User:ForGreaterGlory/sandbox

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Andrew Helm is a script coordinator. He has worked in the story department of the syndicated television series Queen of Swords. Executive Producer and series creator David Abramowitz named the main character of "Dr. Robert Helm" (portrayed by actor and medical student Peter Wingfield) after Andrew Helm.[1]

Education and Early Efforts[edit]

Helm earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts from California State University, Chico. Upon graduation he left his home in Northern California a to start a career as a professional screenwriter in the Los Angeles area.[2][3]

Before joining formal, story departments for various media, Helm worked in film-related jobs such as in sales at both Universal Studios Theme Park and at Blockbuster Video. In the mid 1990s, he was hired to be a member of the sound department and boom operator for the 1995 film Tornado Run.[4][citation needed]

Career with Highlander-related and Fireworks Production Companies[edit]

Helm began professionally writing for filmed entertainment upon meeting Laura Brennan.[3] Brennan was Script Coordinator for the syndicated TV series Highlander: The Raven which starred Elizabeth Gracen.[3][5] Brennan hired Helm as an assistant to writers.[6][citation needed] Also working on Highlander: The Raven, at the time, were Creative Consultant David Abramowitz and co-executive producers Jay Firestone and Adam Haight.[6][citation needed] Firestone and Haight founded Fireworks Pictures and hired Abramowitz to work with the writing staff on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World.[7] Abramowitz put Helm to work as an assistant on this same endeavor.[3]

In the second season of Lost World, Jay Firestone, approached Abramowitz about developing an action/adventure series with a strong Latina lead.[8] As Fireworks Entertainment along with Paramount Pictures (and a host of European investors) developed the new syndicated TV series idea, Abramowitz (now as Executive Producer) hired Helm to be the new script coordinator for Queen of Swords.[3][9][citation needed] The position required Helm to swiftly coordinate all scripts and script revisions for the series between all entities involved in production of the series. As such, Helm developed close contacts in media production, not only in the United States and Canada, but also in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.[5] During filming, screenwriter and script coordinator Helm learned to fence under the tutelage of stunt coordinator Roberta Brown, whom he met at Westside Fencing in Culver City.[10]

Convention Work[edit]

Queen of Swords only lasted for one season, but by that time, Helm developed acquaintances with other actors and swordsmen in Los Angeles. That, and a fan-base he acquired, allowed him to join in with "Highlander: The Series" fan convention events as guest and "talent." From 2001 to its demise in 2006, Helm appeared at Fan Odyssey conventions in Culver City, California (home of MGM/Sony Studios).[11] The gatherings were operated by actor Valentine Pelka's American contacts. (Pelka had worked on Queen of Swords with Helm.) Appearances at fan conventions provided income during downtimes and allowed Helm to network with fellow "Queen of Swords" alums Roberta Brown, Elizabeth Gracen, Valentine Pelka, and Robert "Bob" Chapin. Swordplay skills, ultimately presented by Helm and others at the conventions, were practiced at the former Westside Fencing Center (which was ironically called Helms Bakery in its pre-1969 existence) in Culver City.[12] He was a presenter at The Combat Con 2011.[13]

Early Webisode Creations to Feature Film[edit]

At the same time as Queen of Swords came to an end, Helm and "Bob" Chapin started work on a new kind of entertainment. Chapin developed the idea of a comedic, vampire-slayer, webisode. Initially, the work (called The Hunted) was simply meant to give sword combat students a chance to practice what they were learning in classes.[14][15] In 2011-2012, Helm worked on the story for a feature film version of The Hunted along with Tex Wall and Robert Chapin.,[16][17]

Movie[edit]

In 2004, Helm produced his first feature film, A Gothic Romance.[18] The film starred former fencers from the Westside Fencing Center.

