Long before Gawain Films was Groascope…
Where it Started
In the early 1980s, two brothers—James and Tommy Groark—had a dream. They were passionate about action films, obsessed with the fast-paced chases, daring stunts, and heart-pounding thrills that defined their favorite movies. But they didn’t just want to watch these films—they wanted to create them.
Invasion of the Mole Man (1983)
Groascope’s first feature was an adrenaline-pumping chase film called Invasion of the Mole Man, a simple yet exhilarating story. The plot was straightforward: a fugitive on the run, a relentless pursuer, and a heart-racing chase through a dense, unforgiving forest. But what made Invasion of the Mole Man stand out wasn’t just the premise—it was the execution.
Tommy Groark, the director, and James Groark, the producer, knew that the key to a successful action film was realism. They wanted every footstep, every branch crack, every breath of their actors to feel real. So, they gathered a small crew and filmed entirely on location in a sprawling, overgrown forest.
The film’s climax—a high-speed pursuit through treacherous underbrush, over rocky terrain, and beneath low-hanging branches—was shot in a series of intense, long takes, with little to no special effects. The actors performed their own stunts, racing through the woods, climbing trees, and leaping over obstacles as if their lives depended on it. It was raw, it was messy, and it was exhilarating to watch.
The film had a simple, low-budget feel, but the intensity of the action, combined with the brothers’ innovative approach to filming in real locations, quickly caught the attention of a small but dedicated following. Viewers were captivated by the authenticity of the chase, the sense of real danger that seemed to leap off the screen. It was a film made with passion, made by people who were determined to push the boundaries of what was possible on a shoestring budget.
Though Invasion of the Mole Man was not a commercial hit by any stretch, it garnered a review from Roger Ebert.
The Transition to Gawain Films
In the late 1980s, Groascope Productions had reached a crossroads. While they had earned a loyal following among friends, Tommy Groark decided to go a different direction and pursue a career in soccer. It was not until decades later that James Groark returned to cinema and launched Gawain Films.
Gawain Films, nod to the legendary knight Sir Gawain, symbolizes the company’s desire to pursue stories of honor, courage, and adventure. Under the new company, James set out to make films that still had action but incorporated deeper themes, more complex characters, and higher production values. James wanted to craft videos that could stand the test of time—movies that weren’t just about thrilling chases or intense fight scenes but about real people.
Gawain Films’ first major production was Groark vs. Bunny, incorporated the action style Groascope was known for but also included rich, character-driven storytelling. It was a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution, marking the transition from their early, raw indie days to a more polished brand.
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