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Fight Choreography: The Art of Non-Verbal Dialogue |
Author: John Kreng
Published: 2007-12-14 |
List price: $34.99
Our price: $29.74
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As of: August 28th, 2008 06:30:24 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 Must Have...
Books of any worth concerning stunt work and choreography are difficult to find as it is and this book is one of the finest I've seen if you are serious about understanding and getting involved in the stunt/fight choreography end of the film business. As someone who has been involved in martial arts for over 30 years, I'm, of course, obsessed with any film concerning martial arts. Mr. Kreng's insight is invaluable whether you are just looking for an insider view of how these films are made or are interested in getting involved in film/stunt industry as a martial artist. I hope we'll see more books of this kind from him in the future.
From a fans perspective!
I am not in the film industry, and I have never choreographed a fight in my life! I am just a fan, a fan of Martial Arts cinema, and martial arts in general(though I am not a practitioner). All that aside I still find John's book fascinating! Don't think you have to know anything about the art of Fight choreography to enjoy this book, its not like alot of resource material where if you are not in the field it will bore you to tears. It is just packed with page after page of great information written by someone who is truly passionate about his craft! And as a fan of the genre I find its a perfect guide to how something I have been enjoying for years and years is actually brought to life. Sure its been shown on countless behind the scenes documentaries, but never has any interview or featurette been so informative. I highly recommend this book to any fan of Martial Arts films, or Martial Arts in general. It really opens your eyes and gives you a whole new appreciation for the kind of work that goes behind even the smallest of on screen battles. And as a bonus it also helps you, as a viewer, see what is being done right on the screen, and who needs to get themself a copy of this book! (This should be manditory read for anyone in Hollywood who even thinks of crafting on an screen fight!)
 1/2 the book I expected
I am an independent filmmaker who has had experience shooting fight scenes. Basically, this book teaches nothing new. All he really does is tell you what a good fight scene should have (which is not a bad thing) and then tell you to watch certain movies containing these elements (not bad either). Here is where I felt ripped-off. He tells nothing about how you can achieve this yourself. For example, rhythm is important in choreography, the author tells you that, he lets you know what films have great rhythm... and that's it. No suggestions on how you can being.
He spends a great deal of time talking history, which I enjoyed. Not many books do that. He talks about taking the character's background into consideration when fighting. Wonderful, very few films do that today. However, there is no talk about doing ACTUAL CHOREOGRAPHY. He never explains shooting or editing a fight scene properly (although, he tells many tales of badly shot or edited fights). What I was looking for the most way a way to record choreography (like writing down the moves while choreographing so they can be performed on location later). No such luck.
In summary, if you have never shot a fight scene, this book can begin to help. But if you are already experienced, I suggest renting this book at the library. It's not worth your time (I waited around 2 years for this to come out) or your money.
Get this.
First, my background.I have been a professional stuntman for over fifteen years.Most of my work has consisted of fighting onscreen,against some well known action stars[van damme,rowdy roddy piper,russell wong,to name a few.] I am only one third through this book,got it a couple days ago.
I have yet to see anything so concise ,and to the point on the subject of fighting for the camera.Even professionals will learn something.If you really want learn how to be a great "screen" fighter,then this book should be in your library.
I want to ask one thing though,I seem to remember an older version of this book that included a companion DVD.Does anyone have this?
 In depth and facinating
John Kreng is obviously a passionate researcher, as this book will attest to. Well written and thoroughly annotated, this book takes the reader on a multi faceted tour through the craft of stunt fighting. Every aspect of the art of filmic combat is detailed so that every student of film can grasp the intricacies and nuances involved in creating a stand out fight sequence.
The book is riff with examples from many films, some notable and some obscure, but the author manages to instill in the reader a wanting to view these films and or revisit them with a new perspective.
This book will be a primer for all film schools, and serious film students. This is the only book of its kind and I can't think of anyone matching this. Bravo!
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