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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