Acting on the Mental Edge - Marie Mouroum

00:00:00: Everything is positive.

00:00:01: There's no room for any negative thought, because this will bring you out of the zone and in a meditative state You really have to give up completely.

00:00:12: sometimes two strangers that don't know.

00:00:14: And yeah... That kind mentally crazy.

00:00:18: And this is for me, actually the craziest stuff because it's out of your hands.

00:00:22: Like somebody else has your life in their hand.

00:00:25: sometimes they want you to feel depression.

00:00:27: They say we only have one take and that takes cost two million dollars right now Because all these set up explosions This one Cadillac old-timer.

00:00:36: when this hits its hit We don't have a second one.

00:00:51: Marie Maroum I am so honored to have you on the podcast.

00:00:56: It's such a pleasure to meet you, how are you?

00:00:58: I'm honored to be here.

00:00:59: thank you so much!

00:01:00: I am doing good.

00:01:01: That

00:01:01: is really cool.

00:01:02: We're in your hometown Berlin.

00:01:06: we've brought along some sunshine and set some vibes for those listeners that don't know.

00:01:13: you How would describe yourself?

00:01:20: Marie Mahoum, I'm thirty-three years old and born in Racy in Berlin.

00:01:25: And...I work as a stunt woman and later switched within Korea also started with acting like just when you're already on the movie set.

00:01:38: so much stunts.

00:01:38: somehow You get a job or two where they ask to talk.

00:01:44: So not only do your action but do a little bit of acting, so that's why I also became an actress on my journey.

00:01:51: And yeah...I love to train and work out because this has always been part of me!

00:01:59: So it is important for myself to describe how I feel

00:02:04: about it.

00:02:04: How does one become a stuntwoman?

00:02:07: To be honest you're the first stunt woman i've ever met..so i'm genuinely curious....how would you go from Berlin growing up becoming a stuntwoman and then taking that to the world.

00:02:19: Yeah, it's actually very... Very um cool incidental story because I didn't even know what the profession is of a stunt woman or stuntman.

00:02:28: And i just grew up with martial arts ,I was practicing martial arts very seriously as a child competitive, I was fighting full contact but also the shows and performance.

00:02:38: That was kind of my thing!

00:02:40: I was just you know... full of energy and i guess whatever spot he would have put me in that I would've loved it.

00:02:46: and this moment there were martial arts.

00:02:49: And um they're a movie.. There was a movie production here in Berlin that looked for people who knew how to fight.

00:02:55: so they went to different martial art schools many kids to be first just in the background for a Hollywood movie called Ninja Assassin.

00:03:08: Just walk some forms, do some karate.

00:03:11: and then this is when I discovered The World of Stunts And i saw people on set fighting doing all these cool things and action scenes.

00:03:21: and Then later on...I started training with These People In Berlin because I wanted To learn what they know Because it looked Cool!

00:03:29: I didn't think It's gonna Be A Profession.

00:03:32: And then when I was eighteen, i got asked for my first stunt audition and uh...for the movie Hands on Kirito by Witch Hunters.

00:03:40: And I played a witch in the movie and that was My First Stunt Job!

00:03:45: Then it just went from there.

00:03:46: The ass-kicking witch.

00:03:48: Very

00:03:49: cool.

00:03:49: So martial arts.

00:03:51: you started with karate.

00:03:55: Then You had A world title In a sport called Penchak Silak.

00:04:01: Is that similar to karate?

00:04:03: Excuse my ignorance.

00:04:06: No, it's a little bit different because it is more Indonesian or Southeast Asian martial arts Very prominent in Indonesia and it's very beautiful, more like kung fu.

00:04:18: Like you have a lot of forms he has a lot tradition.

00:04:21: I'm picturing

00:04:21: pandas!

00:04:23: It is really pretty actually kind of dancing almost.

00:04:28: but they also have division.

00:04:30: where do full contact fighting?

00:04:34: My trainer back then was world champion at martial arts And he knew about all the events, and you know that there will be the Junior World Championships.

00:04:44: He was like... You're so good at fighting!

00:04:46: I'm going to teach how to fight in Pentexilad because i want you to participate in the world

00:04:50: championships.".

00:04:51: Then he taught me.

00:04:52: then went there ...and won.

00:04:55: That's pretty wild.

00:04:57: So you had that early success?

00:05:02: I am trying.

00:05:03: think of myself as a. You know, I learned to swim when i was fifteen.

