How to Become a Fight Choreographer
You know all those cool action scenes where people battle, duel and fight? Someone actually gets paid to stage or choreograph those classic moments. Fight choreographers are people who train actors to do fight scenes and then put together sequences for the actors to perform. It's a cool job, and there are a lot of perks like getting to meet and work with celebrities. Here's how to become a fight choreographer.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Train in lots of fighting techniques, martial arts and acrobatics. The more styles and different kinds of physical arts and stunts you are capable of, the better. Train for several years so you are not just proficient but really good at what you do. Begin working with a friend or partner to choreograph and create mock fight scenes. Plan them out just as you would for a production, then work through them.
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2
Offer your services to local theaters for their productions. Also, college film students make some great films, but they are always on a budget, so if you offer your services free in exchange for a copy and credit, you're likely to get some takers. You'll get some great on-set experience as well as video footage of your work in action. Plus you'll get to see what it's like to work with actors not necessarily trained in fighting tactics. Work on as many productions as you can.
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3
Put together a demo reel of all your footage from the films and theater productions you've worked on. Make it look as exciting and interesting as possible. If you don't know how to do video editing, then hire someone to cut the demo reel for you. Make several copies. Make sure to include your name and phone number on the label of the DVD.
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4
Network at film meetings, parties, festivals and events. Have business cards made and hand them out to everyone you meet; you never know when someone will hear that they or someone they know needs a fight choreographer. If someone seems really interested in you and your work, send them a demo reel. Make your presence known and someone will give you a shot, especially in the independent film world.
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5
Get hired by some independent filmmakers and continue to improve and update your demo reel. Seek out an agent to represent you as a choreographer. Send each agent a cover letter and copy of your demo reel. Once there's an interest from an agent, he will get you work by calling in pitches and sending out your reel.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't attempt to choreograph or perform any skills you're not trained in.
