John Kreng's multifaceted and illustrious career in the entertainment industry has spanned various roles, including Stunt Coordinator, Fight Choreographer, Stand Up Comedian, Author, Actor, Video Game Designer/Producer, and Stuntman.
Born in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., John's unique heritage is a testament to his parents' diverse backgrounds. His father, a Cambodian Ambassador, instilled in him a sense of cultural awareness and global perspective, which is reflected in John's fluency in Vietnamese, Chinese, and English.
Following his father's untimely passing, John's mother made the courageous decision to remain in the United States, ensuring her son could receive a superior education and pursue his aspirations without the constraints of cultural and linguistic barriers.
Throughout his life, John has drawn upon his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences to shape his artistic endeavors, infusing his work with a unique blend of creativity, wit, and authenticity.
John, a multifaceted professional, has made a name for himself as a Stunt Coordinator, Fight Choreographer, and Stuntman, with a impressive repertoire of collaborations with renowned figures in the industry.
Notable among his many partnerships is his work with Jet Li, a renowned martial artist and actor, as well as Yuen Cheung Yen, a highly respected Hong Kong stuntman and actor. His association with Tsui Hark, a celebrated Hong Kong filmmaker, has also been a significant milestone in his career.
In addition to his work in the film industry, John has also had the opportunity to collaborate with notable directors, including Steven Spielberg, a legendary filmmaker known for his work on iconic films such as Jaws and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Roger Corman, a prolific director and producer who has worked on a wide range of films, from horror movies to science fiction epics.
Tragically, John has also had the opportunity to work with the late David Carradine, a talented actor and martial artist who was known for his iconic roles in films such as Kill Bill and Kung Fu.
John's expertise has not gone unnoticed, and he has been featured in various martial arts magazines, including Black Belt, Martial Arts Training, Impact, and Inside Karate. These publications have recognized his skills and experience as a Stunt Coordinator, Fight Choreographer, and Stuntman.
Furthermore, John has also made significant contributions to the world of martial arts through his authorship of the comprehensive textbook "Fight Choreography: The Art of Non Verbal Dialogue". This groundbreaking work has provided a valuable resource for martial artists and filmmakers alike, offering insights into the art of fight choreography and the importance of non-verbal communication in this context.
John's distinctive approach to fight choreography seamlessly integrates disparate elements from both Western and Hong Kong-style combat, yielding a distinctive fusion that sets him apart from others in his field.
As a testament to his dedication to the art of martial arts, John has earned the prestigious title of black belt in not one, but two esteemed disciplines: Tang Soo Do and Te Katana Jujitsu.
In addition to his impressive martial arts credentials, John has also honed his skills as a tournament fighter, having competed at the highest levels and emerged victorious.
Beyond his impressive fighting prowess, John has also drawn upon his experiences as a nightclub bouncer to gain a deeper understanding of human psychology and behavior, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his fight choreography.
In recognition of his extensive knowledge and expertise, John has shared his insights and advice in the highly acclaimed book "Bullyproof Your Child: An Expert's Advice on Teaching Children to Defend Themselves", a comprehensive guide that provides parents with practical strategies for empowering their children to defend themselves against bullies and other threats.
John's academic background in art, specifically as a major in college, provided a solid foundation for his career in the entertainment industry. His decision to attend Parsons School of Design in New York City allowed him to hone his skills in visual aesthetics, composition, and the 3-act structure, all of which are essential components in the creation of engaging and well-crafted fight scenes.
In addition to his studies at Parsons, John also pursued a passion for screenwriting by taking courses at UCLA Extension. This unique combination of skills has enabled him to bring a distinct perspective to his work, one that is deeply rooted in the principles of storytelling and visual narrative.
As a result, John's fight choreography is not only visually stunning but also grounded in the narrative of the film. His ability to balance action, drama, and humor has been refined through his experience as a stand-up comedian, allowing him to seamlessly integrate comedic elements into his fight scenes when necessary.
John's multifaceted background has equipped him with a diverse range of skills, making him a valuable asset to any production team. His expertise in visual storytelling, comedic timing, and fight choreography has the potential to elevate the overall quality of a film, making him an excellent candidate for any project that requires a unique blend of artistic vision and technical skill.
John's unique dual identity as an Asian American has undoubtedly granted him a distinct advantage when collaborating with Asian talent, as he possesses a profound comprehension of both Western and Asian methodologies for action on film, allowing him to effectively bridge cultural gaps and foster a deeper understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has had the privilege of training a diverse array of talented individuals, including renowned actors such as Phil Morris, Matt Westmore, and Udo Keir, as well as Japanese Pro Wrestler Ultimo Dragon, the iconic rapper Vanilla Ice, and the illustrious Super Bowl Champion Roman Phifer, to name a few.
John's illustrious career as a Stand Up Comedian began in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., where he initially took the stage at The Comedy Cafe alongside the renowned Martin Lawrence and Tommy Davidson. As he continued to refine his craft, he became a staple performer at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, a hub for comedic talent, where he had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by some of the most revered comedians of his time, including the legendary Richard Pryor, the incomparable Robin Williams, the irrepressible Jim Carrey, the trailblazing Chris Rock, and the unforgettable Sam Kinison.
John's multifaceted career in interactive media has spanned various roles, including Video Game Producer and Designer, where he has seamlessly integrated his diverse skill set as a screenwriter, fight choreographer, martial artist, comedian, and graphic artist.
Throughout his tenure, John has contributed to the development of notable titles such as "Art of Fighting 3" and "Full Spectrum Warrior", showcasing his expertise in crafting engaging gaming experiences.
Furthermore, John's exceptional work has earned him recognition within the industry, with a feature in the esteemed book "Ultimate Game Design" by renowned author Tom Meigs, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the world of game design.
John's profound expertise and fervent enthusiasm for martial arts films have propelled him to contribute to various martial arts publications, facilitating historic interviews with esteemed figures such as Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Woo Ping, whose insights and experiences have shed new light on the genre.
