John Wick 4 Behind the Scenes - Stunts, Cinematography & VFX Explained

[@StudioBinder]

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the John Wick Universe 02:22 - Cinematography 07:16 - Visual Effects 10:07 - Stunts 13:46 - Takeaways

[@ashwin9051]

Explain james gunn visual style

[@tabiforking6501]

What made John Wick stand out was how real the action scenes were. Now seeing those who worked in the background shows what actually made the movie stand out.

[@jangdi.]

Only part 1 and 2. 3 and especially 4 turned into a ridiculous slugfest, with unrealistic combat.

[@chiputiman]

How realistic is it to fall from the top of a nyc building and surviving

[@tabiforking6501]

@@jangdi. shot on less camera movements and no speed alterations

[@atwunz]

​@@tabiforking6501 camera movements needed.

[@LuisSierra42]

The stuntman who fell from the stairs needs to get the Oscar for the best stunt

[@anthonyleach7608]

Again, and again this series proves that the stunt performers need to have a category at the Oscars. They are the only one of the nine major departments that do not have one.

[@StudioBinder]

Wild there isn't one

[@tturnquest1]

To me, the John Wick franchise is a breath of fresh air. Considering it came out in a time of shaky cam, the first movie was Lighting in a Bottle. After this, the series became one of cinema's most consistent action franchises. From the cinematography to action choreography, John Wick is an iconic franchise for a reason.

[@StudioBinder]

Incredible to see how far its come

[@ashwin9051]

​@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style

[@XTGAMEZ009]

Yep.. reminds me of classic Hongkong films.. and that one take stairs scene from the movie "The Protector" staring Tony Jaa.. also the corridor scene from "Old Boy" the korean one.. no shaky cams less camera cuts, pure art of motion and action.

[@master-of-mind5881]

Cinematography is not my forte but I was mesmerised by chapter four’s cinematography. Thanks for adding insight and clarity into what camera, lens, technique and formats that were used. This makes so much sense because the shots and angles used in this film are just breathtaking. The scene of Winston walking into an art gallery as he approaches the marquee, is a tracking shot. This is perhaps my favourite scene in the entire film. Although it conveys a character walking past art paintings, the colour palette and art design is so majestic. Not the most significant scene in the film but subjectively it conveys so much thematically within the narrative and story. I just love that shot. I also loved the closeup shots too. However the wide angle lens technique used throughout this movie is just immaculate because I was fully engrossed from start to finish. My favourite shot is the wide shot of the sun rising at dawn whilst John is chasing those guys on horses. That sequence is Lawrence of Arabia inspired for sure but wow what a way to immerse the audience into the spectacle that is unfolding before our eyes. Chapter four was pure art from start to finish. A love letter to action cinema. I actually cried whilst watching it, it cured me of my depression and reminded me why I love cinema, and IMAX. It’s not just another movie, it’s an experience!

[@baliramchauhangatsby]

Hey John, Let's thank Studio Binder for teaching us about filmmaking in the best possible way without any charge. What a contribution in the cinema world. Thank you, Studio Binder. ❣️❤️

[@LuisSierra42]

Yeah

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@ashwin9051]

​@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style

[@kimi9572]

The cinematography of the last 2 John Wick films is absolutely beautiful.

[@StudioBinder]

They really leveled up each time!

[@ashwin9051]

​@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style

[@master-of-mind5881]

Cinematography is not my forte but I was mesmerised by chapter four’s cinematography. Thanks for adding insight and clarity into what camera, lens, technique and formats that were used. This makes so much sense because the shots and angles used in this film are just breathtaking. The scene of Winston walking into an art gallery as he approaches the marquee, is a tracking shot. This is perhaps my favourite scene in the entire film. Although it conveys a character walking past art paintings, the colour palette and art design is so majestic. Not the most significant scene in the film but subjectively it conveys so much thematically within the narrative and story. I just love that shot. I also loved the closeup shots too. However the wide angle lens technique used throughout this movie is just immaculate because I was fully engrossed from start to finish. My favourite shot is the wide shot of the sun rising at dawn whilst John is chasing those guys on horses. That sequence is Lawrence of Arabia inspired for sure but wow what a way to immerse the audience into the spectacle that is unfolding before our eyes. Chapter four was pure art from start to finish. A love letter to action cinema. I actually cried whilst watching it, it cured me of my depression and reminded me why I love cinema, and IMAX. It’s not just another movie, it’s an experience!

[@TheWrathfulSlayer]

One of the best action franchises that has ever existed!! Thank you StudioBinder for doing an analysis on a film franchise that has the best action!!

