An Interview with Fight Choreographer Janan Ferdosi - Part 1

Fight Choreographer Janan Ferdosi (black shirt) instructs
cast members Jonathon Ruckman and Chad Adebiyi (wearing orange)

October 5, 2007

OEH: Tell us about your preparation for the fight scenes and the stunts you're handling in the film.

Janan Ferdosi: I had many different methods for training the fighters and preparing them for the fight sequences. I had to read the treatment carefully, to make sure every single punch in the fight matched with the storyline. For example, I had to manage the movements, because there are other things happening within the fight, like somebody might get hurt or other things that I can’t say because it gives out too much of the story. It was a challenging process; I created one master storyboard and four more for all the fighters. I’m not going to reveal my method of training the fighters, you should watch the film to see how it plays out and, most importantly, how realistic the effects are!

We have been talking about a couple of stunts that I’m performing in the film, some are going to be in the bar scene with bottles and chairs and people falling over the counter and tables…(its going to look amazing !) and other scenes that might include taking some falls from a horse for other character’s in the film.


OEH: Talk about your experience working with the actors in the fight rehearsals.

Janan Ferdosi: It’s just any other teacher-student situation. There should be respect and willingness to learn and be educated. It didn’t take long for all of us to get to know each other. My expertise and approach in teaching, their willingness to look good in film, and the demands of the training schedule I put in place for them will give them what they need to make it look great. If they draw from what I taught them and add their own acting and understanding into it, they will be unstoppable.


OEH: What's your background in combat and fight choreography?

Janan Ferdosi: I’m a man of training and sportsmanship. I have been a soccer player for a number of years as well as professional swimmer, rock climber and speed runner. My martial arts experience goes back to about 10 years. I have studied Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Kung Fu. I am testing for my third black sash in a few months. I mastered the techniques and polished them based on my own understanding. I’ve recently made a decision to step aside from the professional field a year from now and follow my acting career. I’m interested in teaching and setting some time aside to train anyone who wants to learn. (I can be contacted by :JananPersia@Yahoo.com).


OEH: You recently worked on Ridley Scott's new film BODY OF LIES. Tell us about your experience on the set.

Janan Ferdosi: That was another experience- I simply did it because they told me that I would have the opportunity to be in the scene by acclaimed actors, Russell Crowe and Leonardo Dicaprio. I just turned 21 so watching these actors work together and set their mind to Scott’s directions was, I believe, a great experience for me. I had the chance to work with them and gain useful experience. They were all committed and excellent listeners when Scott was giving them directions. Ridley Scott knows what he is doing.