Calling all action fans and aspiring film-makers! The London Action Festival is set to take place in the capital at the end of the July. This first of its kind four-day event focuses on film’s most “globally produced and successful genre” with a host of industry speakers, screenings, previews, panels, courses, quizzes, live music, comedy and other genre related fun stuff.
The festival kicks off in the evening of Thursday 28th July with a special screening of Die Hard followed by a Q&A with director John McTiernan (and other TBA guests). The following evening will feature an action packed “Friday Night Showdown” at the Royal Geographical Society Building, with a schedule of “very special panel events, comedy, music and guests of honour.”
Saturday 30th will start with a screening of 80s sci-fi action classic Predator, celebrating its 35th anniversary at Picturehouse Central, also followed by Q&A with director John McTiernan. Later in the day, leading industry writers will deliver a 75 minute “Write club” session, during which professionals will break down action movie/TV series script templates and the creative process of crafting set pieces.
Before you start thinking those in charge are getting you to push too many pencils, stick around because Saturday will close with a 90 minute “Big Action Quiz”.
Sunday 31st July begins with a 75 minute lecture on “how to make your first action masterpiece” with special guests TBA. Exclusive preview footage of “School Fight”, the directorial debut of Matthew Vaughan’s stunt coordinator Damien Walters, will then follow, prior to a masterclass with Walters on how to make the leap into directing.
The festival concludes on Sunday evening with a look at the visual effects of Jurassic World: Dominion in a masterclass delivered by “some of the leading experts in the field of Visualization and VFX”, presented by Proof Inc.
While there is no guarantee that The London Action Festival will turn you into a goddam sexual tyrannosaurus (just like me) there is no doubt you’ll leave with fond memories of a great time, industry insights and a better idea of how to write an action classic similar to those being celebrated.
More events and guest announcements are still to be made but with what’s already looking to be a weekend well worth forking out for, premium packages are available to purchase now at www.londonactionfestival.com, where you can also find a programme breakdown.
