New Crime Drama “American Muscle” Launches Director Joel Veach Into the Spotlight
EXCLUSIVE: Protagonist Picks, a division of Protagonists’s label, has taken on the global distribution rights for the new crime feature “American Muscle,” marking the directorial debut of Joel Veach.
Starring David W. Thompson, Brendan Sexton III, Liana Wright-Mark, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Jorge Garcia, and Lauren Glazier, this character-centric thriller was entirely filmed in Santa Clarita, California.
“American Muscle” centers on a mechanic overwhelmed by debt (played by Thompson), who is trying to break away from his tumultuous past. The plot thickens with the unexpected return of his alienated sister and the arrival of two relentless debt collectors demanding payment. As tensions rise, deeply hidden family secrets come to light, culminating in a dramatic and violent confrontation.
The film has been showcased at various film festivals including Cinequest, Big Apple Film Fest, and Burbank, and earned a nomination for Best Debut at the Raindance Film Festival. It is a production by RSL Films and Ghost Gang Productions.
Prior to “American Muscle,” Veach gained recognition for writing the psychological thriller “Old Man,” which featured Stephen Lang in the lead role. He also directed the short film “Guys With Guns,” which made its debut at the Raindance Film Festival.
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