THE HIT LIST: April 1, 2019

Well, at least YouTube made progress in fixing its search functions, so I can look for videos more optimally again. Despite this, however, I’m still sticking to a bi-weekly format after this while trying to find other ways to present content for readers. That’s not an April Fools’ jab by the way.

For now, we kick things off with the latest stunt reel via Vimeo from stunt performer Alexandre Huynh, followed by a playlist with demo, training and performance reels from some of today’s top and up-and-coming players in the field: Alaina Dugas-Matias, David Armstrong, Toni Jean Erasmus, Jonathan King, Gabby Perrea, Craig Putnam, Linn Solem, Jacob Wolf, Aristoteli Zherdi, Sher Juraev, Mami Speede, Alex Mills, Haley Jackson, Craig Canning, Marina Volkova, Matt de Souza, Miguel-Andres Garcia, Steve Schreiver and Jesse Rowles, with a reel from stunt coordinator Christopher Cordell, and Vlad Rimburg on a high note with a festive highlight reel full of fight-flavored femme fatale fun.

There are a few things to promote, and the first comes by way of a successful crowdfunding campaign now looking to reach its stretch goals for director Ryan Polly’s new action comedy short, Pizza Time. I caught onto this project weeks ago and I’m only just now talking about the project which has Eric Jacobus (Contour, The Man Who Feels No Pain) on board to serve as both co-star as well as action director. For more, watch the Kickstarter campaign below, and then hit the Pizza Time campaign page to learn more about the stretch goal plans on hand.

Following that are a few still shots from upcoming projects, first of which come from upcoming anime crossover fan project, Afro Samurai Champloo from Team Red Pro and Quirktastic. That project is also underway with a crowdfunding campaign you can learn more about here, while the photo beside it is a set pic from an upcoming Mortal Kombat-inspired fight scene piece from independent filmmaker Rustic B. whose recent coverage on our site includes his latest analysis of an article by stunt professional Alicia Turner on how to break into the stunt industry. Rustic is also now leading the charge for the Sping 2019 Fight Scene challenge which you can learn more about by clicking here.

Last and far from least is the trailer for upcoming action short, The Mission, joining director/co-star Branden Arnold with Bridgette Bentley and Troy Butler for the story of a clever underworld professional who must find a way to complete an important task while staying alive. This one has at least four film festival stops planned this year, including this November at the 2019 Urban Action Showcase and Expo, so check out the goods and follow along.

Time to get some fightin’ goin’ this week with Toru Uchikado and David Neyts kicking things off, followed by Shawn Bernal lensing it up for Gabby Perrea and Holly Dowell, Alankrita Sahai leading the way in a short fight concept over at Force Square Productions, and Leo Kei Angelos with Jenna Kannell getting in some new archery-infused action this week.

Some new practice fight gems over at Alexey Minaev‘s YouTube channel keep the pace going followed by a pair of action minis featuring the escapades of one Gabriella Corvina with Chelsea Goldsmith and Thekla Hutyrova, Martial Club getting in some DC riffs in Sha-Blam!, and Kyro Wavebourne with a lively indie action ode to an anime hit clocking in at One PM.

Bookending the playlist is the latest episode of Yes, Auntie! from Art School Dropouts with Sharif Anael-Bey and Angela Jordan front and center, and Peter Jang‘s newly-released crime drama proof pitch, Nothing Is Sacred, which also stars Christian Howard, Daniel Moncada and Dennis Keiffer.

On that note, enjoy the hits!

Tune into The Hit List column for more hits, and SHARE the Hit List for friends as we continue to accumulate every few weeks. Also, be sure to send us a scoop at filmcombatsyndicate@gmail.com!