What first drew you to a career in action? As a kid I dreamt about being a stunt woman. My father and I used to watch a lot of films. He took me to some live stunt shows and I got the bug. Later in life wanting to create great action sequences and films.
Of all the parts which was the most challenging? They all have their challenges for different reasons. The costume can limit what you are able to do, difficult people to work with, no support system, not enough money or time to prepare to execute the stunt properly. Indiana Jones had challenging locations, tricky action sequences and communication breakdowns. "Rollerball," was the most physically challenging, I had to dig deep to find skills and strength I didn't know I had. But, I would have to say the 8 months I spent on "The Last Samurai," was the most challenging, yet rewarding project I have been a part of.
What are your objectives setting up a stunt sequence? Safety. Are we taking any unnecessary risks. Does it take the story somewhere and does it enhance the characters positively.
How do you prepare for a part? Research so the action is real and authentic. Learn as much as I can about it. A lot of training and rehearsals.
What project would you most like to be a part of? James Cameron's Battle Angel and the chance to work with Steven Spielberg again. To be his stunt coordinator/2nd Unit director. Jessica Alba is in talks to star in the remake of Barbarrella. I have my fingers crossed that I can be creatively involved putting the action together and preparing her for the roll.
Which actress showed potential as a stunt woman? Angelina or perhaps Jessy Biel.
Is there anything stunt women do better than stunt men? Approaching things intellectually rather than with their ego. Stunt women tend not to grandstand or try to out do each other. They generally are better listeners and take direction well.
How do you keep it fresh for audiences? Make the action look real and leave an impact. It is important to keep the action from becoming redundant, so don't let the fight sequences go on too long or the audience will loose interest.
www.actiongirlfilms.com
How has action evolved since you first started? When I first started, martial arts films were just starting to come into play. Wire work was not used and Visual FX didn't really exist. In many ways stunts have become a lot safer, with the marriage of practical action and visual FX there is no reason to do something dangerous. Just give the illusion and make it look dangerous.
When I started doing stunts we took more risks and had to do things for real. We didn't have the assistance of cables or Visual FX enhancements. It is such a different game and craft now - part of the evolution of action and technology.
If you were a superhero who would you be and why? Bat girl because she rides a motorcycle or perhaps Bionic Woman because she does not have to wear a hot constricting rubber costume.
Photo: Melissa on the set of US series Bionic Woman.
Do you adhere to a particular fitness routine or diet? Yes, I try to workout about 6 days a week and constantly change it up. Alternating running with fight workouts keeps my body healthy and flexible. Yoga is so boring but I have to do it to prevent injury. I am a vegetarian and keep a healthy diet. I don't drink coffee and don't eat sugar, boring I know but it works for me. If my body doesn't feel goodI can't perform at my best.
How would you advise women get started in this field? It is very competitive, think long and hard about it. For women the career is short, have a back up plan and a very thick skin.
What is the one thing a stunt woman should never do? Don't try to take any short cuts by saying you can do something when you are not sure you can or you have yet to master that skill. Never use womanly charms and sexuality to get a job. A lot of woman try that and it works for a while but they don't last in the business and no one will take you seriously. You have to keep it professional at all times.
Is there anything you wouldn’t do? Fall into a pit of maggots! Do something that I didn't feel was right or jump into a stunt that wasn't prepared properly.
Most important value for a stunt woman to possess? Being honest about your abilities, integrity, passion and never giving up or take yourself too seriously. I have never quit anything its not an option. Always give it everything you have!
Has fear ever been a factor for you? I am not in fear of the stunt itself but of failing to give directors what they want or making a mistake. I am not usually scared of a particular stunt. I am so in the moment and so focussed on the task I rarely feel any fear. After the fact on a few occasions, I think about all the things that could have gone wrong and how lucky I was to walk away.
What have you learned from your Hollywood co-stars? Hugh Jackman taught me a valuable lesson one day. He just has the most wonderful attitude. Not matter how cold or tired he was. That you are never too big a star to give it your all. He is one of the most hard working humble, talented, sweetest men I have ever met. Just be a professional at all times no matter how tired or sore or fed up you are. Leave your Ego at home, show up, shut up and do your best. Everyone is replaceable!
B E
KNOWLEDGE
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