Honor[edit]

In 1999, he was one of several runners-up in the Best in the West Screenwriters Competition for his script in Saving Grace.[19]

Personal[edit]

Helm is married. He and his wife chose to make Burbank their home for many years. In August 2009, during the wild fires in Southern California, Helm commented, "We're close enough for a nice little apocalyptic plume."[20]

Acting credits[edit]

Story and writing credits[edit]

... aka Reina de espadas (Spain) ... aka Tessa à la pointe de l'épée (France) ... aka La regina di spade (Italy)

... aka Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World (Canada: English title)

... aka L'immortelle (France)

Anthology contribution[edit]

  • Author of "Muse", part of an anthology he coauthored that is named Hell Comes To Hollywood [Kindle Edition] Nominated by the Horror Writers Association for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Anthology. It is "a collection of short stories about psychotic killers, ghosts, demons, vampires, and other horrifying creatures stalking the entertainment capital of the world. Featuring 20 original tales written by Movie and Television professionals."[25]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Andrew Helm". Celebrity Networth. Retrieved April 7, 2013.(subscription required)
  2. ^ Andrew Helm Linked In page
  3. ^ a b c d e f Wollich, Lyria. "An Interview with Andrew Helm". Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  4. ^ "Full cast and crew for Tornado Run (1995)". IMDB. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  5. ^ a b "Highlander: The Raven (1998)". IMDB. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  6. ^ a b "Highlander: The Raven, Full Credits". IMDB. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  7. ^ "Movies and TV about David Abramowitz". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  8. ^ Bernstein, Abbie. "David Abramowitz is Still The King of the Blade With His Latest TV Sseries Queen or Swords". Online article for print magazine. Eon Magazine. Archived from the original on 2000-12-13. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Queen of Swords Company Credits". IMDB. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  10. ^ "Roberta Brown credits". TV.com. CBS Interactive. April 7, 2013.
  11. ^ "Histories of Fan Odyssey Conventions"
  12. ^ "The Queen moved to Miami". Blog. 2013-04-06. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  13. ^ "The Combat Con 2011: Presenters". The Combat Con. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  14. ^ a b "The Hunted". TV.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Contributors: "HELL COMES TO HOLLYWOOD" Writers: Andrew Helm". Big Time Books. 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  16. ^ "The Hunted Feature Film poster-small". Webisodes Home page. Robert Chapin. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  17. ^ "Close up of The Hunted Feature Film Poster". Advertising Movie Poster. Robert Chapin. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  18. ^ "A Gothic Romance Official Website". Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  19. ^ "Best in the West Announces 1999 Winners". Best in the West Screenwriters. 1999. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  20. ^ "Life goes on in smoky (sic.) L.A. as wildfire rages". Los Angeles, California: NBC News. August 31, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  21. ^ "A Gothic Romance (2004)". Greencine. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  22. ^ "Full cast and crew for Gemini Division (2008)". IMDB. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  23. ^ "Full cast and crew for A Gothic Romance (2004)". IMDB. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  24. ^ "Full cast and crew for"Monk" (2002)". IMDB. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  25. ^ "Hell Comes To Hollywood". Big Time Books. 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.

External links[edit]

Category:Living people Category:1969 births

Thought I better save this page since people are trying to attack my cousin's teacher, Roberta:

Roberta Brown
Born
Roberta Ellen Brown

(1965-04-02) April 2, 1965 (age 59)
Warwick, Rhode Island, United States
NationalityAmerican
Alma materBrandeis University
Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art
Occupation(s)Actress
Swordmaster
Websitewww.robertabrown.com

Roberta Brown is an American swordmaster, actress, magician, and writer.[1][2]

Career[edit]

Brown took up fencing at college and continued her studies as an actress and stage combatant in London at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, where she received a Master of Fine Arts equivalency.[1][3] She became one of a few swordmasters who worked in theatre, film and television. She acted as fencing double for Lucy Liu in the film Charlie's Angels,[4][5] choreographed a three minute scene in a TV episode of ER[6] between Noah Wyle and Goran Visnjic. She also worked on the syndicated TV series Queen of Swords and as fight director on the TV film Boudica with Alex Kingston.[4][7]

She was a student of swordsmanship at Brandeis University, and has been acclaimed as an outstanding alumna.[8] She has practiced her craft for over ten years.[6]

She was brought onto the TV series Queen of Swords[1][3][4] by the initial swordmaster and stunt co-ordinator Anthony De Longis to train Tessie Santiago's stunt double Natalia Guijarro.[9] She also doubled Bo Derek in master shots and Paulina Gálvez wagon scene in the episode "The Witness".[10] She has been a stunt double in Masterpiece Theater[3][1]

