She's the martial arts actress top directors like Wong Kar-wai and Yuen Woo-ping trust for their most iconic films. Meet Zhou Xiao Fei (周小飞), the powerhouse performer known for her unforgettable roles in 'The Grandmaster' and 'Ip Man 4: The Finale'.

In this exclusive interview, Zhou Xiao Fei sits down with the Martial Arts Podcast to share her incredible journey. We go behind the scenes of her most famous movies, uncovering the grueling 4-year training process for 'The Grandmaster' and what it was really like to be on set with Donnie Yen.

Fei reveals how she became the ONLY female disciple to the legendary action director Yuen Woo-ping, and shares the untold story of how Will Smith personally cast her in 'The Karate Kid'. She also opens up about her experiences as a stunt double for superstars like Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, discussing the injuries, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication required to be one of China's most respected martial artists.

What You’ll Learn:

The 4-Year Process: The intense, multi-year production and training for Wong Kar-wai's masterpiece, 'The Grandmaster'. [cite: 0:04:31 - 0:05:00]

A Master's Apprentice: How Zhou Xiao Fei asked for and became the only female disciple of the legendary action director Yuen Woo-ping. [cite: 0:27:17 - 0:27:22]

Hollywood Calling: The untold story of being personally cast by Will Smith for a pivotal role in 'The Karate Kid'. [cite: 0:28:21 - 0:30:07]

Doubling for Legends: Her experience as the stunt double for Michelle Yeoh in 'Master Z: Ip Man Legacy' and Zhang Ziyi in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2'. [cite: 0:00:29 - 0:00:38]

The Bagua Myth: Why the world thinks she is only a Bagua Zhang master, and the other martial arts she has mastered, including her national championship title in straight sword (Jian Shu). [cite: 0:06:11 - 0:07:00, 0:07:19 - 0:07:25]

The Price of Greatness: The reality of career-threatening injuries and the personal sacrifices required to succeed in the film industry. [cite: 0:32:06 - 0:33:03, 0:39:49 - 0:40:03]

Action Directing: Her transition from actress to action director and the lessons learned from the best in the business. [cite: 0:20:01 - 0:20:25]

Chatpers

00:00:00 - Doubling for Michelle Yeoh & Zhang Ziyi

02:09:18 - Welcome Zhou Xiao Fei

02:47:09 - "The Best Female Wuxia Actress in China"

04:26:16 - The Grueling 4-Year Production of 'The Grandmaster'

06:11:07 - The "Bagua Zhang Master" Misconception

07:25:18 - A Childhood Forged by Martial Arts

10:12:07 - Preserving Martial Arts Culture Through Film

12:16:11 - From Martial Arts School to Joining the Military

16:16:22 - Training with Wu Jing & The Skills of an Action Actor

20:55:08 - Why She Left a Stable Military Career for Film

22:37:04 - Becoming Yuen Woo-ping's ONLY Female Disciple

27:37:18 - Untold Story: How Will Smith Cast Her in 'The Karate Kid'

32:04:04 - Her Biggest Career-Ending Injury (ACL Tear)

34:28:17 - Fun Questions: Favorite Actor & Ice Cream

36:32:03 - Who's Better: Michelle Yeoh or Zhang Ziyi?

39:34:13 - The Sacrifice of Personal Relationships

42:46:02 - The Advice She Would Give Her Younger Self

44:34:21 - A Message to Her International Fans

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🎬 How to Become a Film Director – Filmmaking Tips from Daming Chen

Want to learn how to become a film director and master the art of filmmaking? In this exclusive conversation, award-winning director Daming Chen shares his journey from Chinese opera to Hollywood, discussing his experiences on iconic projects like Kill Bill and his upcoming film Unspoken.

