Battle Creek Hackney~ Overview
 |
| 'Live in Action'- Paul and Ansko with Rebecca behind |
What a fabulous day, joining the crew and cast whilst they
shot the latest scenes for ‘Battle Creek Hackney,’- East London’s first ever
no-budget martial arts production! It was enlivening to say the least; exactly
what I would expect from a company called, ‘Bebop films’- involving some
bopping, weaving and diving under the hot sun and skilful direction of
Filmmaker Azeem Mustafa.
Battle Creek Hackney originally sounded like an urbanized cowboy movie
to me and when I mentioned this to Azeem he commented that it could be construed as such in a minor way. However,
without a horse or motorbike (London equivalent) in site, I guess we are referring
to the territorial aspect and instead of ‘guns a blazing’ there were myriad
punches and kicks between Ronin, played by Paul Van Beaumont, and the somewhat
vicious girly street gang whom I am referring to as ‘Hackney Zenanites,’- Ansko
Pitkanen, Lobna Futers, both experienced in martial arts, acting alongside Rebecca
Tate Oswald Mulholland who was making her screen debut.
I am referring to the actresses as ’Hackney Zenanites,' due to Zeena the Warrior Princess springing to mind when watching the action, however this might offend Cat Woman! Some excellent chops and blows all round and how Lobna marshalled her arts in a pair of high heels I cannot imagine, however the dreaded drain gripped one heel with a vengeance giving her a swollen ankle- naturally the show went on.
 |
| Discussing moves including Lobna to the left |
I am referring to the actresses as ’Hackney Zenanites,' due to Zeena the Warrior Princess springing to mind when watching the action, however this might offend Cat Woman! Some excellent chops and blows all round and how Lobna marshalled her arts in a pair of high heels I cannot imagine, however the dreaded drain gripped one heel with a vengeance giving her a swollen ankle- naturally the show went on.
Azeem’s directing style is very interesting. He encourages
his actors to use their combat expertise to devise the fight sequences,
keeping a watchful eye and drawing them back to the plot which remained at the
forefront of his mind. This way Azeem capitalised on their talents and kept
the sequences en-point.
 |
| Craige taking stills and Fiz- best not enquire! |
I have to say, it was a very energetic day! Paul brought
along a pair of handcuffs to add a twist and these were incorporated into a scene where the
‘Hackney Zenanites’ tricked and trapped him so that Paul was effectively
handicapped by handcuffs- but Kung Fu-ed his way out of the situation
regardless- very entertaining.
 |
| Take 5- Eric left with director Azeem |
Azeem’s colleagues Eric Schachter (responsible for behind the
scene footage) and Craige Middleburgh
were also in attendance. Additional assistance was given by Fiz M Bomb, who, having over 20 years experience
in martial arts, took part in a screen fight with Paul to round off the
day’s filming.
Battle Creek Hackney is clearly an interesting urban film and as I am
only commenting on today’s proceedings, with today's cast, go add yourself to Battle CreekHackney’s Facebook page and all will eventually be revealed.
 |
| Ready, steady, flash~ Catching a team vibes |
Footnote: It is so good to witness a team who work in
harmony and just get on with the job in hand- not an ego in sight which is somewhat rare in this field!
Jaz McKenzie
Professional writer/word
magician! Contact me and we'll add a little spice to your image- includes CV’s,
Bio’s, Press releases, Reviews, Website content, Blogs, Business communications
and more: itsbraap@live.co.uk
Comments
Post a Comment