In Queen of Swords, Brown worked onscreen as sword double for female characters played by Tessie Santiago, Bo Derek, and Paulina Gálvez. In addition she worked as sword coach in that series. Brown has, also, choreographed numerous fights and swordfights for other television series, theatre, and motion pictures. Among the actors she has trained, coached, and occasionally fenced onscreen are Billy Campbell, Tessie Santiago, Peter Wingfield, Valentine Pelka, Anthony Lemke, Patricia Arquette, Lucy Liu, Elizabeth Gracen, Andrew Helm, Bob Golec, Patrick Fabian, Noah Wyle, Goran Visnjic, Mary Reinhardt, and Alex Kingston. Though never having trained him, she has fenced actor and swordmaster Anthony De Longis onscreen.[1][3]

She has taught swordplay and theatrical combat in many locales. These include: Howard Fine Acting Studio and The Lee Strasburg Institute in Hollywood; Juan Angel Theatre, Teatro Libre, and Teatro Lope de Vega in Bogotá; Graz Kendo Club in Austria; Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London; Acting Action at the Inosanto Academy, College of the Canyons, University of Southern California, and West Los Angeles College.[1][11] She is a recognized expert in many forms of martial arts, including short swords and whip work.[11] At the Beverly Hills Fencers’ Club, Brown is Director of Theatrical Combat.[12]

The Los Angeles Times wrote: “She’s dead serious about the importance of proper training and safety procedures.”[13] Variety wrote that “Roberta Brown’s fight choreography heightens the brutal confrontations.” Backstage West calls her oeuvre “disturbing and convincing.”[6][14][15] The Fight Master opined: "It is her solid experience, talent, and smarts that allow her to thrive in an otherwise male-dominated field."[4]

In any event, she notes that there is a real difference between theatrical and screen fencing from the sport of fencing.[16][17]

Published works[edit]

Credits[edit]

Multimedia[edit]

  • Women of Action Network (Action Consultant)[12]
  • Mary Read (Swordmaster)

Film and Television[edit]

Fight Direction/Stunts[edit]

  • Lapse (2009/I) (fight director)

Actress[edit]

As Herself[edit]

Theater Swordmaster[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Roberta Brown biography". TV.com. CBS Interactive. February 3, 2004. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  2. ^ "Official Roberta Brown Website"
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Roberta Brown credits". TV.com. CBS Interactive. April 7, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e Marlowe, J.T. (Summer 2003). "To the Point" (PDF). The Fight Master: 33–34. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  5. ^ Waterman, Nicki. "Fence your way to fitness: En garde". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved April 6, 2013. {{cite news}}: Text "date-November 7, 2012" ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b c Schiffman, Jeanne (September 9, 2004). "The Craft: Arms & the Woman" (PDF). Backstage West.
  7. ^ a b Thomas, Ryan (2006-08-14). "Backstage". Punch Lines. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  8. ^ Simmons, 1-Carrie (August 2006). "Fencer Makes Good Neighbor" (PDF). The Brandeis Review. Retrieved April 6, 2013. {{cite journal}}: Text "first1-Carrie" ignored (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ De Longis, Anthony. "Behind the Scenes and on the Set Death to the Queen page 1". Retrieved 2 april 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ De Longis, Anthony. "Behind the scenes and on the set The Witness pages 2 and 4". Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  11. ^ a b "Roberta Brown". Sword Forum International. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  12. ^ a b c "Women of Action Network-Contributors". Website. Rearden LLC. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  13. ^ a b Fischer, Rachel; Young, Marilynn (Photo) (October 11, 1996). "Roberta Brown: Beverly Hills Actress Would Rather Fight than Switch – Careers" (PDF). Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  14. ^ Thomas, Ryan (August 14, 2006). "Punch Lines". Backstage West. Retrieved April 6, 2013. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  15. ^ "Roberta Brown home page". Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  16. ^ Greene, Scott Ferguson (July 8, 2008). "Hollywood Film Files - Roberta Brown 1" (video). YouTube. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
  17. ^ Greene, Scott Ferguson (July 8, 2008). "Hollywood Film Files - Roberta Brown 2" (video). YouTube. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
  18. ^ a b c d Brown, Roberta. "Credits". Roberta Brown. Retrieved April 8, 2013.

External links[edit]

Category:1965 births Category:Actors from California Category:American fencers Category:American film actors Category:American magicians Category:American stunt performers Category:American television actors Category:Brandeis University alumni Category:Living people Category:People from the Greater Los Angeles Area Category:Professional magicians Category:Women fencers


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