One of the most expensive TV series ever made is geared for another season filled with greed, rivalry, warfare, betrayal, and of course, political and sexual intrigue.
The Netflix original series Marco Polo brings to life the adventures of the Italian explorer’s time in the 13th century court of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. The epic TV series created by John Fusco touts impressive visuals, sets and costumes. But the historical fictional drama would surely lose some of it’s epic luster without it’s brilliantly choreographed battle scenes and spectacular martial arts.
So who’s the man behind the intense fight scenes that gives the Netflix original series a size of epic proportions? None other than Stunt Coordinator and Fight Choreographer Brett Chan.
The Filipino-Canadian based out of Vancouver, BC, is a 20 year veteran of the film industry and his resume includes Hollywood films such as Mission: Impossible, X-Men 2, Fantastic Four, the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 & 2, Nacho Libre and The Last Samurai.
He is also the founder of the stunt organization “HITZ INTERNATIONAL,” which is comprised of stunt performers, stunt coordinators and 2nd unit directors from all over the world.
Brett has over 35 years of martial arts experience in several disciplines and has been hard at work the past few years working on season 1 & 2 of Marco Polo.
Brett on set with Marco Polo crew.
The release date of Season 2 of Marco Polo’s has yet to be announced, but eager fans get a nice treat with a Christmas Special “Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes” which will be released on December 26th on Netflix.
MetroVan Independent News caught up with Brett Chan to talk about what it’s like being a 2nd Unit Director, Stunt Coordinator and Fight Choreographer.
How did you get started as a stunt coordinator and fight choreographer?
After being in the film industry for many years as a stunt performer and having an extensive martial arts background, I started to get my own ideas for fight choreography. And when you’re in the industry, you meet all sorts of people with different talents with whom you start to exchange skills. You also start to find out where certain skills are being taught and you’re inspired to keep training. I find that some people gravitate towards different types of creativeness, and for me, I wanted to start designing the action along with everything else.
In the beginning, I started stunt coordinating film school projects and really low budget independents. Eventually those directors and producers grew and they remembered my work and I was hired in the future.
In your shoes, what’s a day’s work look like?
Hmmm… Shooting day? I usually come in about an hour or so earlier than my call time because in the film business anything can happen. So I like to be prepared in case something changes. Prior to walking on set, I would hope to already be ready for everything! And the day really depends on what we are shooting. If we are shooting a big fight scene, then it’s about making sure everyone is ready and has rehearsed on set. We got to make sure that all our props and wires are ready, that our actors know everything and the stunt doubles have prepared all the harnesses if needed or actor pads. Then after, it’s paperwork adjustments (danger pay) for my stunt guys.
So it’s all about the prep… before the day has started, we have already rehearsed and prepared every department that is needed and have made sure that everything is safe.
Brett Chan (right) on set with Marco Polo actor Tom Wu. Photo by Brett Chan.
What excites you the most about your line of work?
I really like working with cool new people. It’s great that you get to be creative and use your imagination and work with some of the industry’s esteemed individuals and collaborate. Mind you there is a lot of ego in this biz so not everyone is cool to work with. (Brett laughs) But when you meet some people in between the goof balls it’s worth it. The camaraderie between me and my team of guys is great!!! Of utmost importance is to “surround yourself with people on the same mission as you.” For example, I’m on a job working on season 2 of Marco Polo and I’m here for 7 months. My team is 86 people from 17 different countries with several different languages spoken and I have 5 translators. I have handpicked most of my team and the rest are by referral. I need them all to be cool and know how to get along. Life is too short to have to spend with someone for 7 months and be miserable!
What’s the most challenging part of your work and how do you deal with it?
Dealing with personalities of other departments. There’s always going to be a clash, but you have to make it work. You have to be amicable and you definitely shouldn’t let ego get in the way. You need to be able to talk things out and compromise.
With the numerous projects that you’ve been part of, what one experience has had the greatest impact on you?
Marco Polo Season 1 was the greatest experience… the production team, the stunt team, the thrust for knowledge and the variety of countries!!! And the bond that started with John Fusco the show creator. He’s a great, great man.
Brett Chan on the set of with Marco Polo TV series creator John Fusco.
When you’re not busy travelling the world and working on various sets, what do you do in your free time?
I try to train. (Brett laughs) I’m so out of shape. When I’m working 12-14 hour days, 6 days a week, it gets tough. I also like to snuggle with my Mrs. Naomi Chan and watch movies and hang with my puppies. I like to go for a coffee and people watch with her and hopefully get a chance to play some volleyball and listen to live bands. As you probably already know, my wife, Naomi, is one of the most angelic singers!
What would be your dream project?
I would love to do a Super Hero project… Which is kinda in the works now 🙂 or A Bourne Identity show.
What one quote or piece of advice do you live by?
“Do unto others as you want others to do unto you.”
Brett and his wife Naomi.
Anything last thing that you would like to add or say?
Getting this far in the biz was really difficult for me as I was not born into it. It’s really important to surround yourself with people on the same mission as you, and if not for my wife… I don’t know where I would be. She is my rock. And don’t forget to watch the Marco Polo Special “One Hundred Eyes on December 26 on Netflix!
