FeaturedInterview With Stunt Performer:
Tell about yourself and your background! *
My background is quite varied. I wasn't particularly athletic as a child though I did try my hand at many different sports. I think it's for the best that I wasn't good at any of them. Towards the end of high school I started getting into fitness, calisthenics, and backyard martial arts(drawing on many classic films for inspiration). In college I got into capoeira, more martial arts styles, acrobatics, and weightlifting. I went on to also be a cheerleader for Ohio University, which counts as being a Division I varsity college athlete. After graduating college with a degree in physics, I got a job in the corporate world. However, I quickly figured out that life is not for me, When that contract ended, I took up a job coaching gymnastics and got back into training. After a couple years of doing this while living in Ohio, I began to strongly consider moving out west to pursue a career in the film industry. I ended up moving to Vegas instead of LA, and started to look into the circus world and live performing. I went on to perform as a professional acrobat on the Las Vegas Strip and Broadway. This is something I am particularly proud of as I originally came from a self-taught background. Because of my self-taught background and introspective nature, I found I had a skill for teaching. I went on to travel the world and teach seminars on handstands, acrobatics, strength, flexibility, and fitness. After the pandemic world shutdowns, I decided to set my sights back onto the world of film .I'm still fairly new to the film and stunt industry, but I am grateful for all the opportunities to collaborate with many amazing people. As someone who loves and was inspired by cinema, I love being able to take part in its creation and develop appreciation for how much work goes into it.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
Way too many things to list, I draw inspiration everywhere I can. I definitely grew up with a lot of the classics though, so I have to give credit. Old school Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Sonny Chiba. Plus the 80s/90s actions movies with Arnold, Stallone, JCVD, and others.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
I like to think it's my adaptability. I know it's not a specific skill, but I believe that being adaptable allows for a greater mastery of all your skills.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
The excitement of getting to be in these situations that you probably would not ever find yourself in throughout your daily life. That plus seeing how all the parts come together to create the final product. Lots to learn and appreciate from it!
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
I did a scene for a movie where the director told me "your character is kind of an inept henchman. He's the kind of guy who probably learned martial arts from youtube".We ended up doing a scene with lots of great improvised dialogue and a back-alley fight in downtown Las Vegas. I had a lot of fun with this character and got to employ some of my show-off acrobatic moves before getting beat up by the lead actor.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
Stay humble, keep learning new things, be patient.
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
I'm happy to be a part of the community, and excited to see what the future has in store.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
https://www.facebook.com/yuri.marmer
https://www.instagram.com/yuri_marmerstein/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChOI-0z67jymsW6Xtz1yvHA
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9P93Xs5YQ8
