Tell about yourself and your background!
Working in the film and television industry was always a dream of mine. I was fascinated with the creative process involved in bringing a story to live and how the lifestyle of those in the industry is so different to other careers. I grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. When I was younger I competed in Gymnastics all over South Australia and New South Wales. At age 12, I struggled with injuries to my Achilles tendons but also struggled with the fact that I didn't love gymnastics anymore. From there I found Taekwondo and went on to become a blackbelt. It was the soul focus of my life! One day I was watching Ong Bak (with Tony Jaa) and I asked my mum what the stunt performers in the credits were. When she described their role to me, I said "that's what I want to do!". After calling around I came across a training Academy called Nino Pilla International Academy of Martial Arts, which taught various styles including Jeet Kune DO, Kali, Muay Thai and Grappling. Nino Pilla is a world class martial artist, who has also worked in the USA on some major Hollywood films. He ran a stunt course, teaching the basics of stunt work and set etiquette. I completed his courses multiple times and was in love with the idea of being a stunt performer. Nino was responsible for my first job as a stunt performer working on some Hilltop Hoods music videos and the TV series Danger 5. My parents ended up deciding to move to New Zealand when I was about 18, so I ended up in a Auckland. I caught a break on the Starz TV series Ash v Evil Dead, which was my first stunt job with wire work. A few years later an opportunity popped up to live and work in Malaysia on a live stunt show, involving car stunts. I jumped at the job and ended up working full-time for 12 months learning to drift, two wheel and do other car stunts. Once I returned to Australia, it quickly became known that I could drive well and a big majority of my work became vehicle based! Since then I've also learnt to ride a motorbike and have enjoyed every moment.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
The film and television industry was in my sights since I was a pre-teen. But I would say my inspiration came from a few particular movies, Ong Bak with Tony Jaa, and of course the Lethal Weapon movies with Mel Gibson. Earlier days included the Power Rangers TV series. I always dreamt of being a power ranger!
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
It would probably be said that I am somewhat of a driver. A lot of work I have done in the past few years has been driving work. There is a great skill in being able to control a car while drifting. Whatever car, whatever surface, I'll drive it, crash it, stop it on a mark, or drift it.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
Being able to live a life like no other. The variety in jobs both skill and location. My job is to train things I love, and continue to improve. To learn new skills and challenge myself in a multitude of ways.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
My favorite stunt story would have to be meeting my now husband on a job. I was called to be the driving double for a job and the stunt coordinator was taking a chance on me based on someone else's word I could drive well. And my husband who was relatively new to the industry had taken the job as a rigging assistant to learn. We met, clicked instantly, and have been together ever since! You hear bad stories about people dating within the industry and it doesn't work out or ends badly, but for me, working side by side with my husband who understands the industry and supports me 100% has been unreal!
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
Whatever you do in stunts, do it because you love it, enjoy it, or are genuinely interested in learning it. Don't do it purely for a job as such. Stay positive, genuine, and honest. We all have our struggles, so support one another, you never know when someone might be struggling with something you are all too familiar with. Keep training!
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