00:05:08: And my friends took me surfing but they didn't know how to swim.

00:05:14: and so mom got a little bit freaked out

00:05:16: which is

00:05:17: kind of weird because she didn't mind that the water was full of sharks But you did mine that I couldn't swim.

00:05:22: So anyway...I learnt to swim..but like when your fifteen That train has left the station Right?

00:05:27: Like you're not getting into competitive level in swimming alone You had that early success, what made you then choose to go another way?

00:05:38: What made you chose not pursue your career.

00:05:42: To be a fighter?

00:05:43: Yeah like to go further in fighting.

00:05:45: just curious

00:05:46: I think.

00:05:47: purity hit and out And i didn't think it was cool anymore Like fighting being rough Being hurt all the time.

00:05:57: This kind of switch.

00:06:01: that happened as a girl, now I'm identifying with meeting friends and going shopping.

00:06:09: It changed my perspective but didn't like it so much anymore.

00:06:13: the idea or fighting.

00:06:15: unfortunately if i would still like it probably do MMA be somewhere?

00:06:22: Yeah...I don't know If you actually landed pretty well on your feet.

00:06:29: I would love to go... We're here, obviously.

00:06:32: This episode.

00:06:33: More room going mental.

00:06:36: What does going mental mean for you?

00:06:38: When we hear going mental define what it means in your mind.

00:06:42: What's the first thing that comes to mind?

00:06:44: Well if you just think about saying then is kind of like going crazy because there are so much on your head and start to go crazy.

00:06:55: But going mental could also be something positive for me.

00:06:59: Something where you really are so in the zone kind of thing, like so much in your head that you're in a zone?

00:07:07: So it could also do something like then...

00:07:10: Yeah definitely!

00:07:12: That's why I kinda liked different layers and personally they probably mean something different every day when i wake up but thats kind-of a thing.

00:07:22: I would love to go a little bit into the mental things that goes in, being a stuntwoman.

00:07:29: That includes your journey from Berlin where we are... ...to the biggest sets in the world.

00:07:38: It's not straightforward journeys!

00:07:41: You're going through bigger spotlights but yet you're kind of… Not in it – like YOU'RE IN IT But NOT as YOU.

00:07:54: Take me into that world, take me in to the thoughts of being an essential part.

00:07:59: You make stuff cool!

00:08:01: The movie is cool because you don't get a credit for

00:08:04: it.".

00:08:04: Yeah... That's really the balance on being a stunt performer.

00:08:11: First your super happy that you just invited us To be a stunt double or be a stun performer.

00:08:19: get to do that on sets.

00:08:20: And first you start slow at a lot of German productions and then, A lot of US productions had came to Berlin and hired me... ...and this is how I got seen from the U.S.

00:08:30: Productions.

00:08:32: They eventually brought me over.

00:08:33: My first movie in The U. S. was Black Panther.

00:08:36: they wrote for my film because somehow a lot connections were there with people who worked with me in Europe.. ..I was just also very lucky but also really wanted it so badly.

00:08:47: And yeah, you have to... You kind of have to accept that when your stunt double.

00:08:55: You put in all your work and ideas or creativity also very close with the actress That you worked With.

00:09:02: like you train her show how it's move out How make It look good What do

00:09:08: you training The Actress

00:09:09: most Of the time?

00:09:10: Yeah I mean there is a fight coordinator on set who mostly like getting, coming up with a choreography.

00:09:17: With the stunt team and um.

00:09:20: but you are the one who has to perform the choreography.

00:09:22: so You show And teach the actress Like okay this is how I do it.

00:09:27: This is How i would move?

00:09:28: This Is how you should try this.

00:09:29: Try.

00:09:30: this looks cool!

00:09:31: So that's why he really tried To bring her out to level.

00:09:34: or The action look good.

00:09:36: It was very close Contact Very close Working relationship And sometimes it hurts a little bit, like in your creative heart also when you've done all this work but never see yourself on the screen doing.

00:09:52: Other people are getting praise and glory for it.

00:09:58: But that's what I learned pretty fast.

00:10:01: You have to accept this because then you would be sad all of time.

00:10:07: This is my job right now.

00:10:09: This movie looked good, make this action scene look good.

00:10:11: Make these actresses look good and when it looks good that's your compliment you know?

00:10:18: Yeah

00:10:20: And is that something for you?

00:10:22: I mean You've kind of hinted at but Is that like a Something where have to bite your teeth A little bit because there are people who love operating from the background?

