How to Safely Light Chris Hemsworth on Fire

Sam Hargrave is an award winning stuntman and stunt coordinator, second unit director for films like Suicide Squad and Avengers:Endgame, and director of the film Extraction. His second feature film, Extraction 2, is available on Netflix, June 16. 

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director Sam Hargrave discuss:

The transition from stunt performing to directing

What a “stunt vis” is and why it's important for efficiency and safety on set

How directing a film is like being a switchboard operator

Why filming Extraction 2 was more challenging than the first film

Wanting to give the audience more the second time around

The specifics to the casting process

Operating the camera on the more dangerous scenes 

Landing a helicopter onto a moving train

Making others feel invested in your project

Sam’s approach to emailing those he works with

Memorable Quotes

“I was young and flexible and really wanted to be Jackie Chan.” [4:06]

“There’s so many questions that come the way of the director. It feels like you are a switchboard operator on methamphetamines.” [10:07]

“Communication with other departments is one of the most important things in filmmaking.” [11:50]

“Each movie…is its own unique puzzle. It’s a labyrinth that you and the crew have to work your way through.” [14:34]

“When you can do something practically, always do it.” [23:12]

Resources:

Extraction 2 trailer

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