Australian-born Mark Savage, 44, is a true D.I.Y. filmmaker, having begun making scads of short films while in his teens. He eventually graduated to features, shot on the cheap with lots of exploitation elements. He is also something of an expert on Hong Kong action cinema, having directed the "making of" documentary on Jackie Chan's Mr. Nice Guy (1997). But like a restless artiste, he is always experimenting with formats and ideas, such as shooting one feature, Defenceless (2004), without dialogue. Subversive Cinema has recently released a box set of Savage's films, including three features, Marauders (1986), Sensitive New Age Killer (2000) and Defenceless, as well as several short films, extensive production diaries and other extras.

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You've taken a lot of care to document all your movies, the thoughts and processes that went into them and even the afterthoughts. Are you thinking of posterity, or perhaps inspiring more young filmmakers? In what way would you like to inspire someone?

I have kept production diaries of my films because I like to document the process. It is a complex one. If other filmmakers benefit from my experiences, that's a positive thing.

Which of your films will best stand the test of time?

I don't know which of my films will best stand the test of time because time does strange things.

Unlike most big-budget action movies, Sensitive New Age Killer has really exciting, well-shot action sequences. You have all the basics: a sense of space, clean editing and a snappy, sustained pace. Most directors can't seem to handle all that. Could you say something about how you pulled it off?