Entering the "Crib of Death" - Rehearsals

First and foremost, I would honestly consider myself an actor with martial arts abilities rather than a martial artist who can act, even though I started out in Tae Kwon Do before I dabbled in anything to do with acting.  I had stressed a number of times though I never seem to be able to demonstrate any of my fighting skills onscreen much at all.  Especially in Ireland, chances for such projects involving action or martial arts to come around are slim to none!

It's been a long time coming but I will finally get the opportunity to do my very own martial arts action movie!!!     Now that's something you won't see often coming from Ireland....

Crib of Death is a short kung fu comedy project that was in developement for good number of months, which was co-written by myself and my dear friend Craig Woods, whom will be directing, while I will star in and act as fight choreographer.

The original idea of Crib of Death came from something I had always wanted to do - a homage to my idol Bruce Lee and his original concept of his incomplete project at the time, Game of Death.  I won't go into details of how we came up with the story just yet, but instead will share with you some insights of our rehearsals which had been tough, but a fun and interesting process....

Craig and I had always wanted to work together on some project, and were happy for this opportunity to come along care of the company he co-found, Tequila Mockingbird Productions, and the story treatment I had pitched to them.

As you can see, I get to don the yellow & black jumpsuit outfit made famous by Bruce (and in more recent years, Kill Bill).   It looks slick, but I gotta admit the zip was pretty poor quality.  The first one which arrived to me was already damaged, so I got a new replacement sent.  And after only having worn it twice, the zip snapped!  It was just the zip was of cheap quality.  (I wonder if Mr Justin Lin had the same problem, considering the amount of the very same costume was used in Finishing the Game!!!).  Thankfully I managed to get the zip replaced for a much better quality and durable one.  Thank you ZipYard for such a wonderful job done!!!

Above are few members of the cast (and my opponents) in the movie.  All comes in different shapes and sizes, but one thing in common they all still tower over me....  Look at all the happy faces in the snaps....  That won't last for too long when the real work kicks in.....

Noel Aungier, who plays the main antagonist and villian of the piece, takes a side kick to the face....

.... Craig and I had a disagreement with the re-writes, so he gets it too!!! 

As the saying goes though - if you're able to dish them, you gotta take them....

Here's me getting a taste of my own medicine from Cathal Sheahan, and being manhandled by 'Tiny' James Akpotor!  James is a beast of a man, but really is a huge friendly giant. 

Noel and Jason Gilroy, as the villianous brothers Cheese & Chives, rehearse their dual attack....

.... While I dance my way out of Kerrie O'Sullivan's character, Lola's attack!  Kerrie is one amazing high kicking lady too

I really am just chilling here on my break between rehearsal.... 

....  And here Craig works the nunchucks with his greatest effort....  Our producer, John Lawless with Kerrie review some pictures of the rehearsal.

The Sony EX3 camera which Craig invested in and which we're using to shoot Crib of Death.  It's an impressive piece of technology and should give us a good quality movie.... (Fingers cross....) 

So we have one more weekend of rehearsals left to go, then it's time to shoot (over a period of three weekends)!!!    I know we are still somewhat at the early stages of this whole short production, but already I feel I have learnt quite a bit having tested myself on a number of levels especially in the rehearsal period so far.  Time will tell how I will hold up when it comes to the shoot, but there ain't no holding back now.... 

And of course there would be a bit of price to pay when it comes to creating some intense fight scenes....  This weekend gone was probably the worst off though, with a bit of a miscued timing between Cathal and I resulted with me eating a knee to the face, drawing blood from the nose....   Sure enough I survived, and a bit of blood ain't gonna stop me.  No pain, no gain.... 

Will hope to continue to update about Crib of Death here on AnD in future.  So watch this space....

OTHER NEWS.... Laws of AttractionIt's funny how once I started working on my own project based on a Bruce Lee movie, fortunate has it I would get the dream opportunity toaudition for the very role made famous by Bruce Lee himself - Kato from The Green Hornet!!!  Never would I have thought casting directors in LA would turn to me here in Ireland to read for the role, but I am ever so grateful for such an opportunity (Thanks also has to go to Mr Stephen Chow.... ).  I enjoyed the chance to work with the scenes provided and on the character, getting an audition tape done to be sent out to Hollywood, and regardless of the outcome I just know I've done my part and let's just see what may happen....

As my friend pointed out to me, it's the laws of attraction that presented that very opportunity....  If you want something badly enough and create your own opportunities....

.... BANG!!!  The rewards will hit you and come your way.  I never thought of that myself before, but I see his point....  And long may it last I hope....

The latest Wai clan member

Here's the latest member of the Wai 'Ga-Ban'!!!  My brother & sister-in-law had their third child on Friday 24th July.  He's a real cutie...  No name decided yet....

Look how cheerful Sean and Colin are knowing they have a new little brother!!! 

And finally....Ahuge Happy Birthday to my idol, Donnie Yen Chi-Tan!!!  You rock, man! 

Peace& Best Wishes,

Alan