The Art of Action - Chad Stahelski - Episode 9

In episode 9, Scott Adkins talks to Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick franchise, longtime stuntman, stunt co-ordinator and 2nd Unit director and one of the founding members of Hollywood Fight Stunt Team 87eleven.
0:00 Martial Arts Background
5:11 Getting into stunts
6:42 Bloodsport
11:17 Brandon Lee
16:28 The Matrix
21:38 Injuries
22:50 Editing
24:27 The infamous rant
28:23 The systemic problem
30:20 Ninja Assassin
33:14 Play to strengths of the lead
38:09 Changing the game
39:20 Rehearsing with cameramen
43:30 Training cast
45:17 Dog Fu
47:29 John Wick 3 Knife Fight
51:21 Subvert the genre
55:35 Fan expectation
58:53 Curse of the sequel
#ArtofAction #ScottAdkins #ChadStahelski
Purchase the Bloodsport series here -
www.amazon.com/Bloodsport-Mov...
Ninja Assassin
www.amazon.com/Ninja-Assassin...
The Matrix Trilogy
www.amazon.com/Matrix-Trilogy...
John Wick Franchise
www.amazon.com/John-Wick-Chap...
All clips are used under
*FAIR USE*
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

[@mariorodriguezjunior]

RIP Brandon Lee. That was a tough segment for Chad, but thanks for doing it, appreciate it, the martial arts community lost another legend prematurely.

[@farahbasdeo9997]

really enjoyed hearing about Brandon as well..

[@Edwin-pq6dg]

Only in the USA it happens more than one time .

[@StueyMonster]

Came back to rewatch this after seeing the buzz around Scott in JW4. Watching, I get a feeling that at that point he had no idea he'd be in it!

[@antdujar]

agreed!

[@mrmalaysia1]

Scott Adkins is an absolute legend for just doing this brilliant interviews❤ Unlike the big tv and youtube channels that does highly advertised but low quality interviews, Scott Adkins asks proper questions that provide an insight inside the artist's life and work,in addition to giving us a glimpse of another side these artists. Amazing work and hope he keeps doing it.

[@germankenway]

Amen 👌🏻

[@-MrFozzy-]

Yeah it’s the difference of a professional interviewer/reporter asking dull, unoriginal….cringey questions. Against a humble professional fighter/stunt guy who is also a huge fan…asking questions you want to know or wouldn’t think to ask. How it should be!

[@nigelcox-hagan6820]

Jesus this is the greatest channel in the world.

[@RahulKudva]

The most COMPLETE channel in the world! 😉

[@danijelamajic4231]

And the most complete man in the world Scott.....

[@hermannbloessner9632]

Jesus effing Quintana...that dude can bowl, man.

[@gmatwotimes]

Hermann Bloessner haha

[@JPKelly-xr7tr]

Agreed!

[@assembled1855]

Scott for John Wick 4

[@pertamanakprimaindra3928]

or 5

[@phillipharris9824]

Both

[@k.w.2275]

He should become the protagonist! James Wycke

[@antoniochapman3986]

Chad is the best action director right now the John Wick movies are awesome.

[@jetmox88]

If they used Dacascos as bad guy Scott would make an awesome one too

[@mnkykungfu]

Thanks to Scott for asking about Brandon Lee... I didn't know Chad had so much experience with him, and it was great to hear his perspective.

[@justinfalzon1613]

I loved Chad before watching this, but now I love him 100% more.

[@azulonecaporesistenc]

He's great

[@trustobey1016]

Same here

[@cobrakainevereverdies6940]

So you actually watched BloodSport 2 and 3, many moons ago ???????

[@jamyangpelsang3099]

E Gringo is enough proof that Scott Adkins can and should appear in a future John Wick film.

[@danijelamajic4231]

Or Savage dog

[@jamyangpelsang3099]

@@danijelamajic4231 anything particular about it?

[@danijelamajic4231]

To me hole movie us very good....

[@brocksrocks9012]

The finale of Universal Soldier 4 as well as some of the gun-fu in Close Range (with some members of 87eleven action team members) are also proof.

[@ARSENALS-cn8mv]

AVENGEMENT IS ALSO A PERFECT ACTION MOVIE.

[@cosmicwarriors206]

This series is incredible. Scott is incredible, what a blessing he is to this world. I am grateful.

