User:Seoraswallace

Seoras Wallace: As a Professional Fight Director for Film Stage and TV, who after a period of twenty years has worked with many of the worlds most famous and recognised people in the industry and includes a resume of over a thousand productions, a few of which are reflected in this reference testimonial.

In 1980 Seoras inherited the position of the titular head Chieftain of the branch of that ilk, the Clan Wallace of PortoSpittal, although the legal entitlement to the landed title the “ Laird of BadMalio “ this title by choice has never been ratified. Serving as the head of that branch of the Clan Wallace till 2005, upon which he retired the position at the International Clan Gathering in Lanark Scotland, of that year. Having been responsible for guiding funds for the Clan over the period in excess of £2.5m and gaining many international accolades for his radical overhaul of the clan systems both in Scotland and Ireland, enabling them in becoming fully functioning contemporary family social and community groups, serving not only the families and friends of those names, but to individuals and kinfolk world-wide.

As a Scottish martial arts champion (Shotokan & full contact) and swordmaster, his skills led him to a successful film career, which began in 1986 on the film “Highlander”, his introduction to filming began as a fight and weaponry stuntman, after which he was recognised as a quality specialist in this field, and on that particular occasion was highly commended by Russel Malchahay, the Director on Highlander.

Seoras went from strength to strength culminating in being honoured and mentioned on three occasions publicly at the world famous “Oscar” ceremonies for his contribution to the film industry, in particular the films: Braveheart; We were Soldiers, Gladiator. Also his support for UK based film productions ensured that many had the opportunity to develop these film talents to a level of success otherwise may not have been achieved.

The coveted acknowledgement and musical equivalent of the international Oscar award to film excellence, the “ Danny “ when first introduced in 1998 by the world-wide Celtic Festival music industry was given to Seoras Wallace for his contribution to new talent and to the international Celtic music industry, for his introduction of new original musical styles to promoting Celtic music in Europe, in France Spain Italy in particular but also to the development of Celtic music and Southern Pacific music fusion participation with the Marengo music of the Caribbean island communities.

Seoras has also received accolades as a music producer on the Hollywood epic by Mel Gibson, for his production of the central soundtrack in the Oscar winning film “We were soldiers” The soundtrack being “Sergeant MacKenzie”. The greatest tribute to his musical work ethic, being the playing of the soundtrack at the 911 ground zero memorial services. Sgt MacKenzie: Words by Joe Kilna: Original melody by Joe Kilna & Seoras Wallace. Produced by Seoras Wallace for the album Clan Wallace "Live" at the Royal Concert Hall 1999

Seoras Wallace has been associated in particular with the Oscar winning film “Braveheart”. Working in collaboration with the writer since its conception as television screenplay by Randall Wallace, however, Seoras Wallace has been commissioned by many other movie makers and producers to advise, train, choreograph and take part in major fight scenes. The professionalism and commitment of Seoras Wallace has been echoed and exampled briefly in the following words......

Once we were (young) Soldiers “Your contribution to the soundtrack was outstanding, the musical score “Sgt MacKenzie” elevated a private soldiers story to world recognition, a fact recognised in the accolades of the Vietnam war veterans and all who heard your work, we wish you continuing success in your endeavours and vocation, and not only would recommend you to other film makers because of your outstanding contribution, but to further your vocational aspirations… Mel Gibson Randal Wallace Director and Producer Icon Films. Chasing the Deer "To my certain knowledge, “Chasing the Deer“ is the first major feature film ever dedicated to the Fight arranger and his crew. The reason for this is that Seoras Wallace and the men and women of the Wallace Clan production team are simply the most competent, professional and dedicated close combat crew we have ever worked with." Bob Carruthers, Cromwell Films PLC

Braveheart “Our Experience working with Seoras Wallace, has been nothing but positive. He has been an efficient, hardworking and most of all, trustworthy addition to our team, his willingness to participate and contribute is second only to his work ethic, Seoras would be an asset to any production and we could not recommend Seoras Wallace more highly                                                                                                                                           Mel Gibson, Icon Productions. Marie Claire We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the mountains of Scotland, and were delighted to have such professional co-operation from Seoras Wallace and his staff." Charles Althorpe (Brother to the Princess Diana of Wales)

BBC Scotland " I would just like to put on record our appreciation for what you are trying to do for the culture and history of Scotland, and trust that those who are in a position to fund and support the work you do will come forward in due course and enable Seoras Wallace to continue as a unique medium in our history and repay you for all the work you have done in raising money for United Kingdom and international charities. Bob Wood, Executive Producer, BBC Scotland

NBC News " I want to thank you Seoras Wallace and your team once again for your patience and professionalism, and I hope you grow from strength to strength." Amy Wasserstrom, Executive Producer, NBC News America

Gladiator " The reason we got you Seoras Wallace, your fight crews and your guys in the production team, is your reputation for adding a realistic dimension and influence on films of this genre is outstanding…..and we were right !" Stephen Spielberg / Ridley Scott

New York Screen Commissioner "It is very important that people like Seoras Wallace and his production team, the Wallace Clan, are involved with these major Hollywood productions, as it reflects well on the continuing quality of work that flows from Scotland, Seoras Wallace and the Clan Wallace are two of Scotland`s finest exports in this genre. Patricia Reed.

Seoras is also writing the definitive biography of the life and times of William Wallace as has been passed down through the family for generations "Wallace the Legend" will be a series of novels (Nine) relying for the first time the story of Wallace from a family perspective.

Derek Stewart-Brown former editor Scotland's Sunday Mail wrote: "THE difference between this portrayal of William Wallace and those previously published is pretty much night and day ! Where previous authors and storytellers have relied on the legend and romance of William Wallace, the truth is really far more exciting and interesting - and no less endowed with legend, romance, rebellion and bloodshed on a global scale. Not since the poetry of 'Blind Harry' in the 16th century has anyone truly put the life and certainly the times of Wallace into context on the world stage. Thankfully, the author manages somehow to deliver an encyclopaedic knowledge, without treating the reader to a history lesson. And the story of William Wallace very gradually does become the all-action portrayal of the Hollywood legend of the recent past - but this time told with genuine feeling and a passion for the piece that shouts 'I was there !' Seoras Wallace can be forgiven for being both wordy and pedantic at times. Because his treatment of the life and times of Wallace is clearly not a 'quick fix' but the biography of a nation of nations.' There is colour, where there was once darkness and there is light filtering through the dust of ages. And throughout this lengthy journey, the reader is carried along with the clarity, the passion and the enthusiasm of the author for the true story. The characters are real and the plot is pure history, yet the delivery provides a grand adventure of twists and turns that would be the envy of the latter-day paperback writer. While the main 'characters' in this true-life plot run fairly close to their historic portrayal, it is in the lesser mortals that the author endows his best human characteristics. The 'fixers' and the 'movers and shakers' of the period are graphically portrayed, warts and all, to add substance to the plot, adding to the feeling that this is a story that's really well-told"