emmanuel manzanares

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LBP Stunts Chicago Presents: KERAMBIT KNIFE FIGHT

It’s been a busy, busy Spring for movies, including fans and filmgoers who have seen (or in some instances may be still waiting to see) director Gareth Evans’ latest film, The Raid 2, which opened the floodgates nationwide in early April. And with the film’s popularity among fans of Evans’ work, there’s a clear fascination with Indonesian action cinema, particularly with the weaponized choreography involving the use of the Kerambit knife, an ancient weapon which was once, like other ancient weapons, used as a farming tool.

Gh jyyThe knife can be seen in both aforementioned films along with others, including briefly in actor Dean Alexandrou’s next film, Reflex. This week however, we now get to see more of that hardwork pay off on the latest test fight short by Emmanuel Manzanares, and featuring Alexander Hashioka and Bryan Sloyer. It’s about a minute and a half, but still worth taking a peek as part of the embodyment of inspired action design courtesy of LBP Stunts Chicago.

Take a look and follow the channel for more content. Also, if you haven’t subscribe to Sloyer‘s channel and wish to explore his work, CLICK HERE and subscribe as well.

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Indie Spotlight: ESCALATION And EMBRACE THE VOID Feat. Jerry Quill

It’s been an amazing year so far being able to observe and write about so many independent performers apply their creativity for cinematic action. And this week, that passion most notably arrives in a cool little double-header with two new videos featuring up-and-coming actor and stuntman Jerry Quill.

The first of two new test fight installations includes the latest one from independent filmmaker Emmanuel Manzanares titled Escalation, with fellow LBP member Alexander Hashioka. The short is one of several pieces Quill has done with LBP since late last year, with Manzanares‘s choreography here experimenting with a flurry of non-martial arts-stylized exchanges to depict more of a realistic, brutal struggle.

It’s this kind of creativity which provides a continually fruitful and evolving playing field for Quill in fight choreography and stunt experimentation. And if you haven’t subscribed to LBP Stunts Chicago on Youtube, then you’re in for a treat, to say the least. So by all means, check out the video below and hit the subscribe button.

The second short titled, Embrace The Void, also stars rising action actresses Sharon Berezin and Sarah McCreanor, and comes as the result of inspiration Quill had one day while bored at work. In light of this inspiration, his friendship with Dragon Phoenix Entertainment’s own Shaun Charney earned him a pretty good opportunity to apply himself in a way he had not done before until now, in directing, as well as action design and writing. “I don’t write very often actually,” he says. “But, I decided to push myself to do it for this so I could have something more to shoot than just a fight scene.”.

He also added, “I’ve always had an interest in choreography but never directed before. I want to be able to produce and direct my own projects but didn’t know where to start. So I contacted Shaun for help and advice. He told me he would collaborate and help me put together a small project for learning purposes.”.

Quill also discussed his history with Berezin and how he came across discovering McCreanor, both who I have written about either once or twice in a few previous articles. “I had worked with Sharon several times before through a couple of Shaun’s other projects,” he writes. “We also meet up to train once and a while. She’s been helping me with basic acrobatics.” He continued, “I met Sarah briefly working on a music video. After seeing one of her dance reels, I asked her if she would be interested in doing a small fight scene so I could get some practice directing. Plus, because of Sarah’s dance background and flexibility gave me the chance to try a few different ideas with some of her moves.”.

As experimental as this particular project was, the project was also a test of time management and pressure. Thematically, the short was meant to be much longer and more metaphorical in its delivery, featuring McCreanor as the human emulation of “Death” testing the will of a “slave” played by Berezin. “I originally wanted to tell more of the story through the fight and choreography,” he says. “However due to poor planning on my part, we only had one day to shoot and we were fighting the sunlight and time. So I had to cut most of the choreography in order to finish.”.

Quill also writes, “I learned a lot about what I can do better next time. It was great working with both of them. Thankfully they were both super patient with me throughout this process. Plus, Shaun Charney helped me out A LOT with this project, so kudos to him!”.

It’s very interesting to see as many independent performers grow and improve in the past decade as I have, including within the past year spotting Quill in what would be going into his second year in such an occupation, performing in several pieces for Charney. And adding Berezin and McCreanor in the mix, I can only hope these folks will help keep me busy on this site for the years to come.