[@rofavilla]

agreed...

[@donovanmcguckin3799]

Thank you Scott for this GODSOME video series. In time please plan to work with Jason David Frank, plus interview,

[@SamK-99]

Couldn't have say it better. 👏👏👏

[@yb554]

Absolutely.

[@takoshihitsamaru4675]

I love how a lot of his start is such an ecclectic mix of being in the right place at the right time, knowing the right people and then just working hard and being hungry to learn. Right time period definitely helped too.

[@bimmyfrizzo3988]

I was watching this to hear his story about brandon lee. And I want to give kudos to chad stahelski for helping to finish the movie. It was a great movie and brandon lee would be proud of it (RIP)

[@Eduseveneight]

It's amazing to see Scott speak so passionately about The Matrix, Keanu, etc ... that's why he's so great, because he's humble and he's still a fan. he is one of us.

[@danijelamajic4231]

I think the same....

[@jizmm813]

I'm a big fan of Scott's movies. He is definitely one of the best on screen to do it today ! I want to see a JCVD interview and also Wesley Snipes interview.

[@shanksingh7613]

Chad stahelski is legend only few who became famous director from stuntman

[@Sophie_the_Sapphic]

@@Jim..777 jackie chan?

[@Jim..777]

@@Sophie_the_Sapphic hello Anton, Jackie chan is an actor and a stuntman at the same time, and also a director although not famous director I think , but you have a point

[@pocketchange6010]

a lot of people don't know Dan Insanto and the tribute John Wick is to all martial arts and Bruce Lee

[@DojoMuppet]

Δημητρης Τσακωνας a lot of Hong Kong action directors were choregraphers first or came in doing did both at once

[@almightycinder]

David Leithch as well.

[@janineparra3466]

It would be great Mr. Adkins vs Keanu Reeves in John Wick! 💞

[@denmart9842]

Indeed it will, not a bad idea love

[@trustobey1016]

Hopefully chapter 4 will have that.

[@Fury647]

Yeeees!! Yes yes YES. Totally agree. It would be EPIC🤩

[@pocketchange6010]

It would be wonderful to see Dan Inosanto in John Wick...he played a role in Red Belt

[@janineparra3466]

@@pocketchange6010 Didn't know about that! I've just remembered that I watched this movie at theater. By the way, Rodrigo Santoro and Alice Braga were in the cast. They're from my country.

[@LUIZ.527]

Scott, all you need to do is make a movie with Chad Stahelski and a big promotion, so you will have a box office above 100 million and finally get the fame you deserve, the mainstream

[@v-trigger6137]

EXACTLY!

[@maxpayne232]

Let him be the new Highlander.

[@cubanref9670]

@@maxpayne232 That is an amazing idea.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

@@maxpayne232 Agree. Scott will kill that role. I hope it happens

[@jonelsorel]

This is the best and most revealing Chad Stahelski interview out there. Huge props for making it possible, Scott!

[@astrumopes]

Wow!!!!! Blown away! What an interview. Amazing. Training with Brando Lee. The Crow made him a star in his own right. We salute you for all your hard work and passions.

[@henrik6754]

Scott! You NEED to get a role in John Wick 4! That would be amazing.

[@jaykrishnan1398]

Guess what?😅

[@FWDSUXARSE]

I'm sure it would be a "Killah" performance. I'll see myself out 😂

[@DonPandemoniac]

Chad really made his mark and is confident enough to defend his ideas, can't wait to see what he'll come up with next. Sure hope he and Scott will team up for a movie.

[@vandriver101]

They did

[@WTFisTingispingis]

:)

[@sarahhanyu9015]

Wow, I did not know much about this guy, but through these interviews I got to learn so much about his influence. Looking forward to it.

[@ziplipilipi3120]

@vervideos yt nice...

[@jasonred3874]

I think nobody know him for the most part unfortunately 😅

[@ESFDragxnFistEntertainment]

He should played Batman😓

[@ChrisSmithBass]

Scott Adkins needs a tv show or a full on web series with real production for these. Scott you are great at these interviews and you do a great job letting them speak but keeping it flowing at the same time. This is GREAT stuff!!

[@keydemographics]

Chad fucking ascended to the pantheon with John Wick 4. Up there with Bay and Cameron as a Hollywood action director. You can see the work he has put in and the breadth of his influences onscreen.

