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September 6, 2006

SMGFAN.com's
Exclusive interview with
Michele Waitman

SMG Stunt Double
© 2006 SMGFan.com

NOTE: Please do not post this interview (whole or in part) elsewhere. Please provide a link to this page instead. Thank you.

All images © Michele Waitman
Click on thumbnails to see larger version of images

JPM: How did you get started in the business? Were you a stunt double from the beginning?

Michele Waitman (MW): I started working at the Indiana Jones Stunt Show at Disney MGM Studios. I have been a stunt double for many different girls, women, and boys, but I also do non descriptive (ND) stunts.

JPM: What is 'non descriptive' stunt?

MW: Non descriptive stunts are when you're not doubling anyone. For example, people in a crowd or pedestrians.

JPM: Tell us what a typical audition is like? What was the strangest or most interesting thing you've had to do for an audition?

MW: Depends, each audition is different, usually a cattle call of girls though! I auditioned for a crazy, screaming, mad lady. I actually had a good audition and got the stunt acting job.

JPM: Stunt work is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. One miscalculation and someone can get hurt. Have you ever been seriously injured on the job?

MW: Yes, I have broken my hand, ankle, sacrum, and my nose twice. I've had surgery on my ankle and hand, but that is a risk we take and it's not to bad considering I've been in the business over 15 years.

JPM: Has there been a time when you considered changing your line of work?

MW: Not really, but I have ventured into personal training and fitness, but that kind of goes hand in hand with what I have been doing.

JPM: You really seem to enjoy what you do. What are the best and worst parts about being a stunt double?

MW: I love doing stunts! It's performing and that's what I've done all my life. I would say that probably the worst part about being a stunt dble is having to wear high heels or very little clothing while stunting an actress. The best part about being a stunt double, of course doing the stunt itself, but also meeting so many talented people that I would have never met.

JPM: Your husband, Jimmy, also does stunt work. Have your twins expressed any interest in the profession?

MW: My boys are all boys!! They would love to be professional soccer players at this moment. They could definitely adapt into the stunt business because they are so athletic.

JPM: You've worked on a lot of projects and doubled for many well known actors in the business. What is the most difficult/challenging stunt you've ever performed?

MW: Sometimes some hard stunts turn out easier than you think and some of the smaller ones turn out harder. Some of the fight sequences with so many performers involved have been very difficult, but so rewarding when it's done!

JPM: You were SMG's stunt double on Buffy from 2000-2003. What was your most satisfying experience working on the show? Any funny stories you'd like to share?

MW: The whole experience on Buffy was amazing!! The funny story that comes to mind was ripping my pants during a few stunt gags! You had to be there.

JPM: How did you end up working on Buffy?

MW: I had worked for the stunt coordinator, John Medlen, on other projects and he called me up. During the first episode of Buffy, they were looking at myself and Melissa. Luckily for both of us that they decided to keep us both on. With so much action, usually one of us would do the wire work and the other would do the fights. Then we would switch it around the next episode. It was so nice to work with such a talented stuntwoman and friend!

JPM: You seem to have become the 'chosen' stunt double for Sarah, having worked with her on BUFFY, SCOOBY DOO 2, THE RETURN and THE GRUDGE 2. Tell us how this works. Does Sarah recommend you if she needs a double?

MW: Sarah does request myself and Melissa, her other double. I'm not sure how they choose, but I'm so grateful for every opportunity I've been given!

JPM: What was it like working with Sarah Michelle Gellar?

MW: Sarah has been incredible to work with!! She looks out for me like I do for her. She has always been so good to my family too!

JPM: Any stories you can share from working on THE RETURN, SCOOBY DOO 2 or THE GRUDGE 2?

MW: On Scooby 2, my family came up to Canada and spent some time. Sarah was so sweet and took my boys all around the set, meeting all the different monsters and it was cool to see my boys faces because they were so excited to meet Scooby and the gang!

JPM: It looks like you did double duty on THE GRUDGE 2 since you were also Amber Tamblyn's stunt double. How did that come about?

<o>MW: They just asked me to double Amber when I was out there, but really Amber did it all.

JPM: What was it like working with a Japanese director, crew and production staff that spoke very little to no english?

MW: It was a little different working with so many of the crew not speaking english. We would just work through translators, but of course I would try to speak some Japanese. They were extremely nice and it worked out very well!

JPM: THE RETURN is coming out on Nov. 10th. Did you do a lot of stunts in this movie? Any memorable ones that come to mind?

MW: No, I did not do a lot of stunts in this movie. I can't remember anything specific, but I did have a great time working on this feature.

JPM: What is your favorite project so far and why?

MW: Every project is different, but I would have to say my experiences on Buffy was so incredible. I did stunts consistently, worked with an incredible stunt coordinator and talented stunt guys and gals. It was an experience of a lifetime!

JPM: What projects are you currently working on?

MW: Looking for more work and taking care of my boys this summer!

JPM: Any advice for people aspiring to do stunt work?

MW: It's not easy. You may be talented but it's also being there at the right time and meeting the right people. Always be honest, never say you can do a stunt you cannot do. Train hard and play safe!!

SMGFAN.com would like to thank Michele for doing this interview. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Visit Michele's official site for more info on this stunt double extraordinaire.

 

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