Check out Embrace The Void in the embed below, and to follow, you know what to do!

Photo: Tony Chu Photography

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FMA Takes Center Stage In The New LBP Short, BAHAD

It was back in February that I got to acquaint myself with actor and stuntman Bryan Sloyer who mentioned a few projects he was working on this year. One of those projects in particular would evidently include fellow action actor Jerry Quill and resident independent filmmaker and action director Emmanuel Manzanares for their latest collaborative short test fight effort, Bahad.

The title itself carries several derivative meanings in a few languages, including Hebrew, and especially in Cebuano dialect. In this particular instance, for indie action fans, it simply earns the title meaning “Duel”, which is what it is — a breakneck, fast paced cinematic clash between two Eskrimadors challenging each other to test the limits of their skills. Bahad is also a reunion project after last year’s collaboration for The Fixer, as well  as a concept introduced by Sloyer who also happens to be a purveyor of Filipino martial arts himself.

The result is what you see below, and as you can see, the concept definitely works as another addition to the LBP brand of action, as well as action in general. And considering how long and how prevalent Filipino martial arts fight choreography has been in many films over the years in some form or another, (i.e. Enter The Dragon, Out For Justice, The Perfect Weapon, S.P.L., I, Frankenstein, The Raid, etc.), I personally feel there is still tons of potential ways to explore and observe FMA in a very cinematic, raw and entertaining fashion for today’s audiences.

Creativity never dies. And Bahad is a noteworthy reminder of exactly that.

Watch and enjoy, and subcribe to LBP Stunts Chicago to keep up with their work!

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LBP Stunts Presents: BRENDON HUOR vs. JAMES YOUNG

A flurry of fists set the tone between Brendon Huor and James Young in their new test fight, dir. by Emmanuel Manzanares

Whatever happens, don’t ever take your eyes off of independent filmmaker and LBP Stunts Chicago founding member Emmanuel Manzanres. Because at the end of the day, Manzanares is a friggin machine when it comes to putting his direction and choreography skills to the test, working with innumerous professionals of the stunt field both in and outside his own team. I’ve covered his action gems more times than I can count on my blog as Manzanares has become more and more prolific over the years through the blogosphere with his contributions to the independent and mainstream action cinema world, and that coverage continues this week with his latest treat featuring performances by Brendon Huor and James Young.

The new test fight marks the latest collaboration between Huor and Young, both well and highly respected stuntmen and fight choreographers to date with respective credits including indie action faves such as Thousand Pounds Action Company’s Naruto Shippuden: Dreamer’s Fight, as well as last year’s Wonder Woman shortfilm nod, First Impressions, and the Zoë Bell action headliner, Raze. With any luck, this won’t be the last time we see these two together working on something that will blow our minds in due time. And on one programming note, if things go as planned, Film Combat Syndicate contributing film critic, Thousand Pounds co-founder and actor Darren Bailey may likely be able to share an inteview with Young joined by fellow stuntman/performer Aaron Toney upon the forthcoming release of their latest work on Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Time will tell if this will be possible though, particularly since peoples’ schedules are very tight, but keep it in mind nonetheless. In the meantime check out Huor and Young in the embed below where you may also subscribe to LBP Stunts Chicago for more awesome videos.

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Michelle Martins And Bryan Sloyer Go Head-To-Head In LBP's Latest Fight Demo

Fans and followers of independent action and Film Combat Syndicate readers might remember industry stuntwoman Michelle Alvarado Martins from her previous gig with filmmaker and stunt coordinator Geo Corvera on his first online shortfilm for the new year titled Triumph. Well, this week, Martins continues to expand on her craft, showcasing her screenfighting talents for the first time with independent filmmaker and LBP Stunts Chicago founding member Emmanuel Manzanares and fellow stuntman Bryan Sloyer on a new fight demo now available for viewing on the official LBP Stunts YouTube channel.

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"Are You Ready!?!" Watch The New LBP Test Fight Short, THROWDOWN!

Michael Lehr and Alexander Hashioka-Oatfield trade shots in the LBP short, THROWDOWN

Independent filmmaker Emmanuel Manzanares continues to entertain the masses this month with a brand new pound-for-pound action short titled Throwdown. Filmed just this past Sunday, the project is one in a continual series of the usual experimental pieces representing the body of work by LBP Stunts Chicago as Manzanares expands his craft with other stunt performing actors in front of the camera, this time with LBP member Alexander Hashioka-Oakfield and West coast-based Fight Factory’s own Michael Lehr.