[@captare]

One of the things I loved about this video is when we see Scott standing still and paying close attention to what Chad is talking about. You can see his eyes sparkle! Chad is doing a lot for the action film industry, here we can see the things he had to fight to change and prove.

[@Kay8B]

Thanks for talking about Brandon Chad, We enjoyed hearing more about his character!

[@EntertheDragon76]

Was only a matter of time. Can't wait to watch this episode.

[@anthonybutt5988]

Outstanding interview. Never seen Chad talk about his work before. For someone to start as a stuntman, learn his craft the hard way and then transition into one of the most exciting Directors at present is incredibly inspiring. Looking forward to John Wick 4 - like everyone else. 👍

[@Leo_King_Reyes]

One of Chad's early and memorable role was Brandon's body double in The Crow along w Jeff Cadiente.. I love the John Wick franchise so keep making it great my friend ;)

[@beverlycoates1739]

CHAD is the best!!! He doubles for Keanu!!! He's fantastic!!! Greatest respect for him!! Stay Blessed Chad !!!✝️🙏💜🕊

[@filipemonteiro8255]

In these depressing times, it's refreshing to have a channel with segments like this. 😀👍

[@cliffordcopeland2908]

Scott, thank you. These interviews make me feel more appreciative about the movies I love to watch.

[@xavierl.4383]

Thank you for asking Chad about Brandon Lee. Having those questions come from you instead of a random journalist made it more authentic.

[@antoniosolis6150]

Brandon would be proud of you chad of the crow u finish I love the movie. It is incredible movie and you did amazingly job chad God bless.

[@v-trigger6137]

these guys really needs to collaborate for a movie, they will definitely create something dynamite!. or at least Scott needs to be on John Wick 4, imagine a fight between him and Keanu

[@availabl3account]

Scott Adkins have you been in journalism school? Like every interview you do, questions and all are spot on. Amazing again. 👍👍👍 👊

[@castro3336]

Now this is how u run a channel! None stop bangers. I do appreciate and love your tutorials also, please keep them coming. Kinda redundant to say but its so true This is the most complete Channel.

[@AlkisGD]

This discussion was a much appreciated window into Chad's mind. Thank you _so_ much for setting this up and giving him the space to elaborate with his answers, Scott! I live in the Greek countryside and I've already made plans to go see John Wick 4 at one of the best cinemas in Athens, 4hrs away 🤩

[@game9848]

That's why living in California is a blessing. Every MARTIAL ART is brought their to be advertised on it'sgreatness.

[@monketstyling]

Really great interview, almost came to tears myself when they talked about Brandon Lee. He should direct a new Crow movie, different story of the Crow, anyone can become the crow in the comics.

[@cheekster777]

Great episode. Chad shares so much interesting information. A super knowledgeable guy in all aspects of filmmaking. Thank you Chad and Scott. 🙏🏻

[@delrey874]

He is currently one of the best action film directors. I want him to make more movies.

[@stevenmercado9081]

OMG, you got Stahelski on here?!!! This is my new favorite show EVER!!!!

[@SchmokinJoe]

This phenomenal discussion, combined with the cinematography I just witnessed in John Wick 4, has me excited for whatever this dude does next. Even if his next movie has zero action in it, I'm gonna be pumped (but also disappointed cuz I love a good fight scene).

[@danilederer5546]

Looking forward to see Scott at Corridor Digital

[@MagicOscar]

Such an awesome conversation! Thank you, Scott, for bringing us this channel!

[@ibpiano5520]

Beautiful interview, man. That part where Chad teared up talking about Brandon was genuinely moving. He also provided some great insights into the making of the JW franchise, and your questions were spot on. If I may, I'd like to propose some other great action directors for future episodes: Christopher McQuarrie, David Leitch, Sam Hargrave, and the one and only Jackie Chan.

[@The36thEmperor]

Wow. What an interview. Great audition by the way Scott. Your in. 😂 Learnt alot watching this. Chad is both underrated & amazing.

[@MrLee43]

What a great interview! Thank you Scott Adkins!

[@miloogorman2310]

Sat through this twice... it's practically a masterclass in itself (in an 'actors guild' stylee). 2 years on Chad remembered to reach out as per the final promise in his last moments in interview; hope to see your performance soon Scott (Your character in the trailer seems DeNiro-esque ala latter stage Raging Bull... deliberate nod maybe?) P.s. I think you should suggest Michael Wincott (The Crow) to Chad as a potential bad guy in Wick 5. Brilliant interview. Thanks for sharing guys!

