Arizona Behind the Scenes

There are some productions that stay with you long after you put the camera down. For me, one of those was Fighter Familien fra Falster.

As part of filming the documentary, I travelled to Arizona, where I lived alongside Mark O. Madsen for around three to four weeks while documenting his training and preparation.

But I wasn’t always standing behind the camera.

From Behind the Camera to the Mats

One of my favourite behind-the-scenes memories from Arizona is actually me and Mark rolling together on the mats.

Most of the time, my role was to observe. To follow what was happening, anticipate moments and capture them without getting in the way.

But every now and then, the camera went down.

And this time, I ended up on the mat with an Olympic silver medalist and professional fighter.

Rolling with Mark gave me a completely different perspective on the person I was there to document. Through the viewfinder, you can see the speed, technique and intensity — but being on the receiving end of it is another experience entirely.

For a few minutes, I wasn't the filmmaker following the fighter.

I was part of the scene.

And yes, Mark was taking it easy on me.

At least that's what I tell myself.

Arizona

Those weeks in Arizona put me right in the middle of the American MMA and wrestling environment Mark was training in.

And that's also where I had the opportunity to capture moments with Henry “Triple C” Cejudo — Olympic gold medalist and UFC champion in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions.

You travel across the world to tell one person's story, and suddenly you're standing in a gym surrounded by some of the most accomplished combat athletes in the world.

That's the beauty of documentary work.

You arrive with a plan and a camera.

Then real life takes over.

Some days you're behind the camera.

Other days, apparently, you're on the mat.

Behind the scenes — Arizona, Fighter Familien fra Falster.