How to Plan and Shoot Action Sequences - Learn From a SAG Award -Nominated Stunt Performer (THE MEG, AQUAMAN)

Learn everything you need to know about how prep and shoot a world-class action sequence in your films or TV shows from a SAG-nominated stunt performer and coordinator on THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, KILLER ELITE, SPARTACUS and more!

Action is a universal language in film.

A well designed and well shot action scene in a movie can define a film and be the most memorable part, whether its Steve McQueen's car chase in BULLITT or Tom Cruise's motorcycle jump in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. However, film schools tend to shy away when it comes to teaching students on how to shoot an action sequence. It’s either too dangerous, too expensive, stunt coordinators are required, insurance does not cover action sequences, or a myriad of other. reasons. As such, many filmmakers only focus on drama as they do now know how to craft and execute an action sequence in a professional and safe manner. The result is most filmmakers miss out on the opportunity to expand their film making skills when it comes to shooting action. On independent films, more often than not, action is usually the first thing producers will cut out of a script in order to meet their budget criteria.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, stunt performer and coordinator Philippe Deseck will take you through the fundamentals of how to shoot an action sequence like a pro. Philippe has been involved in the film industry for over twenty years as a Stunt Performer and now Assistant Stunt Coordinator. Some of his films include THE MEG, AQUAMAN, MORTAL COMBAT, STREET FIGHTER, KILLER ELITE, SPARTACUS, SAN ANDREAS, KONG SKULL ISLAND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S REVENGE, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, SHANG-CHI, and many more… In addition to his credits as a Stunt Performer, Philippe is gets involved in directing and editing, giving him expert perspective on how to create masterful action sequences from all sides. His skill has also taken him to performing safety on set and writing safety reports for action sequences. Philippe has also taught action workshops for actors and has taught stage combat at the New York Film Academy in Australia. 

Philippe will teach you everything you need to know about shooting action sequences. He will demonstrate the basic fundamentals which can be applied to any action sequence and he will show you how to bridge the gap between a stunt coordinator and a director so they get the most out of every opportunity together. Building productive, effective and trusting relationships is an important part in any filmmaking process and it is critical when it comes to filmmakers and stunt coordinators.

In this information-packed webinar you will learn how to design an action sequence from script to final print on film and how you can collaborate with all relevant departments in order to get the shots required and piece them together to take your audience on a ride they will never forget. You will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the different filming styles that are used in Hollywood and around the world, and you will get a true sense of how to create the illusion of action safely.

This webinar is a rare opportunity to educate yourself and open your mind to new possibilities of how to design your action sequences, shoot them and have them shown on the silver screen.

An Introduction to Stunts/Action

• What is the function of a Stunt Coordinator
• What is the function of a 2nd Unit Director
• What is the function of an Action Director
• What is the function of a Stunt Double
• What is the function of a Choreographer

What are the different hierarchy systems used in Hollywood and Asia

• What is the difference between Hollywood and Asia
• Where does the Stunt Coordinator fit in
• Where does the 2nd Unit Director fit in
• Where does the Action Director fit in
• Who are the most renown Action Directors in the film industry
• Recommended movies to watch

Designing your Action Sequence from Script to Final Product

• What’s your interpretation of the Script
• Deciding what System is going to be used in order to hire the right people
• Hiring a Stunt Coordinator, 2nd Unit Director, Action Director
• Using Insurance indemnity
• Thought pattern of the Stunt Coordinator
• Designing the Action with the Stunt Performers
• Designing the Action with the Actors
• Collaborating with the different HODs (Head of Departments) such as Art Department, Props Department, Costume Department, Make-Up Department, Special FX, Visual FX, DOP, Writers, Directors
• Creating a Pre-Set Design and demonstrating your Action Sequence

Filming an Action Sequence

• First Rule of Film Making
• What are the different filming Styles – Master Shots vs Sequential Shooting, Docu Drama Action, Symmetric Shots, Shakey Camera vs Steady shots on a tripod
• Story line of an Action Scene: Beginning – Middle and End, Protagonist, Antagonist
• Filming of Time within an Action Scene: Long Span of Time, Short Span of Time
• How to create the Illusion of Action: How to make things look real in an unreal manner
• How to Film an Action Sequence using Stunt Doubles
• How to Film an Action Sequence with Visual Effects in mind
• The Rule of Three shots per action
• Using a Stunt Lens
• Framing of an Action Shot
• The benefits of using Variable Frame Rates in your Action Scene

Previsualization

• Benefits of using Live Action Previsualization AKA Previs
• Examples of Previs with animation and without animation
• Different kinds of Previs used e.g. audience rating Previs
• What to look out for when presenting your Previs to Directors/Producers

Editing an Action Sequence

• Principles of Editing an Action Sequence
• The use of Sound FX
• The Difference of editing Master Shots vs editing Sequential Shooting Shots

How to Practice Shooting Action Sequences

• Find a simple action scene and recreate it shot for shot
• Create a storyboard of the action sequence
• Splice the action sequence and duplicate each shot
• Rehearse with your performers
• Use a camera with variable frame rates
• Use a camera with interchangeable lenses
• Start experimenting with your own shots

Q&A with Philippe

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