I spoke to the two performers this week leading the way with Lehr, who recently appeared opposite actor and director John Wusah in their latest collaboration titled Valiant just last week. And it just so happens that while Lehr has been familiar with LBP’s work for a long period of time, Throwdown is his first pairing with Manzanares and anyone from his team, which he describes best as an “eye-opening” experience. “Everytime I think I’m good at stunts and fighting, I work with aces like these guys and I get a good reminder of how much I can improve.” he says. “…They were very friendly, very accommodating and patient.” With several more projects Lehr will be involved in between now and this summer, Lehr expressed his humilty and hopes his next adventure with LBP won’t be too far off, adding “I learned a lot from them, and for such a short shoot, they managed to make me look credible. I’m always trying to surround myself with people I think are better than myself, so hopefully they’ll let me work with them again ASAP.”.

Hashioka-Oatfield, a member of the team since its conception between 2007 and 2008 who has appeared in several pieces I have written about in the past year, can certainly side with Lehr in vouching for the amount of impact that entails in combining similar goals with like-minded folks such as Manzanares. “Any amount of committed training produces results, and working with good people always forces you to raise your game.” says Hashioka-Oatfield. “And since we train hard and regular, it’s fairly easy to grow and make moves. And obviously, in any group, diversity is important, so I’ve tried to branch out and do more than just our stunt training with our guys.”. On that note, he also spoke highly of Lehr on their first time performing together, saying “It was a fun time! Mike has plenty of legit fight training to draw on, and it’s just a matter of channeling that ability towards performance. Honestly, it’s always a little nerve wracking fighting someone new, especially with lots of in ring training. However, Mike has great control and ability. I think he can go as far as he wants with the fight specialty.”.

Currently, Lehr is set to produce a few projects next month, in addition to a Fight Factor sci-fi short with stunt player and actress Katelyn Brooke, as well as playing the lead in an upcoming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-oriented webseries, and appearing in NBC’s new medical drama, The Night Shift this fall. Meanwhile, TV viewers can expect to catch Hashioka-Oatfield in a few stunt appearances later this year, including the NBC series Chicago PD, with credits shared with a few more folks from LBP Stunts Chicago in director Neil Burger’s Divergent, in thearers on March 21.

Check out Throwdown in the embed below where you may also subscribe and stay tuned for more info and exciting content.

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LBP Stunts Chicago Reunites Three Of Its Own For Some KUNG FU FIGHT PRACTICE!

Premier action choreography and screenfighting troupe LBP Stunts Chicago makes a triumphant brief return to the foray with three of its own in a brand new fight Kung Fu practice clip directed by LBP mainstay Emmanuel Manzanares, with performances by LBP members, actors and stunt professionals Brendon Huor and Mickey Facchinello. Both performers have extensive experience in acting and stuntwork, in addition to the two last recently appearing opposite each other in action filmmaker Vlad Rimburg’s Donnie Yen-inspired miniseries with Special ID Episode 1: The Mute.

The new clip also marks the first time Facchinello and Huor have worked with Manzanares since collaborating with Thousand Pounds Action Company action coordinator and fellow performer Vonzell Carter for a Samurai Champloo-inspired practice fight back in 2011. “It’s always fun to work with them.”, he says of Facchinello and Huor. “We all understand each other, so the process is easy. Plus both Brendon and Mickey work really hard at what they do, and it always shows in their performances.”.

I also got to talk a little bit with to Huor and Facchinello on Monday about getting back together after so long, addition to some of the respective qualities they view in each other’s performance. “It was cool!”, Huor writes. “I had just gotten back from Chicago and Mickey had been really wanting to do a fight with me. Just so happened that weekend was open for us, so it was a little hard to find the energy and motivation after traveling so much but I was glad that I did.” Huor was also very upbeat when I asked him about Facchinello‘s qualities as a screenfighter and what makes her such a great professional to work with. “She doesn’t panic in the moment, no matter how hard I’m swinging or kicking at her.”, he says. “And, she’s very knowledgeable about martial arts, so she is able to do the same move different ways, which is so important and helpful. Also, she has really good intensity and energy which makes it easy to be IN the scene with her.”.

