The Family Plan – Working with Mark Wahlberg on Apple TV’s new action film.
When an opportunity arises to combine two of your greatest passions – traveling and performing stunts – it’s an offer that’s hard to resist. This was precisely the case when I embarked on an unforgettable journey to the United States, specifically to Georgia, to work on the Apple TV movie The Family plan code named ‘Holiday Road.’ This adventure marked my fifth movie as Mark Wahlberg’s stunt double, and it turned out to be an exhilarating roller-coaster ride both on and off the screen.
As I landed in Atlanta, I was met with a whirlwind of experiences waiting to unfold. The city’s vibrant culture and bustling energy were infectious, and it didn’t take long for me to adapt to the American way of doing business. The production team welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly felt like part of a creative family, all working towards bringing the movie to life.
One of the highlights of my time on the set of ‘Holiday Road’ was collaborating with an incredibly talented team. Among them, Lateef Crowder stood out as our fight choreographer. This was particularly exciting for me, as I had been familiar with Lateef from years ago when we were both part of the martial arts and tricking community. I had admired his early online videos, and seeing his career flourish, especially with his memorable performance in Tony Jaa’s ‘Ong Bak,’ was inspiring. Working with him on fight choreography was a dream come true, and it felt like a meeting of two like-minded spirits who had come a long way.
While the movie was intense, the camaraderie off-set was just as rewarding. I formed strong friendships with fellow cast members, particularly Anthony Nanakornpanom, who played a villain in the film. Our brutal fight scene pushed both our physical and mental boundaries, creating a lasting connection between us. Additionally, our assistant stunt coordinator, Kyle Weishaar, extended an invitation that opened the doors to an incredible evening. From forging knives to flying gliders and throwing axes, it was a quintessential American experience that left a lasting impression on me, Forging knives into the early morning hours really was one of the most fun and memorable experiences I have with Kyle and Anthony.
  
Mark Wahlberg movies are known for their high-energy, intense sequences, and ‘Holiday Road’ was no exception. The filming process posed its share of challenges, especially during a stretch of eight consecutive nights of shooting. These nights were filled with the biggest stunt gags, from high falls to parkour while dodging gunfire from mercenaries. The dedication and teamwork required to pull off these sequences were humbling, reminding me of the immense effort that goes into creating movie magic
As my time on the set of ‘Holiday Road’ came to an end, a sense of accomplishment and anticipation lingered in the air. The movie promises to be a gripping, entertaining experience that encapsulates the hard work, creativity, and passion poured into its making. I can hardly wait to watch the final product and see how all the pieces come together on screen.
In conclusion, my journey to Georgia to work on ‘Holiday Road’ was a fusion of adrenaline, friendship, and artistic collaboration. From adapting to the American way of life to bonding with talented colleagues, this experience was a testament to the power of following your passions and seizing opportunities. Bumping into old parkour friends like Jesse La Flair was awesome too, there is so much talent in the US.
As the release of ‘Holiday Road’ approaches, I find myself eagerly counting down the days until I can relive the memories and emotions that were woven into its creation. So, stay tuned – this movie promises to be an unforgettable ride that’s worth every moment of its anticipation.
