The BFI Film Academy August Lab will explore how to plan for and effectively incorporate dynamic action sequences into short films.
1hr 15mins
Thrilling action has long been used as a tool to excite and entertain audiences, but how can this be achieved, even on a low budget short film? Speaking to Hollywood stunt veteran turned film director Sam Hargrave, this session will demonstrate that exciting action is possible through practice, and with storytelling behind it.
Hosted by Mike Fury, author of Life of Action I & II: Interviews with the Men and Women of Action Cinema, this conversation will give emerging directors and producers an inspiring guide to infusing action into their short films, creating character moments through action, with tips around action design, pre-visualisation, working with actors and crew, and safety.
The event is presented by Action Xtreme, the first major action studio in the UK, with a focus on grassroots talent growth, development & training, and a remit to develop franchisable film, TV and online action content.
This event is part of the Business of Film strand of BFI Film Academy Labs 2022/23.
Registration information
Zoom Webinar
Register for this event via the Register button at the top of the page.
You will then be sent a confirmation email with details on how to join the session 48 hours before the event and once again on the morning of the event.
You will have an opportunity throughout the session to ask our speakers questions, and we encourage you to get thinking now on what you’d like to know!
Please note: this session will be recorded and event footage will be used on YouTube, the BFI website and social platforms.
About Sam Hargrave
Starting his career as a stuntman, Sam Hargrave has performed dangerous stunts in major films and TV shows. Sam’s career has even led him to stunt double Captain America (for actor Chris Evans) many times in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has frequently collaborated, as a performer and choreographer, with Hollywood stunt company and production house 87eleven, whose founders would go on to helm Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde and the John Wick franchise.
Sam has worked as a second unit director (shooting large action sequences) and stunt coordinated epic productions like Avengers: Endgame and The Mandalorian, and worked under filmmakers such as Taika Waititi, David Ayer, James Mangold and The Russo Brothers.
While stunts were the gateway, Sam always nurtured an interest in filmmaking, and wrote and directed several short films in his free time during a busy stunt career. This led him to his directorial debut, Extraction, starring Chris Hemsworth. Proving to be a hit for Netflix (including a famed 11 minute, 29 second continuous, nail-biting sequence), a sequel was greenlit, and Sam recently wrapped on Extraction 2 which is now in post-production. This session offers a unique conversation with a major action talent who has continually engaged with storytelling throughout his career.
ABOUT BFI FILM ACADEMY LABS 2022/23
BFI Film Academy Labs are designed to support 16-25-year-old aspiring filmmakers and help you develop your skills and projects from home.
Each event will be part of one of three strands: Business of Film, Career Ladder and Storytelling:
- Business of Film: Helping you more fully understand the business of independent filmmaking.
- Career Ladder: Insights into the range of different career and training opportunities that exist within the screen industries.
- Storytelling: Find your unique voice and develop your stories for the screen.
