With 25 + years of continuous martial arts training and 20+ years of instruction experience, and 15+ years of working with fights on stage and on film, my fights are always grounded in realism, whether performing them myself or designing for your actors.
Coming from the perspective of an actor and a director, my focus is always on the story. How do these characters express themselves through violence and what does that violence do to the story?
Originally trained in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and in stunts by the International Stunt School, my priority has always been making sure performers have safe repeatable action, that they are comfortable performing, because when actors are comfortable, the acting can come to life.
Fight choreography and violence design for Theatre and Film / TV / Video
Specializing in unarmed, martial arts, and found weapons violence. However I have choreographed plenty of sword fights, knife fights, and gun fights.
I pride myself on the ability to communicate and teach novice/beginner actors quickly and effectively.
Experience Choreographing / Teaching:
Professional Film/Theatre
University
Community College
High School
Middle School
Non-pyro special affects available for knife and gun wounds
All weapons / sfx / prop rentals must be handled separately.
Upcoming this Fall is fight direction "13" with Performers School Highland Park.
Joshua Russell ( Filmmaker, Director, Producer)
“Brian’s choreography added a level of power and realism that I could not have imagined. His ability to develop choreography that aids the narrative, work with trained and untrained actors, and his excellence in safety standards made him a dream to work with. Brian will always be my go-to guy for fight choreography.”
Benjamin Douma (Student, Hope College)
Brian works incredibly well with others. He has the ability to produce great results while keeping the process enjoyable and easy to follow, even with groups that may not have any prior experience in stage combat.
Izzy Schonfeld (Student, Hope College)
"Brian created fun and inventive choreography while making sure we knew how to stay safe. Working with him was a blast!"
The charges for my services vary based on the medium, location and time commitment. Please don't hesitate to ask for a quote.. My start was in storefront, and I'm union guy, so deep discounts are available to Small Storefronts and Equity Houses, and SAG- AFTRA indie productions.