The Witcher Blood Origin – Working with Michelle Yeoh
As a stuntman on this epic production, I had the privilege of working with one of the most talented stunt teams in the industry, led by my good friend Adam Horton who was the Stunt Co Ordinator. I had the pleasure of meeting Adam in 2006 when I flew to Cape Town to shoot a big action commercial, he was my introduction to high falls, wire work and fire burns. We went on to shoot other ads together and a feature film Death Race 2 all shot in South Africa. Working on the Witcher was an exhilarating rollercoaster of learning, skill-sharing, and heart-pounding action that left an indelible mark on my career.
Adam created an environment that was not only professional but also infused with a genuine sense of unity and growth. During breaks in filming or downtime, Adam would gather the team for skill-sharing sessions. These moments were invaluable, as they allowed us to learn new stunt techniques, exchange ideas, and strengthen our bond as a team. It was this emphasis on continuous improvement that set our team apart and made every day on set an opportunity to evolve and excel.
One of the undeniable highlights of my time on “The Witcher” was the monumental bank fight scene. Picture this: a gripping 50-man brawl set in the heart of a bank, with the iconic Michelle Yeoh leading the charge. The sheer magnitude of the scene was awe-inspiring, and being a part of it was an adrenaline rush like no other. As a practitioner of Wushu Kung Fu, I had idolised Michelle Yeoh ever since her mesmerising performance in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” To stand alongside her and contribute to such an extraordinary sequence was a big tick off the bucket list.
Michelle’s recent performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” only solidified my admiration for her. Her dedication, skill, and sheer talent radiated on and off the screen, inspiring everyone fortunate enough to work with her. It was a humbling experience to witness her passion and professionalism firsthand, a shining example of what it means to be a true artist.
But being a part of “The Witcher” was not just about the action scenes or the star-studded cast. As a core member of the stunt team, I had the privilege of involvement from start to finish. From contributing to the pre-visualization of action sequences to stepping into the shoes of various characters in multiple scenes, every moment was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defined our team.
Reflecting on my time working on “The Witcher” TV series fills me with an overwhelming sense gratitude. The opportunity to push my boundaries, learn from the best, and contribute to a cult TV series was a special experience. The bonds forged on set, the lessons learned, and the memories created will forever be etched in my mind.
As always with these long runs on a film you get to meet some truly legendary people, you create a family for the time you work together, and I will always look back at the times we had on this job as some of the best working experiences of my career. Again special shout out to my man Adam Horton who made it all possible.