[SECOND PART OF INTERVIEW ADDED]
We've heard that Ninja: Shadow of a Tear has recently gone on sale. Do you prefer roles in regular action films or roles related to martial arts?
Scott Adkins: Let's just say martial arts is my passion. I started doing them at the age of ten. Was a big fan of Bruce Lee, and later became a fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan and the rest of them. I think since childhood I had a dream of doing what they were doing. But I took acting very seriously, enrolled in a drama class, played quite a few roles on British television, and starred in several films. But, of course, I'm mostly known for martial arts films, and that's fine with me because I'm passionate about martial arts... I'm very passionate about filming fight scenes and everything that goes with it. I think that cinematic experience is important in this matter. Filming a fight scene is not so easy; to do this you need to be a good director. Of course, it is possible that if you are a film buff, then after some time they may not remember you, but I have nothing against it...
By the way, since we're talking about martial arts films, the villain you played in Undisputed 2 became the main character in Undisputed 3. Few actors can boast that their character has achieved such cult status that it has gone from villain to hero. We heard about the possible appearance of a new film, Boyka: Undisputed 4. Can you confirm this for us?
Scott Adkins: Yes, that's exactly our goal. We are currently working on the script, trying to ensure that all production sites approve of our intentions. To be honest, the process takes longer than I would like [laughs], but it’s hard to find the finances to shoot such action films. Nowadays, direct-to-DVD movies don't make as much money as they did in the 90s/early 2000s. It's a bit of a risky business right now, which is why production takes so long. Of course, we are all trying to get this project moving, because... We understand that Boyka has a whole army of followers. You know, I love playing this character and I can't wait to get back to him, plus we have some great ideas for what kind of environment the main character will be in.
Scott, let's talk about your current projects. You play Colton Macready in Close Range. What can you tell us about this?
Scott Adkins: I hope I play. Production has slowed down a bit, but I expect it will pick up again soon. We have a cool script on our hands, Isaac Florentine will direct. He is my favorite director, no doubt about it. I think this will be our eighth or ninth film together. We have a great working relationship and we both know our stuff. I think Isaac likes me because I give 110% on set and he can count on me when he needs me. I love working with Isaac because he's a good friend of mine. Great guy and amazing director. One of the best. In general, the script is cool, I hope they will give us enough time for filming and give us complete freedom of action.
I'll assume that your character is a wayward soldier who has broken the law?
Scott Adkins: Yes, even like a criminal! Cool character, more like what Boyka is. One of those who will not allow themselves to be offended. It will be very interesting to play him... I like to periodically portray various characters on screen, but these are the ones I like the most. For some unknown reason, this comes easily to me - not that I’m like that in life - but I seem to feel how to get used to such roles.
“Zero Tolerance” with your participation will also be released in October this year. It looks like the film will be bright! Can you tell us more about him?
Scott Adkins: In October, oh! [laughs] Actually, the situation with this film is quite funny. It had already been filmed, but later the authors decided to finalize it and involve me. The director is my friend. I was very happy to have Gary Daniels... even though I haven't had a fight with him. I think I'll share a secret with people! I did most of the scenes with Dustin [Nguyen]... We filmed it earlier this year in Thailand, which was a lot of fun.
So what do you have planned for next year or in the near future?
Scott Adkins: I don't want to talk too much about it... although there are a few projects in the pipeline. I just try to take on those that I have no doubt will be successful... make the right choice.
You've worked with some of the biggest action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, but then what?
Scott Adkins: Well, really, you just want to grow to their level. We all strive for career growth. I want to get into films with a larger budget. To star in films that I like, to get into the “A” category. This is exactly the goal. But I’m very happy with the current status, no matter how long it lasts...
Scott, you have the best job in the world. Get pumped up and beat the crap out of people on screen.
Scott Adkins: Or they beat the crap out of me... You forgot about that... [laughs] I agree, I do a great job.
The production of a Deadpool movie starring Ryan Reynolds was recently announced. In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, you did the stunts instead of Ryan. Is there a chance that you'll come back and do Deadpool's stunts?
Scott Adkins: No, I don't think so. I don’t even expect a phone call with an offer. In the end, for any of these characters, including Batman, they can choose any kind of stunt. It’s enough to put a suit on a movie actor, and you won’t be able to tell for sure who it is. Especially with Deadpool, if he's in his costume... It could be anyone. You know... stuntmen are “consumables”. [laughs] It's a consumable item that never ends.
Here you go! [laughs] Was it nice to hit Wolverine with his famous sideburns?