Daming dives into the craft of directing, from action sequences and working with actors to screenwriting, preparation, and character immersion. He reveals practical tips for filmmakers, aspiring directors, and actors on how to bring stories to life, navigate film festivals, and fund your projects.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• How Daming Chen became a film director and his path in filmmaking

• Behind-the-scenes insights on action choreography and directing actors

• Tips for aspiring filmmakers on how to make a movie and work with actors

• The importance of preparation, storytelling, and cultural authenticity

• Lessons from working with influential directors like Quentin Tarantino, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, and Danny Boyle

• How to break into film school or the filmmaking industry

• Advice on screenwriting, video essays, and creating compelling films

• How AI and modern tools can assist in the filmmaking process

Whether you’re interested in film directing, filmmaking for beginners, or becoming a better film director, this video is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Da Ming Chen

02:54 The Hero's Journey: Da Ming's Early Influences

06:26 Behind the Scenes of Kill Bill

12:28 Lessons from Iconic Collaborations

15:20 Filming Unspoken: Challenges and Triumphs

21:56 Crafting Action: Collaboration and Creativity

23:23 The Director's Key Responsibilities

25:13 Cinematic Inspirations and Influences

28:11 The Importance of Authenticity in Film

28:24 Cultural Reflections in Storytelling

29:55 Recognition and Audience Connection

32:14 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

33:51 Advice for Aspiring Actors

42:20 The Importance of Humility and Life Experience in Filmmaking

44:42 Navigating the Challenges of Non-Professional Actors

45:05 AI's Role in the Future of Filmmaking

47:11 Funding Your Film: Tips and Strategies

51:23 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

52:42 Choreographing Action: The Art of Fight Sequences

56:12 Influences and Inspirations: Favorite Directors

57:17 Dream Projects: Aspirations in Filmmaking

57:58 Memorable Moments on Set

58:34 Lessons Learned: Reflections on Career Choices

01:02:26 Golden Advice for Actors and Filmmakers

⬛The Movie Martial arts website ⁠www.moviemartialarts.com⁠

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How to Write Stories: The Neuroscience & Secrets of Storytelling with Peter Walters

Join Harvard-educated screenwriter and teacher Peter Walters in this deep dive into the science and art of storytelling. From journalism to screenwriting, Peter shares the secrets behind generating compelling ideas, crafting emotional stories, and mastering the three-act structure. Learn how narrative empathy, concept development, and fight choreography can transform your films, and discover practical tips on pitching, networking, and succeeding in the film industry. Peter also explores the future of martial arts films and why innovative storytelling is the key to keeping the genre alive.

What You’ll Learn:

🎬 How the neuroscience of storytelling drives audience engagement

🎥 Techniques for generating compelling story ideas from real life

🎞️ The power of concept development in turning ideas into scripts

📽️ Why the three-act structure remains essential for screenwriters

🎭 How narrative empathy deepens character connection

🎬 Practical pitching strategies and effective networking

🎥 Crafting fight sequences with a story-driven approach

🎞️ Innovating martial arts films with structured storytelling

📽️ Discipline and commitment strategies for aspiring writers

🎭 Using story fractals to structure scenes effectively

🎬 Understanding AI’s role and limits in modern storytelling

🎥 How to make every moment in your story meaningful

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction & Peter Walters’ Background

02:15 From Journalism to Screenwriting

05:30 Understanding the Essence of Story

08:20 Generating Compelling Ideas

11:45 The Power of Concept Development

15:10 Three-Act Structure & Storytelling Science

18:40 Crafting Emotionally Resonant Characters

22:05 Pitching Films & Networking Insights

26:15 Fight Choreography & Narrative Integration

30:20 The Future of Martial Arts Films

34:00 Discipline & Commitment in Writing

37:25 Using Story Fractals to Structure Scenes

41:10 AI & Storytelling: Limits and Opportunities

44:50 Making Every Story Moment Count

48:30 Final Advice for Aspiring Writers

Buy Peter Walters book:

⬛ HOW STORIES WORK – https://amzn.to/4pJEYWk

🎁📄 Free PDF giveaway! - ⁠https://www.troysteamonline.com/howstoriesworkfreepdf

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Follow Peter Walters:

⬛ Website – ⁠https://howstorieswork.com/⁠