[@StudioBinder]

we had to :)

[@baliramchauhangatsby]

John Wick has been a fascination for me.

[@StudioBinder]

For us too!

[@johnprudent3216]

The beautiful cinematography was always one of the biggest selling points of this movie for me (aside from the style of the hand-to-hand and gunplay scenes of course). But I never did truly consider the absence of camera shake most modern action films rely on these days. That was a great choice on Stahelski and company’s part. I’m also a big fan of how Stahelski was inspired by Bertolucci (by extension Vittorio Storaro). For me Wick parts 1 and 4 are where it’s at for the cinematography and beautiful use of color.

[@StudioBinder]

All the elements came together spectacularly

[@TheWrathfulSlayer]

The visual effects is one part that I didn’t know about much and how seamless it had been used!! Credit has to go to the visual effects team for doing such a wonderful job!!

[@StudioBinder]

And part of what made the VFX great was the in-camera work it could work off of!

[@vdiitd]

One of the best things about John Wick movies is the stable camera. I hate those shaky cam movies.

[@StudioBinder]

a must when you have talented actors and stuntmen

[@Blue_Lunacy]

Additionaly, in one of the cast interview, they praised the director for the fact that he was a martial artist himself and was able to physically show the actor what moves he wanted her to do.

[@StudioBinder]

Chad Stahelski is the best!

[@yuvraj22parmar]

This is the peak of action movies!

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

Yes and no. The action is fantastic and the cinematography amazing. But I have no idea anymore what happened in the previous 3 films plot wise. This did not happen with action movies like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon

[@StudioBinder]

Impeccable craftmanship

[@ashleylodewyk7454]

As always, compliments and loud applaus to StudioBinder for one heck of an informative video on the how to and how they did it. What would I ever have done without this channel?

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming!

[@ashwin9051]

​@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style

[@jentaro]

Another straight to the point masterclass. I've been interested in hyper-stylized lighting work for a long time and yet couldn't find adequate explanation online which wouldn't more so confuse than explain things. Thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@ashwin9051]

​@@StudioBinderexplain james gunn visual style

[@gamezone047]

I work for a VFX company, and we took part in creating VFX for that film. :)

[@HVisions]

Kudos to you then mate! Incredible work by the entire crew!

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats!

[@vinayaks433]

👍

[@Not_So_Slim_Shady]

One of the best action movies of all time

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed!

[@lecastlevania]

I really love this channel! As one of the guys that wrote a bunch of the music in the John Wick Series and I just wanted to drop a comment and say hello!

[@clementchoo9113]

I love Led Spirals from you! So badass

[@TheWrathfulSlayer]

How Keanu Reeves is still doing stunts in his late 50s is simply beyond me!! This man takes his job seriously and stays fit with his diet and exercise regime!!

[@StudioBinder]

Guys like him, Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tom Cruise are remarkable in that respect

[@rockkiller124]

This movie and a franchise are masterpiece of action

[@StudioBinder]

All wonderful!

[@thisissaurav_]

Thank you to the entire team of Studio Binder for enlightening us with all film making concepts and techniques. Just a small request to the team, please make a detailed video on IMAX. Like it's basic technology, and why directors like CHRISTOPHER NOLAN loves to use it. ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@vicentecampos2893]

One of the best sagas of the century and another great video.

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@evenstevener]

Just watched the movie yesterday and saw this video today. Thanks Studio Binder for another amazing video.

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it was illuminating :)

[@senshai1267]

Thank you guys for this , they really did set a standard for stylised action

[@StudioBinder]

Much to learn from it!

[@jacobhuff5975]

Respect for highlighting this, Studio Binder!

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to!

[@Dina_tankar_mina_ord]

A over the top action-packed movie is not enough to emphasis the fact when talking about john wick 4. I hope they start handling out awards for stunts after this.

[@StudioBinder]

So many great stunts in one film

[@Kyraaá.2772]

9:03 YESSSSS BLOOD CODE

[@StudioBinder]

Awesome track

[@carlosayala4674]

that club scene in john wick 4 amazing cinematography with the falling down scene and getting up and fighting

[@baconsarny-geddon8298]

The production of this series is just beautiful- Equal parts action movie, arthouse, and artsy music video. There's been maybe a dozen in the last decade that I was really impressed with. And I have a VERY low attention-span for sequels; I just assume they're probably gonna be lazy, farted-out cash-grabs. But ALL the John Wick have been consistently amazing (actually, I just downloaded jw4 today, and haven't watched it yet. But the first three were incredible)

[@StudioBinder]

When talented filmmakers don't settle for doing the same thing 🔥

[@abhishekkireels]

Man I need a “I love Studio Binder” T-shirt!