I have written about Facchinello‘s work a few times between the blog and the page in the past year or so since I began Film Combat Syndicate, and I was always so eager to talk to her directly and get a dialogue going. So I was very pleased when I got to ask her a few questions in addition to redirecting the ones I asked Huor. To start things off, I asked Facchinello about what inspired her to step into the field of acting and stuntwork. “Well, there’s a lot.”, she says, before pointing out certain aspects like creative freedom and the general love of performance as two principal reasons behind her inspiration. In speaking for herself and Huor, she tells Film Combat Syndicate, “We both love being able to take a character, a style, an idea, etc.. And making it come to life as best we can. Sometimes we are time-crunched, or we come across things that make it more difficult. Like location issues, weather, etc. but it all just makes us better in the end I suppose.”.

On her answer regarding what makes Huor such a great partner to great with, Facchinello reciprocated with her own approval, despite not being able to work much with him. “…To be honest, not trying to ‘toot his horn’ or anything but he is probably one of the best performers all around (as a whole: being versatile), that I know.”, she writes. “He adapts and he learns quickly, not to mention he’s trained in a ton already. He’s a great teacher, he can act, etc.. Just very talented all around. He is one of my main role-models!”.

Look out for more on the way from Manzanares as he continues to put out more creativity in the year ahead. Furthermore, you can also expect to hear more from Manzanares as he and the cast and crew of the upcoming feature-length action comedy, Unlucky Stars, prepare a new crowdfunder for the film’s post production, film festival circulation and DVD printing in the year ahead. Theatergoers can also expect to see Facchinello’s credits in the upcoming releases of Jupiter Ascending (July 18) and 22 Jumpstreet (June 13). Meamwhile, you can also catch Huor and Manzanres in their upcoming stunt performances in director Neil Burger’s sci-fi thriller, Divergent (March 21).

To catch Huor‘s previous performance in the Vlad Rimburg-directed short, Dragon Lady, CLICK HERE. And for more information on LBP Stunts Chicago, click the appropriate tag below or visit their official website.

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Around The Web: Indie Action Arms Itself In KNIFE FIGHT And KING OF STICKS

Action actor and stuntman Gui Da Silva returns back to the screen for his latest performance in the new shortfilm, Knife Fight. The shortfilm is Da Silva‘s latest (….ahem…) stab at weapons’ choreography opposite fellow actor and stuntman James Young, exquisitely arranged once again by LBP Stunts Chicago’s own Emmanuel Manzanares, who previously directed Da Silva in the stellar pistol-whip action short, Extraction.

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The Final Battle Between Ranger And Outlaw Begins In FROM MAN TO MAN (Da Uomo a Uomo)

I feel like I must have covered LBP Stunts Chicago a lot this year. Aside from what seems to have been a flourishing year for multifaceted stuntman and independent filmmaker Emmanuel Manzanres, it was only two days ago that I covered two of the team’s members, Nate Hitpas and Keith Min in seperate pieces.

Now, just three days later, we are back with another collaborative piece from our director, which he wrapped up during his time in California, newly releasing his latest short, From Man To Man – Da Uomo a Uomo: Volume 2. Two years in the making, the shortfilm follows up Manzanares‘ own visionary concept illustrating kung fu action in a western setting featuring actors, Thousand Pounds’ own Vonzell Carter and LBP’s own Brendon Huor in parallel battles that ultimately lead to their final one-on-one confrontation, inspired by the aesthetic presented in Zhang Yimou’s Hero with legends Jet Li and Donnie Yen.

Manzanres has done some amazing work this year, in addition to his recent television work in Chicago PD and Chicago Fire, and performing stunts with fellow LBP members under action director J.J. Perry in helmer Neil Burger’s upcoming sci-fi adventure, Divergent. And if you are just now catching onto LBP and what they are all about, you can check out the tags at the bottom of the article.

Manzanares also set to appear in the upcoming indie all star production of Unlucky Stars going into the new year, which has already been a really long wait that fans continue to hope will end soon.

Stay tuned for more information as it trickles, and for your enjoyment, check out both volumes below for From Man To Man – Da Uomo a Uomo in the embeds below.

