ComingSoon recently had the opportunity to sit down with talented stunt coordinator Chris Brewster to delve into the exciting world of action-packed filmmaking.
ComingSoon recently had the opportunity to sit down with talented stunt coordinator Chris Brewster to delve into the exciting world of action-packed filmmaking.
After speaking with Chris Brewster, we gained insights into the experiences and inspirations that led him to become a stunt coordinator, as well as his approach to creating mind-blowing stunts across productions, from incredible work on films like Fright Night and Daredevil to to Brewster’s latest project, the horror comedy Renfield.
ComingSoon: What made you decide to become a stunt coordinator?
Chris Brewster: When I started my stunt journey, I had no intention of coordinating stunts. I absolutely loved performing and touching the ground. There are so many elements in the stunt world – fight choreography, rigging, stunt driving, etc. – and I was completely blown away to learn everything I could. I was genuinely interested in how everything was done to safely execute action on camera and fell in love with the creative process of storytelling through action design.
My father gave me the best advice when I was 18; When I was just graduating from high school and unsure of my “purpose” or path in life, he told me to take money out of the equation. He asked me what I would do every day if I had infinite money? I told him I would train, do martial arts, find fun and exciting challenges, and influence others. He told me to find a way to make this my profession and it would never seem like I had to “work”. I stumbled into the world of full contact make believe aka stunts and was able to do just that. I am eternally grateful for that advice and feel it is my responsibility to share this message with the world.
Was there someone who inspired you or your approach to work?
I’ve had some great mentors and inspirations along the way. I trained at 8711 with Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, both of whom have progressed from stunt performers to coordinators to amazing and incredible directors. Bob Brown was one of the first stunt coordinators to give me a chance. He is an absolute legend in the stunt world and has really helped me climb the ranks of stunt performers. Tom Harper pushed me forward in every aspect of the entertainment world. He raised me as a stunt double and then trained me to be a stunt coordinator and 2nd unit leader. I am blessed to be surrounded by an unlimited supply of inspiration. Almost every person I work with inspires me.
What are some of the most incredible stunts you’ve worked on?
In the movie “Fright Night” I got to shoot an entire fight scene in flames. I was tied to another stuntman (Mark Wagner) and we were thrown across the room, smashing things and bursting into flames. Within a few days we suffered about 36 full body burns. It was fantastic.
I also got to choreograph and perform all of the fight scenes in Daredevil (the Netflix/Marvel series).
What drew you to the horror comedy Renfield?
All I needed to hear about Renfield was that Chris McKay and his team did. Chris is one of those directors who makes everyone on his set feel like a valuable and necessary part of the magic. Of course, reading the hilarious and amazing script and noticing the amazing cast was the icing on the cake!
What was your approach to Renfield’s stunts and did that change over the course of production?
My approach to stunts in any film starts with telling the story. I was fortunate to have a lot of zoom time with Chris McKay early in the prep to get inside his head and understand his vision. We brainstormed together and created the “rules” for the action. Then I brought together some of the most creative badass stuntmen in the world and started putting it all together. We choreographed and prepared each action (previs is an action concept video) and showed it to Chris. Chris took notes for us and we storyboarded so we knew exactly what we were going to shoot that day.
What was the most challenging stunt of the production and how did you pull it off?
The film’s most challenging stunt was the moment when Dracula catches fire and keeps fighting. This would have been completely impossible without the help of all individual departments. All filmmaking is a collaborative effort, but this team has done everything to make it possible, safe, and fun.
Were there any techniques you used on this film that you hadn’t used before?
For me the best thing about the production Renfield It was less about the technology and more about the way of thinking. Chris McKay asked for the funniest, most creative, and most unexpected style; So we didn’t have handcuffs to hold us back. This was the most open and limitless opportunity an action team could ask for.
In modern cinema, there’s a back-to-the-basics approach to stunt work, with filmmakers relying more on practical effects – does that make your job easier or more difficult?
Using practical effects was a real breath of fresh air. Many movies today are shot in rooms with green or blue screens, where everyone reacts and interacts with imaginary objects. It’s so much fun to be able to work with practical effects. There is a time and a place to highlight each department and I think the best films are the ones that bring it all together.
Are there any upcoming projects you can discuss?
I’ve just directed Sanctuary, starring Jackson Rathbone, and I’m incredibly excited to be sharing it with you guys soon. I’m planning on directing Relentless with Thomas Jane soon and have a lot of great projects coming up.
My father gave me the best advice when I was 18; When I was just graduating from high school and unsure of my “purpose” or path in life, he told me to take money out of the equation. He asked me what I would do every day if I had infinite money? I told him I would train, do martial arts, find fun and exciting challenges, and influence others. He told me to find a way to make this my profession and it would never seem like I had to “work”. I stumbled into the world of full contact make believe aka stunts and was able to do just that. I am eternally grateful for that advice and feel it is my responsibility to share this message with the world.