Scott Adkins: You bet! So much fun! We once filmed an episode in which I fight on the towers with Sabretooth and Wolverine, and I remember that I was in front of a huge green screen, a fan was blowing on us from all sides, the camera was circling. We had to stand and wait until the fan reached the required speed and started making a specific noise. I then looked around... and there Wolverine and Sabretooth had already begun to get used to their roles, turn into snarling wild animals [Scott brilliantly imitates an animal growl], then it sounded “Ready! Camera! Motor!”, and to be honest... I screwed up. [laughs] They were so real, it was like they really wanted to attack me! I thought: “Oh, damn it! Now at least I can remember the choreography!” Yeah, quite a surreal work experience.
Considering the scope of your knowledge, do you rule out the possibility of starring in a film about a superhero?
Scott Adkins: Yeah, obviously there's something there. But as I often like to say... when it comes to action, you can wear a suit in any way. But I would gladly agree, of course.
Scott, if you played a superhero, what kind would it be?
Scott Adkins: Oh...
Scott, you can take your time with your answer.
Scott Adkins: You know... I would love to play the Punisher... (The Punisher) I think I would make a great Punisher. I'll mention it in case anyone is interested.
Author: Billy Fletcher
Source: moviecricket.com
Translation of the text part of the interview: EvilDollaR
Thanks for the link Celpaso
Especially for Scott Adkins official group VKontakte
Full audio version of the interview
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Tags: Boyka: Undisputed, close range, Zero Tolerance, Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins
Tags: Boyka: Undisputed, close range, Zero Tolerance, Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins
There are rumors that Close Range will begin filming in December.
On the contrary, when it comes to big films...he, as an unknown actor, is paid a pittance (since he can be replaced at any time), but for DTV people he is a STAR, whom they value and to whom it is not a sin to give half the budget (even for such trash like Gringo...the budget is still around 2-3 million).
From reliable sources, first-hand, as they say... well, to be more precise... second-hand. =)
There are probably just colossal sums there... And where does the information come from? Maybe for Undisputed 3 and Ninja 2, or for Unisol 4, he received some more or less tangible money. As for the rest of the trash, I doubt it.
It’s just that Scott gets paid 10 or even more times for his leading roles than for roles like the Bad Boys, and even more so than for Wolverine.
I wouldn't be surprised that he made more money in 4 days of filming Zero Tolerance than he did in 3 months in Bulgaria filming The Undead, 12 weeks in Australia filming Wolverine, and the Bin Laden movie...combined.
Maybe. If you know that this is not true and you have the facts, then go ahead and enlighten me.
Those. For The Expendables 2, in your opinion, he received more (or so) than for Gringo, Ninja 2 or for something like a project with Couture, etc.?
I think that for Reynolds' double in "The Wolverine" and in several other big-budget films, Adkins received more than for his role, for example, in Gringo or in some Re-kill. It is quite possible. Not in one film, but in several films, working as a stuntman. And in this regard, his expenses for the main role do not really pay off.
Maybe I didn’t understand something, but do you really think that Scott receives less money for his main and large roles than the same Sam Hargrave (Evans’ stunt double in Captain America, Hugh in Wolverine and Hardy in Warrior)?
By the way, in 2 years our beloved “Undisputed Yuri” will be 10 years old :)
Well, I don’t know why the hell he went there, that’s what we’re talking about)) It was all, as expected, lousy.
We haven’t seen any other sense yet)
Exactly, I have no doubt, so while there is still gunpowder, we must rush somewhere. In 10-15 years, there is a danger that the same thing will happen to Adkins as to Van Dam. I spoke about age with this meaning. First we play the main protagonists, then the fathers of the main characters, then the grandfathers of the main characters, and then the fathers of the grandfathers... and so on. (Only Jackman can play Wolverine for 15 years =)))
"Under-Hercules is Renny Harlin. He always made shit. No adventure."
Then why did he go there?!
"Christian Slater and a banal plot. Again, no adventure. You just have to have your head."
Scott seems to have some kind of flair for banal plots)
"and the age is already approaching 40"
Is he in good shape, or do you doubt that he won’t do a guyver-ick?)
Under-Hercules is Renny Harlin. He always filmed shit. No adventure.
El Gringo - firstly, Adkins himself said that his role was greatly reduced. Secondly, Christian Slater and the banal plot. Again, no adventure. You just need to have a head.
Hooligans. Not the worst option, no worse than most.
Van Damme's situation is simple - he had everything, but it passed. Adkins is more difficult - he can do a lot physically on the screen, but nowhere, and his age is already approaching 40.
Once again about adventures. - I gave an example: associations with specialized people and groups who make fighting games. A fighting game, not Hercules, zombies and grings.
Well, I don’t really want to argue. It’s just that the gamble, as I understand it, with regards to Scott, is to agree to act in shitty films, like Tomb of the Dragons and Under-Hercules...Gringo and Hooligans - well, these are young directors, he experimented in acting - but something like that... dumb, in my opinion, so “measure twice, cut once.” It’s like Nicolas Cage, who takes on any trash, or Van Damme, but you suffer while watching, because your favorite actor is there. So I don’t really want to do the same with Scott, he’s a good person after all.
