Action Filmmaking Decoded- The Story of Action Films

Welcome  to AFD’s Christmas Special! Join Darren and Mike as we explore some of  the best holiday action and stunt films of all time: Die Hard, Kiss Kiss  Bang Bang, Iron Man 3, and Home Alone. We discuss what makes John  McClane the perfect action hero, the incredibly witty dialogue of Shane  Black, the unique action of a powered-down Iron Man, how Joe Pesci’s  head was lit on fire, and the true whereabouts of Mr. Elvis Presley.  Today’s episode is laid back and a ton of fun- we hope you enjoy!  Thank you so much for your support throughout 2020! We can’t wait to  bring more content in 2021! Happy Holidays!

Introducing: Emmanuel Manzanares, prolific action choreographer and stunt performer. You can see his handiwork in Logan, Gemini Man, and Batman: Enemy Within, to name a few. We discuss what makes for great stunt camera work and “bending” martial arts for the screen. We also take an in-depth look at Logan, Gemini Man, and more. Join us as we chat with Emmanuel Manzanares, actor and orchestrator of on-screen combat.

Introducing: Emmanuel Manzanares, prolific action choreographer and stunt performer. You can see his handiwork in Logan, Gemini Man, and Batman: Enemy Within, to name a few. We discuss what makes for great stunt camera work and “bending” martial arts for the screen. We also take an in-depth look at Logan, Gemini Man, and more. Join us as we chat with Emmanuel Manzanares, actor and orchestrator of on-screen combat.

Introducing: Keir Beck, award-winning Stunt Coordinator, Director, and writer. Keir is well known for his remarkable work on Mad Max: Fury Road, The Matrix, and Pirates of the Caribbean, to name a few.   We talk about Keir’s filmography, his program teaching up and coming stunt performers and riggers, and how being a tree surgeon set up Keir’s film career. As always, we also break down some of our guest’s exceptional stunt work.  Join us for this conversation with the incredible Keir Beck.

Introducing Tom Struthers: international stunt extraordinaire. We had the pleasure of discussing his tales of Bollywood, tremendous impact working with Christoper Nolan in Inception and the Dark Knight Trilogy, and his innovative and revolutionary choreography techniques. Join us in our 2 part interview with Tom Struthers, revolutionist of the stunt coordination industry.

Introducing Tom Struthers: international stunt extraordinaire. We had the pleasure of discussing his tales of Bollywood, tremendous impact working with Christoper Nolan in Inception and the Dark Knight Trilogy, and his innovative and revolutionary choreography techniques. Join us in our 2 part interview with Tom Struthers, revolutionist of the stunt coordination industry.

Introducing Scott Adkins: actor, producer, and martial artist to the core. In this episode, we were graced with Mr. Adkins presence as we went down the line of his entire career in the film industry. In the realm of acting, we discussed his tutelage under Dee Cannon and Mykel Shannon Jones (Undisputed III) and his director and actor relationship with Isaac Florentine, Jesse V. Johnson (Accident Man, Debt Collector, Avengement), and Adrian Bol. These director partnerships have given Scott a great opportunity to take on more challenging character-driven films.  In the domain of production, we examined his role as a co-writer with his long time friend, Stu Small, in Accident Man and the maneuvers made in filming Avengement on such a tight time schedule. We also cover what makes a skilled fight cinematographer when it comes down to coordinating and filming fight sequences. As a passionate martial artist, we analyzed his fight scenes against Marko Zaror from Undisputed III: Redemption and Donnie Yen from Ip Man 4 (choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping) along with getting an inside look at his new film Legacy of Lies out now. Join us in this special, extensive interview with martial arts veteran and extraordinaire, Scott Adkins.

We had the privilege of interviewing Wade Eastwood: one of the biggest names in stunt coordination, most famously known for his work on 'Mission: Impossible Fallout' and 'Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation'. He has worked on stunts for over twenty-seven years including the James Bond Franchise, Jumanji: The Next Level, Jack Reacher, and Edge of Tomorrow. Here, we had the chance to talk to Eastwood about his exciting stunt coordinating & 2nd unit directing experiences with Tom Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, his ingenious creative process, and his methodology in choreography. Join us in our interview with Wade Eastwood as we go in-depth into action sequences with this true titan in stunt coordination. 

Introducing part 2 with Michael Lehr: Professional stuntman who has worked on Rocket Jump shorts, video game mo-cap (Star Wars The Force Unleashed, Sleeping Dogs), the John Wick franchise, Logan, Extraction, Mulan, and now Fast and Furious 9 doubling as Han Lue. In this 2 part interview series he answers questions about his start in the industry, his martial arts background, Asian Americans in stunts, and breakdowns from his extensive stunt filmography. Join us in this interview with the one and only Michael Lehr, legendary stunt coordinator and stuntman.

Introducing Michael Lehr: Professional stuntman and actor who has worked on Rocket Jump shorts, video game mo-cap (Star Wars The Force Unleashed, Sleeping Dogs), the John Wick franchise (John Wick 2 & John Wick 3) with Keanu Reeves, Logan, Extraction (netflix) with Chris Hemsworth, Mulan, and now Fast and Furious 9 doubling as Han Lue. In this 2 part interview series he answers questions about his start in the industry, his martial arts background, Asian Americans in stunts, and breakdowns from his extensive stunt filmography. Join us in this interview with the one and only Michael Lehr, legendary stunt coordinator and stuntman.

Today we introduce our newest podcast co-host, Mike Messina. As Skylar Tun steps down from more traditional interviews to focus on fight breakdowns, Mike will be co-interviewing guests with Darren. Mike is the former president of Binghamton University's Asian Student Union and the podcast host of 'Inside Outlook' and 'AO Story Time', podcasts focused on telling the experiences of different Asian Americans. He’s a Tae Kwon Do black belt and certified instructor with additional training in Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu. Join us every Wednesday at 5AM for new episodes!

Introducing Mike Moh: actor, martial arts master, and Bruce Lee aficionado. We had the absolute privilege of discussing his role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, martial arts philosophy in Taekwondo & Jeet Kune Do, and contemporary Asian representation in film. Join us in our interview with the Wanaukee Wisconsin’s one and only Mike Moh.

Introducing Tyler Witte: stunt double and stunt driver. In this interview, we discussed his start in the stunt-driving industry, approach with performing dangerous scenes, and the mindset of this daredevil. Join us in our interview with the rising star Tyler Witte.

Introducing Sam Hargrave: Professional stunt coordinator, stunt double for Captain America, and now, director. We've had the pleasure of asking him some questions about his martial arts background and the action in his directorial debut, Extraction, out now on Netflix. Join us in this interview of the Sam Hargrave, legendary stuntman and choreographer.

Today, we're diving into the dark, neo-noir world of John Wick and the underworld rife with assassins and crime families. We will be examining some of our favorite fight scenes from over the course of John Wick 1 and 2. We hoped to cover John Wick 3 more extensively in a separate episode as it is the most action-packed and creatively choreographed of them all. Until then, join us in the exploration of the battles of John Wick, the Baba Yaga.