[@StudioBinder]

Time to make some merchandise!

[@ishanbhasin9381]

i think john wick had one of the greatest characterisations in movies in my opinion

[@StudioBinder]

They certainly did a great job in that department

[@wyattwyatt4126]

Thank you so much I LOVED this movie and its cinematography, it was great

[@StudioBinder]

Us too!

[@wyattwyatt4126]

@@StudioBinder 🙏 I know it's often said but your videos are the best for directing, screenwriting, etc... I discovered your channel about 8 months ago and the clarity of them and how straightforward they are make them really enjoyable and instructive ! I already wanted to be an actor and liked visuals, story and cinematography in films, but you made me want to direct too ! As a French guy, I'm glad I know English because there's so much great content like StudioBinder and other ones I wouldn't have discovered

[@rohan_das]

The narrator has the best calming and convincing voice in the world!

[@cordelyahaynes523]

🌞the wide shots call to mind how the dancer, Fred Astaire, liked his dance scenes shot-without cuts-it just makes the “action“ flow so much better; thank you Fred & Chad!

[@StudioBinder]

That's the idea!

[@michellegiampaoli40]

I have seen all 4 of the John Wick trilogy movies so far. Keanu Reeves is so amazing and athletic too!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Now I understand what makes the John Wick Franchise a Great Action Movie Franchise. Thank you StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@iloveshibainu9003]

over the top heroism, masculinity, goosebumps, 💯

[@StudioBinder]

🔥🔥

[@nigelasipa4150]

John Wick Chapter 4 makes a serious case for the franchise as whole becoming action cinema's greatest, certainly of the decade and maybe of the 21st century. I appreciate the second wind Reeve's is getting for his career as a bonus. Watching this behind the scenes look gives me hope for the genre to continue to push boundaries as cinematically as possible.

[@mdturnerinoz]

This was AWE and then SOME! THANKS! We have all 4 now and watch every few months. Thanks for the great ride Keanu et al!!!!!

[@siddharthnath7917]

Brilliant movie, brilliant video! 👏

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@master-of-mind5881]

Cinematography is not my forte but I was mesmerised by chapter four’s cinematography. Thanks for adding insight and clarity into what camera, lens, technique and formats that were used. This makes so much sense because the shots and angles used in this film are just breathtaking. The scene of Winston walking into an art gallery as he approaches the marquee, is a tracking shot. This is perhaps my favourite scene in the entire film. Although it conveys a character walking past art paintings, the colour palette and art design is so majestic. Not the most significant scene in the film but subjectively it conveys so much thematically within the narrative and story. I just love that shot. I also loved the closeup shots too. However the wide angle lens technique used throughout this movie is just immaculate because I was fully engrossed from start to finish. My favourite shot is the wide shot of the sun rising at dawn whilst John is chasing those guys on horses. That sequence is Lawrence of Arabia inspired for sure but wow what a way to immerse the audience into the spectacle that is unfolding before our eyes. Chapter four was pure art from start to finish. A love letter to action cinema. I actually cried whilst watching it, it cured me of my depression and reminded me why I love cinema, and IMAX. It’s not just another movie, it’s an experience!

[@AlaxSantiago]

i really love this franchise! Great video!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@anthonyadeyemi6056]

This channel is awesome.

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate it :)

[@syriagrapher]

StudioBinder is the BEST 😍

[@StudioBinder]

🙏🙏

[@Rakesh2105rocks]

Thankyou , i had asked for it many tmes and you guys delivered. I have learnt more from you, than any other channel or course.

[@StudioBinder]

It was highly requested!

[@badhonsamaddar]

I took an online film making course, with some money. But that didn't help me. What I could not learn in that whole course, I learned more from just one video of this channel. Lot of love and Respect Sir💖🙏, From India 🇮🇳💖🫂🌎👑

[@StudioBinder]

haha cheers!

[@michaelwilliams949]

DAMNNNNNNNNNNNN!! These vids are like million dollar quality. They are so fun and engaging while I'm learning heaps while keeping it simple at the same time. Mad thanks for this, from a newly blooming filmographer!

[@MarkEichin]

Thank you for pointing out the eye-lighting cue, I never noticed that. (I also enjoyed the use of matrix clips for examples - partly because they show off Chad Stahelski and where he came from - but also that it gives that tiny bit of extra life to the theory that the John Wick movies are in the Matrix universe :-)

[@StudioBinder]

same architect ;)

[@XTGAMEZ009]

Donnie Yen said in an interview that Chad understood the art of action in film making, just like how they do it on classic Hongkong films.. that's why John Wick don't have those shaky cams and several camera cuts you see in modern action films.