[@GrindhouseFunhouse]

This is BY FAR my favorite YT series of interviews I've watched this Summer. Especially this one with Chad. You can tell he's totally passionate about his craft and takes no shit to be able to keep his vision. Can't wait to see what he will do with Wick 4 & 5. Scott I hope you keep doing this serie for a long time to come. 👍😃

[@petercollinson8039]

This is nothing less than superb. Engaging, personal and dense-pack informative stuff I’ve seen nowhere else. Thanks so much for this.

[@zeeybamanch1903]

Can't wait

[@sonicboom2835]

Chad has valid points for up and coming Directors. A STORY/LINE IS A MOVEMENT, A Story moves. Writing a Script is easy, reading lines is easy. Putting that Action Story so to speak in 'action' and 'make-believable' to the audience is the key for the Actors, Directors, SOUNDTEAM and the Editors combined to make the story. A action scene edits are first approved by the ACTOR then the Editor. The Director is like all the above, they want the actor is a certain position/s, they control the CAMTEAM and verify the edits, themes....etc.

[@leemitchell146]

What a episode. what a guy carn't wait for jw 4 .well done scott for another brilliant episode 👊🏻👊🏻

[@BaiLong45]

Just another great interview! I appreciated Chad’s honesty about filmmaking, especially how he called out directors for looking down on directing action. Had to pause and reflect when he said that if he could learn about directing, they in turn could learn about action choreography, which quite honestly is the basis for these multimillion dollar movies. I appreciated how Chad has to work around the weaknesses of an actor and how preparation, whether it’s camera angles or actor training, saves money in the end. Man, such an amazing director!

[@joshpaul6417]

Please get Donnie yen on that would be crazy

[@germankenway]

They did hehe

[@HamzaPerkins]

@@germankenway hehe

[@-MrFozzy-]

@@HamzaPerkins hehe

[@jacobharris954]

Nah that would have never happen with Donnie yen and Scott Atkins in jw4

[@Gringoloko97]

In an alternate world, i wish Brandon Lee as John Wick.

[@tonybabic4081]

Loved this video! It's really fascinating to hear two action icons chat about action movies so passionately. Thank you for doing this Scott & Chad.

[@XTGAMEZ009]

Chad's rant on modern action take is very true.. I'm glad directors like him are changing the game.

[@SpontaneousWeasel]

Another fantastic interview Scott- great behind the scenes details about john wick 3! I had no clue some/most of the glass was CG... Great to see (or not see!) digital effects being used so well. Fascinating to listen to Chad talk about his career.

[@jovenm]

This is the best Martial arts channel. Great interviews. Been watching it for days now. Really great to hear from the Martial artist movie legends of the 80s and 90s. Great work Scott Adkins. 👍👍👍💪💪💪🙏🙏🙏

[@Gelsomino101]

Amazing!! Love all the insight! Thanks Scott, these are true gems!

[@JPKelly-xr7tr]

Outstanding Interview! What an amazing series.

[@tommyvukovic8940]

I love this series. It's cool and interesting and gives me such a better understanding of what goes into making martial arts action sequences. Really great, thank you for putting this series together. As a huge fan of martial arts and action I'm grateful for this.

[@BlkDonte]

Excellent! I love Chad's passion for PROPER action filming! I hope this opens the door for Scott to be in more big budget films. He deserves it. I hope to see Donnie, Jet , Jackie, Sammo, JCVD, Cynthia Rothrock, Bolo Yeung, James Lew, Simon and Philip Rhee and many more on this series 🙏🏽. I just want to go on record saying, can't believe I'm seeing this, for years I've wanted these two men I'm currently watching in this interview, to team up! This pairing has the potential for some of the best action this world has ever seen and I think it is crime that this has yet to happen. Why are so many things in this world that are just plain common sensical just so hard to put together. Someone answer my prayers.

[@WillEDC]

Scott always ruining my sleep. Premiers midnight

[@savansajeev2819]

im saved , it premieres on 9.00 PM from my timezone

[@WillEDC]

But it’s worth the loss sleep lol. I don’t know what it is but all these interviews are so engaging.