Also starring are Jeffrey Griffith, LBP’s own Alex Hashioka and Martial Club team performer, actor Andy Le.

FROM MAN TO MAN (DA UOMO A UOMO): PART ONE
From Man to Man (Da Uomo a Uomo) Vol. 1 from LBP Stunts Chicago on Vimeo.

FROM MAN TO MAN (DA UOMO A UOMO): PART TWO

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Internal Chinese Kung Fu Delivers Artful External Brutality In The New Shortfilm, XING YI QUAN: APPLICATIONS AND TECHNIQUES

It was back in February in the early existence of Film Combat Syndicate that I got to share a dialogue with Hollywood stuntman, action performer and martial artist, Keith Min. A prominent member of LBP Stunts Chicago, much of Min‘s energy in martial arts is spent observing the core, internal philosophies of his teachings as an instructor in Chicago, trained in a variety of disciplines ranging from Baguazhang and Tai Chi, to his preferred style, Xing Yi, which can now be viewed in its cinematic aesthetic in the new kung fu action shortfilm, Xing Yi Quan: Techniques And Applications.

As I interpreted before in my informative and poignant discussion with Min back in February, Min‘s internal principles are what embody his vision to be able to implement his training with students in a simple but effective, and enjoyable manner to students of all types and sizes. Min expanded on the said “internal” benefits of his martial arts training, telling Film Combat Syndicate “Martial arts has really given me a way to condition my body and mind in very unique ways through various exercises, fighting techniques, and chi kung and meditation. I really appreciate the internal styles of kung fu because of how much they emphasize taking care of health. In my life, martial arts have taught me a lot about my outlook on life and how to deal with it.”

During our chat, Min also expressed the foundation of his teachings in Xing Yi, and detailed a little bit more in how he goes about instructing his students, highlighing strength, uniqueness and coordination, among other things. “My classes are Xing Yi which is a very powerful and direct style.” he says. “I teach how to use alignment and body mechanics along with great exercises for health and longevity.” He also added, “There is a big emphasis on full body power and coordination. I like arts like Xing Yi because its concept-based techniques have several applications. But I truly appreciate the way they take care of the body and aim to make it more healthy instead of just building raw strength for power…”

Filmed in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, N.Y. earlier this year back in March, Min earned the opportunity to formulate much of that concept for Xing Yi Quan: Techniques And Applications when he collaborated with New York-based independent filmmaker Jon Truei, and fellow New York stunt actors Kenny Wong and Cinematic Fight Studio’s own Lang Yip, Team FistyleZ’s Joey Min from New Jersey, and fellow action actors Jayson Soto and Matt Healey from Philadelphia and Connecticut, respectively. The new shortfilm is edited entirely in slow-motion, which doesn’t take away at all from the dynamic tone of the choreography and the editing, but augments it in a way that further justifies his credentials as one of the best in his respective fields, as a bonafide stuntman, stunt coordinator, teacher, and purveyor of the spirit in which Kung Fu continues to exist to this day.

Click HERE to read my interview with Keith Min. It is one of my earlier articles, and personally, I am very proud to both begin and end my first year as founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate with a write-up about Min in a brand new body of work.

In addition, you can learn more about Min in the description of the video where you may subscribe to LBP Stunts Chicago for more awesome content. And also, check out some behind the scenes photos following the brand new shortfilm below.

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Jerry Quill Gets The Job Done In The New LBP Short, THE FIXER

The indie scene continues to prove its worthiness as a growing and innovative community of talented actors and stunt performers with LBP Stunts Chicago’s own Emmanuel Manzanares continuing to expand his craft in his newest quick action short, The Fixer. Collaborating outside of Team LBP’s usual line-up this time with West Coast actors Jerry Quill and Bryan Sloyer, Manzanares‘s newest online gem is another huge treat real treat to watch, and yet provides another epic glimpse into just what he is capable of as an action director, writer, editor and filmmaker, in addition to showcasing the versatility of some of today’s brightest screenfighting talent.

Furthermore, it also shows what someone like Manzanares could do if someone were to grant him a fruitful budget for something bigger and greater. I say it should be done. And if you are just tuning in, here is a good minute-and-a-half long reason why. Also, feel free to subscribe to the channel.

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