33 min

From Fallujah to the Big Screen: Sgt. Peralta's Legacy w/ Michael Barder The Tactical Leader

    • Entrepreneurship

What does it take to bring an American war hero's story to the big screen?
In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews film producer and director Michael Barder about his upcoming biopic on Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Marine who was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. They talked about Peralta's inspirational story of courage and sacrifice, the controversy around his Medal of Honor nomination, and Michael’s mission to accurately capture his story on film.
This episode is a deeper look at bravery, the complexities of military recognition, and the impact of Peralta's actions on his fellow Marines and the nation.
[00:00:00 - 00:09:07] The Making of a Hero
Michael Barder's journey into filmmakingIntroduction to Sgt. Rafael Peralta's storyThe significance of the Battle of Fallujah

[00:09:08 - 00:13:24] Behind the Scenes 
Challenges in bringing Peralta's story to the screenWorking with the military and Peralta's familyThe role of authenticity in military biopics

[00:13:25 - 00:16:41] The Battle for Recognition 
The controversy surrounding Peralta's Medal of Honor nominationPolitics in military awardsNaming a ship after Peralta

[00:16:42 - 00:19:32] Legacy and Impact 
The broader implications of Peralta's story on military and civilian perceptionsThe power of a story to inspire and provoke changeWhen the project is airing?How can you support this film?

[00:19:33 - 00:33:54] Q&A Section  
The process of film production and challenges facedCommunity and veteran support for the projectThe possible impact of the biopic on audiences

Key quotes:

“There was something about the story that grabbed me as I kind dug into it, and found more about it. Rafael Peralta is really a quintessential American story.” - Michael Barder

“As a filmmaker, I love true stories.”- Michael Barder


Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

What does it take to bring an American war hero's story to the big screen?
In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews film producer and director Michael Barder about his upcoming biopic on Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Marine who was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. They talked about Peralta's inspirational story of courage and sacrifice, the controversy around his Medal of Honor nomination, and Michael’s mission to accurately capture his story on film.
This episode is a deeper look at bravery, the complexities of military recognition, and the impact of Peralta's actions on his fellow Marines and the nation.
[00:00:00 - 00:09:07] The Making of a Hero
Michael Barder's journey into filmmakingIntroduction to Sgt. Rafael Peralta's storyThe significance of the Battle of Fallujah

[00:09:08 - 00:13:24] Behind the Scenes 
Challenges in bringing Peralta's story to the screenWorking with the military and Peralta's familyThe role of authenticity in military biopics

[00:13:25 - 00:16:41] The Battle for Recognition 
The controversy surrounding Peralta's Medal of Honor nominationPolitics in military awardsNaming a ship after Peralta

[00:16:42 - 00:19:32] Legacy and Impact 
The broader implications of Peralta's story on military and civilian perceptionsThe power of a story to inspire and provoke changeWhen the project is airing?How can you support this film?

[00:19:33 - 00:33:54] Q&A Section  
The process of film production and challenges facedCommunity and veteran support for the projectThe possible impact of the biopic on audiences

Key quotes:

“There was something about the story that grabbed me as I kind dug into it, and found more about it. Rafael Peralta is really a quintessential American story.” - Michael Barder

“As a filmmaker, I love true stories.”- Michael Barder


Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

33 min