[@Thommywushu]

Gives a lot of motivation and inspiration. Thank you guys for this.

[@davidlavalleejr]

Brilliant interview. I love that you've decided to do these and all of them have been excellent so far. Please keep it up! Love it!

[@steveanderson1779]

So glad you interviewed Chad Stahelski. Awesome episode

[@akumous]

This was a brilliant segment and extremely educational.

[@LUIZ.527]

Two legends in one video

[@lukecage275]

John Wick 4 - Scott Adkins as the high table English repsentative, JCVD as a European representative, Sammo, Chan, Chow or Yen as the Chinese high table rep.

[@arunv44]

Fantastic.. Was waiting for this one..!! Thank you Scott.

[@savansajeev2819]

i wish scott to be in a lot more great movies

[@LouisBloom...]

Aqui ready siguiendote from CHILE Scott 🇨🇱👌

[@ilmenaglar]

I've never learned so much from an interview. I've seen all the director's Masterclasses and I haven't learned that much from them. Thanks for this, Scott!

[@d4v1dth3k1ng]

I love the wipes timed to the ads. Excellent editing.

[@CesarIsaacPerez]

Great to see another point of view. Loved it.

[@jcarloshernandez3315]

Thank you Scott like all the interviews this it's a great one...

[@loz_youngs]

Absolutely siiiiiick interview. Keep doin what ya do my man

[@mrx1333]

One of the best interviews with Chad! Really great job Adkins! You really know how to talk, appreciate, and really be genuine with each person you talk with! Chad seems like a really great guy and knows a lot about action in the movie industry, John Wick rules! Would love to see you kick ass in John Wick 4, Scott! You'd be another great addition to the movie like Dacascos!

[@ugursariusta2284]

I was so surprised when I saw Chad Stahelski when he was stunt double of Brandon Lee on the Crow

[@juandenz2008]

Great insights into action film-making from Chad Stahelski !

[@VinylSkillz]

Im enjoying every bit of this series man.

[@dafitness9930]

Loving the passion in both of them 🔥🔥

[@Solitaryka0s]

Great hearing about Brandon Lee. I've seen and heard hundreds of podcasts and videos where Brandon could/should be mentioned and he's just rarely brought up. More people besides the hardcore fans should be talking about him and keeping his memory alive.

[@BearTechNation]

You missed Equilibrium! That was a decent Christian Bale movie with Gun-Fu!

[@comrade3186]

That wasn't decent. It was Excellent, Fantabulous, mind blowing movie!!!!

[@reecereed8131]

Yer, Straight away I thought of what Kurt Wimmer called Gun Kata, So it's gone by a few names.

[@iannottingham4640]

The movie has too many scene cuts during its action scenes. I guess they could not make it look good without it.

[@v-trigger6137]

the technique was used in Equilibrium was "Gun-kata". it was created by the director Kurt Wimmer himself, apparently he came with this idea when he was experimenting different techniques in his backyard. obviously he was inspired by matrix

[@szewei85]

Haha its a shame equilibrium underrated behind the heels of matrix success

[@a2jwarden]

This is the most amazing episode of The Art of Action I've seen so far

[@ESFDragxnFistEntertainment]

This is the most Complete channel in the world!😎

[@tumbel99]

Another really great interview Scott.And inside of the movie making life of the Amazing Chad Stahelski.

[@Spear_of_Destiny]

Scott Adkins , With love to you from Ukraine. All my friends and acquaintances adore you and your films. I myself like to watch them a thousand times. Thank you for being.

[@DerekLieu]

This is such a phenomenal interview, Scott! So packed with insight and it’s clear why Chad’s work is so good. Thanks so much!

[@AJDraws]

This series is AWESOME

[@EnslavedGamer]

Great interview, now I'm waiting for every friday and new episode, great job Scott! :D

[@QuincyKane]

Fantastic! So much to learn here!

[@brooksashmanskas4516]

It's official...Scott Adkins in the will be in the new John Wick ^^.

[@StrongmanUniverse]

This is better than any film school! Thanks Scott 💪🏼

[@luket6915]

It's so cool to see what it's like on the other end of the camera and movie business. That was great. Thank you.

[@DarkEnergy---__]

Two legends in one video.

[@RhysClark97]

This guy is a legend, can't wait to watch this.

[@jasonred3874]

Lol