Cpt. Isaac Rademacher — Jake Rademacher

Note: Part 1 of this 4 part interview can be found here.

J.R. Head:  Tell me about the time frame of the film.  ”Brothers at War” was shot in 2005?

“Brothers at War” Director, Jake Rademacher:  Isaac departs in 2004, I join him in August 2005, and events in Iraq and on the Home front go through 2006.

JRH:  So, that’s pre-“Surge”.  But one of the things I noticed from the film was the advancement that the Iraqi Army was making.  I was encouraged by the individual efforts of people like [Marine] Staff Sergeant Allier and others to– (more…)

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jake Rademacher, the director of the incredible Iraq War documentary, “Brothers at War.” What ensued was one of the more enjoyable evenings I’ve had in a while. Jake is an interesting fellow.  I’ve seen him interviewed before and it seems that, when cameras are involved, he’s a much more subdued character.  Sit down with him one on one and get a few cups of joe into him and all bets are off.  He’s smart, funny, extremely passionate about his film and its subject matter — and the man talks fast. Very fast.

Cpt. Isaac Rademacher — Jake Rademacher

After some initial pleasantries (actor talk, a little sports, our mutual respect for Gary Sinise, etc.), we got down to it.

By the way, if you want to get a true feeling of how the interview was for me, try to read it very quickly.

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J.R. Head:  First, let me say “Brothers at War” looks fantastic.  You’re an actor.  What was it like to make the transition to first-time director? (more…)