The Mediterrane Film Festival 2024 rounded out its hugely successful Masterclass series with renowned Stunt Performer, Coordinator and Director Chad Stehelski, who was in conversation with Collider editor Steven Weintraub and local Maltese Stunt Coordinator Morgan Chetcuti.
Stehelski reflected on his beginnings in the film industry, including as Keanu Reaves’ stuntman in the Matrix franchise, and how an injury on set led him to spend time in the edit suite, ultimately resulting in him being asked to act as a Stunt Coordinator on the sequel, and started him on his career journey to directing Reaves in the legendary John Wick franchise.
As Chetcuti joined the conversation, he spoke to his background in the military, and how his skills at driving a boat resulted in his big break when the Tom Hanks starrer Captain Phillips shot in Malta. Chetcuti and Stehelski bonded over their great stunt work alongside the Wachowskis, who created streaming success Sense8 that Chetcuti worked on.
The two also wowed the audience with a behind-the-scenes explanation of the complexity of stunts involving setting performers on fire, as well as jetski crashes, riots involving 300+ background artists, and how working with a team of stunt performers who train together consistently improves the quality of the work they do.
The audience were keen to know in the Q&A portion, Stehelski’s favourite John Wick kill, as well as the worst injuries they had both received whilst working, alongside tips and tricks for getting into the industry and how best to train for remembering stunt choreography as well as the more physical aspects.