also screening on Saturday, October 12, at 10:15 am at the Tin Pan Theater. Tickets for this screening are sold out but check for cancellations! You can learn more about Firebreak on the film’s website.