[@StudioBinder]

He even said he's never worked with someone that understood what he was trying to do like Stahelski, incredible praise

[@DelightLovesMovies]

You're so good at this StudioBinder. Thanks again for sharing your insight on youtube.

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@dattatrynikam5795]

PLZ make video on how to write a specific genra like how to write comedy or suspence. By the way love this video❤

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@KakRama]

As always quality tutorial by Studio Binder

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@warmwinters794]

How you do anything is how you do everything.

[@StudioBinder]

✔✔

[@johnnyinterval]

you know the one thing you never see in all these movies, is studio binder.

[@StudioBinder]

Our logo is missing in their shots

[@HVisions]

Always wanted you guys to cover this incredible movie! Thanks for the incredible and informative content StudioBinder!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@HVisions]

@@StudioBinder also I have a video idea.. Do a full in-depth analysis on how they shot and did the Camera Movement in the movie called "Upgrade". You've mentioned it before in some of your videos but it's smooth camera movement is something that shouldn't be overlooked 😅

[@Ritermann]

John Wick is to James Bond what DC Characters are to Marvel ones. A more violent, slightly depressing Brother.

[@StudioBinder]

haha the edgy brother

[@Hitchfred_Alcock]

Thank you StudioBinder, I was hoping to get a HTSI on John Wick! ♥

[@StudioBinder]

Hope you liked it!

[@Hitchfred_Alcock]

@@StudioBinder oh yes, you bet I did!

[@JuneJournalss]

I remember someone asking you to do a JohnWick scene in the comments of the previous video and you replied you'll try your best, and YOU DID IT!!! You kept your promise! I'm so glad... May I request anything Shakespeare related??? I've been using you guys for my ELA class and I'm struggling to find good Shakespeare videos. Mainly on depth and themes.

[@anthonyleach7608]

If you look at when they were in the hotel in Japan, when John appears, and there is no action going on, the lights are red, but as soon as they’re about to start fighting all the lights turn green

[@StudioBinder]

The color for battle

[@angersxakaxaka]

StudBinder you're the best. Thank you for the information

[@StudioBinder]

🙏🙏

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

I hope we will get another video on the sound used in all movies

[@StudioBinder]

Probably will!

[@Ayogenius67]

Studio binder ❤is here to cater for us ,thanks for ur contribution

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@ThompsonExpress]

The reason why i think John Wick was successful as a franchise is that the creative team got blank check on what they wanted to do and the executive knew to trust their filmmakers. Aka, what I've been preaching for years. Let the filmmakers make films.

[@StudioBinder]

True

[@MaharajProductions]

You are the best...I love a lot StudioBinder videos...

[@StudioBinder]

Love our viewers!

[@roni9275]

I would like to see Jackie, lee, and donnie all in john wick or any other spinoff series

[@StudioBinder]

That would be insane

[@GeoffryWK]

Too bad the franchise is over. A John Wick 5 would have awesome.

[@StudioBinder]

Seems like they're going ahead with a 5 now

[@prabhusankar8346]

Oh man !! I can feel butterflies in my stomach 😂 thats amazing!!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@farus_channel]

Shout-out for the team behind StudioBinder for creating deeper how they shot it John Wick: Chapter 4

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@darkkrenaissance42]

You really get me interested in the artform of shooting video... Thank you so much for that

[@shazy8]

I want to see an episode about how actions are filmed and what techniques are used.

[@GodMcQueen]

*This is great work.*

[@angiem577]

Edifying! Had hoped to hear a bit more though about what Director Chad referred to as their having pushed the color gradient/contrast to the limit in JW4. Still, great insights here, and I'd add that the music in all the Wicks has been a superb key element as well - certain song choices and original compositions had been staggeringly perfect for their scenes.

[@littlekermit5025]

Beautiful video essay. Thanks for all the work. Really really greatfull that I found your channel.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@chadwinbronkhorst100]

Hey Guys love your work 🙏🏾♥️ Pls breakdown Ninja Assassin (2009) it’s such an underrated movie

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@JesseStarling]

I must know, where do you get all these behind the scene videos??

