What would you do in a filmed rapier duel?

[Allen Johnson]

Just as an update- I did get cast in a minor role- Not the lead like I was hoping- bottom line is I'm just not pretty enough for a lead <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />. Anyway- I do get a brief fight scene but I do go down. I really excited for it and have started to piece together some sequences. Alot of it will depend on how quickly the other actors pick it up. Should be starting rehersals end of this week or next. <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Getting paid for this stuff is great!

[JeffGentry]

yea is a heck of a deal getting paid to have fun. wish it was me. lol

[Allen Johnson]

Would mortuary sword techinques be closer to messer, backsword, single sword, or rapier. I kind of have a hybrid here going as Im not aware of anything that describes their use, specifically.

[Casper Bradak]

Just go by the blade form of the weapon. I assume the term mortuary sword is given due to the hilt.
Most backsword technique I've studied is identicle to messer technique FYI. If you're using a double edged one, you can use it as backsword or cut/thrust.
Mortuary swords likely came with all these blade forms.

[Allen Johnson]

With much fear and trepidation do post this: This is my basic outline for the first of the two duels for this film. Here are the problems I'm running into. First, I'm no expert and certainly have mountains to learn. However, it has been really hard to quickly train 2 guys who have never held a blade before in their life in 2 1/2 weeks before we start shooting. The director while giving me pretty wide creativity on this, wants certain things to take place that I have to work in. In my 'scripting' of this, I've used a mixed bad, wattered down version of technical terms to help me know exactly whats going on- but I cant get too detailed or too wrapped up with the terms or else there is no way the actors are going to remember them. Also its good to hear them referr to it as 'tondo' instaid of 'sideways cutty thingy'. So here we go- I welcome the criticism- if nothing else, I hope to learn alot from this: Here is fight 1 of 2:

RED LIGHT DUELS
Fight 1
Mort vs Alex
(Cassio vs Roderigo)


CASSIO
Armed with RAPIER and CLOAK

Casually standing

RODERIGO
Armed with RAPIER and Buckler

Guard: Porta di Ferro Stretta


<R. closes distance in 2nd

<R. thrusts from 2nd to High Outside

C. parries to the Inside and with a passing step, slips right- no
effort to riposte>
(positions are now reversed)

C. Remains in casual stance- left foot leading

R. enters Chingiara Porta di Ferro

<R. advances with a quick step and a blestra

<R. lunges in 3rd to C's middle.
C. uses cloak &amp; rapier to push thrust to outside as he does a stop
kick to R's lunging right leg.>

R. scrambles to his feet



C. Takes up High Guard (point up)- Right foot advancing

R. gets in Pflug- left foot leading



C. advances with middle fendente>
<R. uses buckler to displace to inside and ripostes to C's head.

C parries to High Inside and ripostes to R's High Inside>
<R brings up buckler to meet his hilt for the parry, and pushes C's
blade aside as he lunges.

C leaps back to avoid thrust.


C. Takes up High Guard (point on line)- Right foot advancing
R. remains in Pflug


C advances with thrust in 1st to R's low inside>
<R parries and ripostes in 3rd to low middle

C beats thrust to his left with rapier and cloak
C starts a left passing step as he winds his blade on top of R's and
uses cloak arm to pin R's buckler to his body. C's passing step
will be ended with a thrust to R's upper chest.>>

R. dies

[Allen Johnson]

Mon. the 28th was the first day of shooting. We did the first of the two duels, of which I perform in. It was a pain to run back and forth between the monitor and the stage but it worked out ok. We had to adjust a little of the attack angles to work with the cameras, but overall it went pretty well. Tomorrow is the big longer of the fights between the two guys I had to teach. Too late to panic now! <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Casper Bradak]

Good luck!

[JohnGallego]

Will the short film appear in any sort of film festival? I wouldn't mind catching the movie if it's not entirely out of my way.

[JeffGentry]

so how did the first duel turn out on film you never said? keep everyone posted on the next one. would realy like to see the film footage.

[Allen Johnson]

We're done with the film and everything went great! The director said several times that she never envisioned the fights being as good as they were so that made me happy. The started editing it and Im not sure what the Post Production schedule is. But I will try and figure out a way to get some clips available online somehow, once I get a copy. We escaped with only a little injury and for 2 guys who have never held a blade in their life- I was pretty pleased.

[Allen Johnson]

Also, Im not sure what festivals its going to be submitted to yet. Im sure that will have alot to do with when Post is finished in reguards to festival deadlines and the such. But I'll let everyone know when I have more info- thanks for taking an interest!

[Derek Gulas]

I'd be really interested in seeing this movie, but what's the title? I scanned the thread and I couldn't find it.

Thanks,

[Allen Johnson]

Its called 'Red Light'. Not reffering to traffic, or the more shady districts of town, but a psychological reaction when someone kinda freaks out when some sort of mental "button" is triggered.