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SCREEN COMBAT CHOREOGRAPHER
FIGHT COORDINATOR & PERFORMER
Screen combat choreographer Dan (DJ) Johnson works across the UK and Internationally as a fight coordinator and performer. Developing theatrical and filmic violence for theatres, productions, and educational bodies around the UK and Europe.
Screen combat choreographers design and direct combat sequences for theatre, film and television. Dan (DJ) is a specialist in the field of fight and action arranging and action choreography.
DJ has worked on projects for the likes of BBC, Southwark Playhouse, Ealing Studios and The Marlowe Theatre - as well as teaching at such institutes as Drama Centre London (Central Saint Martins), East 15 Acting School, Drama Studio London and currently as the resident Stunt / Fight Coordinator and Action Specialist for the National Film and Television School (NFTS).
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Qualified Practitioner and assessor with ‘Master At Arms’
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1st Class BA Hons. ‘Acting & Stage Combat’
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MA 'Acting' Distinction
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Qualified Self Defence Instructor with British Academy of Krav Maga
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Qualified Krav Maga Instructor with British Academy of Krav Maga
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British Academy of Fencing - Gold Award (Foil)
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Level 1 Coach British Academy of Fencing (Foil)
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'Film & TV Tactical Firearm Training' certification
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‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ certification
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'Level 2 Health and Safety' certification
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'Risk Assessment' & 'Working at Height' certification
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Full Equity Member
DJ has expertise in a range of weapon systems and a background in Aikido and Krav Maga - he also has experience in wirework, breakaways, and firearms. Alongside choreographing fight and action sequences, DJ also focuses on: fitness, partner work/connection (incl. Acrobalance), spatial awareness, physical storytelling, general performer safety and physical actor training.
A diverse range of experience and qualifications allows DJ to develop more dynamic and holistic violence and action for stage and screen - moulding physical scores that connect with the actor/character and helping elevate the scene to a more resonant and visceral level. Above all, he strives to keep actors safe at all times and maintain an open dialogue between performers and directors.
Selection of equipment / weapons available for use and hire, including:
- Rapier & Dagger
- Single Handed Broadsword
- Quarterstaff
- Small Sword
- Military Sabre
- Knives / Daggers
- Shields
- Safety mats
- Body padding
COVID-19:
DJ has successfully passed:
-'ScreenSkills Coronavirus Awareness on Production Training'
-'APA COVID-19 Shooting Guidelines Assessment Test'
-'COVID Safe Martial Arts Instructor Certification'
Endeavouring to adhere to the safety guidelines as best as possible and limit the risks of coronavirus transmission during productions.
To see more about DJ & the 'Master At Arms' COVID-secure approach within the field, please click here.
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MASTER AT ARMS
PRACTITIONER
DJ is a practitioner and core member of 'Master At Arms': a collective of fight directors, stage combat tutors, and stunt coordinators recognised and accredited with SpotlightUK - granting him the ability to assess and certify students from the select five 'Master At Arms' skill sets - a range of unarmed and armed.
'Master At Arms' doesn’t additionally charge for examination, certification or re-certification - instead opting for ongoing assessment throughout the training and ending with a showing.
Recent work includes international tours, short and feature films, music videos and street theatre - alongside teaching the magic of stage and screen violence to all; young and old, 1-on-,1 and in groups.