[@StudioBinder]

👀

[@LeonardPC272]

yea John wick changed movies forever just the other day I was watching a movie blood and gold on Netflix and there's a fight scene they shot almost similar to how fight scenes in John wick are shot incredible tbh

[@StudioBinder]

The gun fu legacy lives on

[@grayscale31]

This was great, thanks Studio Binder, now need to see this for Extraction2, how they shot the oners, specially the train seq, would love to see BTS in details. Thanks

[@sophiaisabelle027]

We appreciate how well made this video is. Keep up the good work as always.

[@maximilianh4979]

Great video, very informative!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@rippleplayz1002]

This was a great video Studiobinder and I would like if u guys make a video on Akira Kurosawa about his film making style

[@StudioBinder]

We want to! He's a unique challenge to cover; in the meantime you should watch our video on Rashomon! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2SWc3Zpj7F5fZY

[@eyekey]

What I learned from JW4: if I am in a dance club and 2 people fight to the death, I keep on dancing cause it is completely normal.

[@StudioBinder]

German night clubs goers go hard

[@TonaA.R.]

Stunning

[@StudioBinder]

🔥🔥

[@christopherortiz9330]

13:23 May that stuntman rest in --- May he one day stop falling down the stairs and return to his family.

[@hambatuhan3165]

I won't doubt the amazing ways they shot and planned the action sequences, but for the fourth one, they streched the fight sequences and made them too long. The first movies and the second one felt like a fresh thing to watch, i could watch the unique action styles clearly, they were still a lot of them but those aren't as long as the fourth one.

[@StudioBinder]

That's a fair point, Stahelski's original cut was even longer haha

[@ventura269]

Oh man I m sorry for feeling sorry for you but you are most underrated youtuber

[@StudioBinder]

we're on our way :)

[@ianray8823]

If you can feel tired, even mentally, then the actors and scene was effective.

[@StudioBinder]

haha the adrenaline dump from a great fight scene

[@lukesittenauer4109]

Let the camera move as little as possible and focus on the action, that was exactly what Fred Astaire said about his dancing in the 1950s

[@makatron]

Just you guys know, Lionsgate posted a 10 hour video of John Wick falling the stairs. It's glorious! 😂

[@StudioBinder]

Saw it, that's hilarious

[@makatron]

@@StudioBinder perfect background video 🤣

[@KillerTacos54]

Fantastic video

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@felixsmittick9128]

Excellent, thank you💯

[@tavishmankash1888]

have a gr8 day! I wanted u to have a gr8 day throughout the past month but I just missed it cuz I've been busy...

[@StudioBinder]

Hope you have one too!

[@baliramchauhangatsby]

Thanks for this 😊

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@treyvonjenkins7377]

5:23 I wonder if Michael b Jordan got inspired by Bernardo because that shot is the same one in creed iii

[@StudioBinder]

He might've!

[@General_reader]

The literal opposite of the Bourne series

[@StudioBinder]

They are quite different

[@MauroNigro]

"till he kills 100%".nice

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@neo_bellic]

10:28 a minor correction - Keanu has always emphasized that he does "action" while "stunts" are done by the stunt guys and his doubles. Despite that it's still amazing he did most of the driving scenes himself.

[@StudioBinder]

Perhaps he considers stunt driving too easy to be considered a stunt haha

[@akibtafhim]

Summary of this episode: Chad is chad 💯

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely 😎

[@RyoMassaki]

I would say that the John Wick franchise is made exactly like classic HongKong Action-movies from the 90s. The combination of CQC with Juijitsu is what makes it unique, but everything else is the same approach using the same film-making techniques. There is even a touch of classic 70s golden era Kung Fu movies in there. I can see a lot of influence of Jackie Chan's work in John Wick, especially the restrained camera-movements, the editing and the framing/blocking.

[@StudioBinder]

They took influence from all the great action cinema of the past

[@improvementeachday6866]

Was looking for a john wick 4 video, figured, nah not right now, maybe some studiobinder video first, and i'll be damned..

[@maxk4471]

"The director stresses realism above all else" Well, probably that's the reason why the franchise got those ballistic suits, that can save the characters even from the bullet impact pain. The video is great, and it's a valuable knowledge we get here on shooting the fight scenes in one of the best action franchises. But let's be honest, the franchise is not that realistic as it want's to be since the 2nd movie. And yeah, at this point it is kind of over the top. Sure they are still trying to keep it grounded, but some scenes are just too much. Like falling from the 4th floor and then getting up and fighting their way against hordes of enemies. Or like every 2nd enemy having that bulletproof suits. I mean that creates a lot of disbelief. At this point it is easier to "believe" that transformers or Iron Man are real. Truly realistic and grounded was only the 1st movie, and there is less of it in every next movie. But to be fair, those stunts and wide shots are great

[@StudioBinder]

👌