There are, I know, hundreds of young people knocking on the doors of the entertainment world, to find an opening or an opportunity to get their foot inside. To be a working professional with training and skills is a tough life and often unrewarded. When I started out knocking on doors, thirty-five years ago, I had no family or relative working in the business able to assist.
Take One, Action! is the story of my successful journey, packed with insight and advice which no film school can ever teach you. This book is an essential read for all aspiring actors, swordsmen, fight choreographers and film directors looking to make a long-lasting creative career. It will also appeal and be of significant interest to theatre, film and fencing students, entertainment historians and those who thirst for an insight into the world of swordsmen and the art of making action movies.
I have worked professionally in this business for 35 years - from a nobody to a valued asset. I have directed for film and theatre, including
Birth of a Legend a filmed western and
Golden Swords at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London. I am also an executive producer in audio.
This memoir is a friendly conversation with the reader which will be enjoyed by all. Illustrated through interesting anecdotes from my 73 roles in front of the camera, this is an insider's view of the development of film. It also incorporates intriguing nuggets of information from both swordplay and film worlds.
Additionally, I have included, a comprehensive list of my top films with comments on why they are worth watching and a suite of photographs to illustrate my journey.
Take One, Action! will let you "peek behind the curtain" of swordplay and film.