PS. The Zero Tolerance trailer was quite impressive, Scott's close-ups are convincing, I'm looking forward to the film. In my opinion the film will be good.
Adventures? When the project is interesting, but you don’t know in advance what will happen. To act with debutants, with young directors, and not just with the beloved “100% proven” Florentine. Proven Barabash, Hyams, Florentine - this is all shooting at one milky target. Or is Scott not invited anywhere else? Well, you can join any young team, there are heaps of them, I won’t even list them, here all of fight-films.info is littered with videos and short films. It won't be much worse than with Florentine. Even if it’s a short film and you have to carry it all around festivals. Or will Adkins earn little money from this? You might think that he earns a lot from everything else))) He earns more as an anonymous stuntman on Hollywood projects. And the films where he has leading roles or roles with decent screen time - they are almost all unprofitable or break even.
Adkins? Latest projects 10-15.
In the global film industry? Many potential hits failed at the box office. The latest one is "Transcendence" with Johnny Depp, for example.
"Sometimes you have to get involved in adventures."
What adventures? Didn't understand...
And what kind of examples are there?
Celpaso is right and Jaidev is right. But money is the second part of the question. And the first part, which comes before money, is motivation.
Scott: “But I’m very happy with the current status, no matter how long it lasts...” - this is the wrong motivation.
“I just try to take on those that I have no doubt will be successful... make the right choice.” - this doesn't always work. There are hundreds of examples in the global film industry. And what a long way to go - Adkins' filmography confirms this. Sometimes you need to get involved in adventures.
And also, regarding the conversation about money and ideas - this is an eternal conversation, a double-edged sword. Nobody argues that the main thing in a film is the idea, originality, healthy madness, a sincere message, BUT if you want to make a truly high-quality, natural, not fake-synthetic, but live movie, you need a lot of money. First of all, they are spent on, as I call it, natural visuals - on locations (!!), costumes, music, etc.. Any brilliant idea attracts hundreds and thousands of sub-ideas that require implementation, everyday life and routine, which requires money and grandmas, and grandmas...
- In fact, you are right about something. BUT... there is one BUT.
If you take me, then everything allows us to produce a quality product and only my laziness often slows things down.
Here is the same SLIMP. What ultimately prevented you from finding a better camera and capturing the film through a normal capture card, and not through a TV tuner? What prevented me from bartering (quite realistically) from finding a studio and dubbing a film there, and at the same time hiring an experienced sound engineer, rather than doing everything myself? What prevented me from attracting a sea of creative people on a voluntary basis to write the script for free?
Somewhere it’s my stubbornness, somewhere it’s my personal fulfillment and all that goes on down the list.
As for money... Of course, money is needed for the same travel, but it’s such pennies that it’s funny to say.
+ my problems go far into the wilds. As for a person who deals only with cinema, I don’t see any problems. Absolutely. Especially with modern technology capabilities and practically free resources.
It's simple. In order to do something successful, you need to look at your product objectively. From all sides. Then everything will be ok! Sure.
BUT the main thing, of course, is to have your own clear goal and understand what you are getting into. And it won’t be difficult to implement all this in our world.
You need money - this is a fact, not nonsense. For a good quality product, conditions and means are needed (love and talent alone are NOT ENOUGH); within category B, this is difficult to do, because companies and producers are not particularly interested...in art. =)
For example: take yourself. I think you fall into the category of "talented and crazy people who love what they do." (or at least...you consider yourself to be what your haters would say =) BUT EXACTLY your lack of conditions and money does not allow you to produce a high-quality, complete and successful product.
Well done man! I would like not to make my way into category A. Instead, I tried to improve category B more, adding new technically competent and ideological personnel. They say they need money. Rave! We need to look for talented and crazy people who love what they do. For example, camera artists who feel and know the basics of editors. New choreographers who want to “advance” their vision. What about movie ideas...? Yes, there are millions of them on the Internet. You can make a whole movie out of demotivators alone.
And he came to the same Isaac and said - old man, why not do something that you and I have never filmed before???!!!
“to get into category “A”. That’s exactly the goal. But the current status suits me very much”
It’s kind of blurry...like I want it, but it will do...or I don’t want it)
“I just try to take on those that I have no doubt will be successful... make the right choice.”
Good luck to him...in his choice
The main thing is not to download films with Adkins, otherwise he will stop filming forever.
And I also think that the role of a villain on the theme of “Bloody Moon” would suit him (however, who is the positive hero then, it’s not so easy to find a pair)
He didn’t really say anything... and the information about Deadpool is generally outdated. Its production is at a standstill.
I hope this is not the whole interview.
PS introduced Scott as the Punisher......hmm...it was great to see that)) Only without acrobatics and other tricks.
Eh ...