Interview with 'The Misadventures of Lefty Deadeye' Filmmaker Marco Sinigaglia

Marco Sinigaglia is the writer, producer, director of ‘The Misadventures of Lefty Deadeye’, a comedy-action short film starring Lefty the puppet. ‘The Misadventures of Lefty Deadeye’, was screened at Fighting Spirit Film Festival 2019.

Marco is not only a filmmaker, but is also an actor, stunt actor and a mocap performer. He’s worked on films such as Thor: Ragnorak, Aquaman and Pacific Rim Uprising, while also working on his own films.

Describe yourself in three fictional characters.

Marin Boy, Travis Bickle & Ave Ventura

How did you get started in martial arts?

I started Martial Arts after being inspired as a child watching the first Japanese TV show to play in Australia to feature Samurai’s and Ninja. It was called THE SAMURAI and in 2009 I decided to make a documentary about this show and found I wasn’t the only Australian kid to be inspired into martial arts and Asian culture. The documentary I wrote and directed is called Shintaro! The samurai Sensation That swept a Nation.

Who are your favourite martial artists?

Real martial artists - there are too many to name. But film Martial artists - Bruce Lee, Iko Uwais & Stephen Chow

How do you feel when you’re doing martial arts?

In control and free, Light, powerful, intuitive and ready.

What do you see as the future of martial arts/action films?

I believe genre hybrids will drive action films; Like comedy/action, animationLive action hybrids. I think it interesting to put martial forms against VFX creature/monster or hilarious animation.

What is your favourite part about being a stunt actor? 

Stunts & Acting! Playing characters that move a certain way and you need to adapt in order to successfully pull it off. Throwing a round house kick as a person, as a kung fu character, as an orc, as an ape, as an alien - They all do it very different. Making that work as the character is so interesting and joyful.

What are your favourite types of roles to play and what roles do you want to play in the future? 

Strong characters! Creatures, animals, hybrids of both - the weirder the better.

How did you get into filmmaking?

I started as an actor. I studied in NY at the Lee Strasberg Institute. I took film making class with a great teacher Michael Margotta. I was hooked instantly. 

How did you come up with the premise for The Misadventures of Lefty Deadeye? 

Images courtesy of Marco Sinigaglia

Ever since I saw a sketch on In Living Colour with a punching puppet playing a suspicious Korean store owner, I wanted one. A friend of mine bought Lefty (my Punching Puppet) somewhere in Asia. It’s been sitting on my desk just waiting for a break. I have many plans for this little puppet, but one day I said, let’s make a chopsocky Puppet Punching Martial Arts Action Comedy. So I did.

What was your favourite part about filming The Misadventures of Lefty Deadeye?

Was watching how everyone involved, and these are experience stunt martial artists with plenty of credits, just IMDB the cast, trying to make it all work. So many laughs when we stepped back and saw what we were doing! Fighting seriously a puppet.

How did you cast the puppet for the film?

Well I only had one puppet so it was easy. The puppeteer on the other hand is my partner Carly Rees, she is an experienced stunt performer and stunt double in numerous Hollywood films (IMDB). It was a step down for her, but she was perfect.

Did you face any challenges working with the puppet?

Yes. The first hit on Lefty was a straight punch and his head went flying. We only had Lefty so it was gaffer tape to the rescue!

What is the best feedback you received for The Misadventures of Lefty Deadeye?

The best feed back is when people laugh their heads off. Or look totally perplexed by what the hell is going on. Love it.

Do you have any upcoming projects we should look out for? 

Films I worked on: Peter Rabbit 2, Monster Problems & Aiyai a Wrathful Soul. IMDB for more details and what I did.

Films I’m directing, well I have about 5 feature films I’m developing, but I’m about to go into production with a short action film called SUCK ON THIS! 

How has your experience been with Fighting Spirit Film Festival?

This is an awesome festival. You guys really know your stuff and are open to experimental martial arts works also. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to attend.

Images courtesy of Marco Sinigaglia

Speed Round. Pick one film for each category.

What is the first film you ever saw? 

A Fist Full of Dollars - in Italian

What is your favourite film of all time?

Taxi Driver

What is your favourite cult film?

Blade Runner

What is your favourite film from your favourite filmmaker?

Life Aquatic - Wes Anderson

What is your current favourite film?

The Joker