00:10:31: That's true.

00:10:31: You know, like my best friend Jack he hates being in front of a camera.

00:10:34: that's true.

00:10:35: And we're kind of like...

00:10:37: Yeah there are many stunt people who are exactly like that and it is the perfect job for them because They don't even want to have any phrase.

00:10:45: So they wanna be in the background, and that's perfect!

00:10:49: For me I'm like a hybrid version... ...I kind of like being on the spotlight sometimes but also not all the time so it is just like a mix.

00:10:59: Sometimes i really prefer that because now can go off without doing this big press thing But still worked on the movie.

00:11:08: But sometimes I also like the camera, so that's why for me... ...I found this version of performing my own characters and playing my roles as I'm doubling.

00:11:19: So i do both sorts!

00:11:25: And currently where is your heart at?

00:11:27: I imagine them to be quite different because when movies are success you're behind scenes you can kind of go with your best friend, and just go to the movie.

00:11:37: And enjoy it!

00:11:39: The actress... Assuming that you've worked with some massive names like Hailey Berry or Queen Latifor all these people they can't come out in movies.

00:11:48: yet you can go and enjoy that exact same role whereas if you're on the front screen then You don't have that freedom.

00:11:59: Like, where's your heart at on this?

00:12:01: Actually

00:12:02: I can't enjoy

00:12:04: it!

00:12:04: Oh

00:12:04: really?!

00:12:05: Because they're always so afraid of how the movie got cut How the scene still looks like because you don't know until... ...you actually sit in a movie and we see the finished film.

00:12:17: They didn't

00:12:18: send your DVD before

00:12:19: No.. You don' t know if the action is still in.

00:12:24: I've worked on Star Wars Episode IX for The whole movie And I doubled an actress called Naomi Ackie.

00:12:30: She was supposed to be the biggest action star on The Movie, and they promised her the world... ...and we had so many action scenes!

00:12:39: Then i went to watch The Movie.. ..and almost everything was cut out not just from her acting but also our stunts.

00:12:45: in the stunts that i did.

00:12:49: It's like what have you done for last six months?

00:12:52: You don't really have any content of it But when working on For So Long.

00:12:57: So that's why I'm very nervous watching movies, because iI'm just hoping it turned out good.

00:13:03: They edited goods.

00:13:05: the action looks good like always.

00:13:07: yeah kind of just hoping for the best.

00:13:10: and are you then a team player?

00:13:11: Are you in contact with that actress?

00:13:12: And what was going on here?

00:13:15: What happened?

00:13:18: Definitely, yeah.

00:13:19: In this case we were... We still worked on several movies after that.

00:13:23: so we kept talking about it and she was also super sent for her.

00:13:27: like you said It must have been ten times worse or a hundred times worse watching your movie And you don't really see yourself in it For hers.

00:13:36: and then you have all these press right After the photo shoots and you have to laugh look happy But do actually not happy You know?

00:13:44: This must be way worse.

00:13:46: Yeah, because it's really weird.

00:13:47: Obviously as an athlete we have our own fate in our hands very much once the growing starts whereas you're depending on... ...on opinion and someone else's opinion of sometimes someone else again like I find that yeah Again!

00:14:05: The flip side is dealing with a public opinion.

00:14:10: That's true.

00:14:14: Do you enjoy that or do you struggle with it at all?

00:14:16: In the experience in your own movies, where you've got public opinion as a flip side of that coin.

00:14:25: Yeah sometimes... I was pretty lucky to have worked on movies which had been publicly seen as really good action movies like Marvel movies.

00:14:38: there were lots positive feedback and Yeah, I haven't really experienced much bad public opinions.

00:14:47: So thank God!

00:14:48: But this must be very hard because you always put your heart and soul into a project.

00:14:55: You don't have life at the moment but everything is in there And when it comes out then of course that's not appreciated It hurts.

00:15:06: Do you find that gets better as career progresses?

00:15:12: the craft for what it is.

00:15:13: Because essentially, the outside person can say well you're getting paid right?

00:15:19: And same way an athlete has X amount of minutes that he gets to play or not play according to the coach but you get paid a salary whereas You've done your work and you for yourself I assume know whether its good.

00:15:35: Does that make it easier at all?

00:15:36: Or you just like, not really.

00:15:39: Yeah a little bit I think your more at peace with yourself because i've given my all and everything looked good.

00:15:48: now the out turn of the movie is not in my hands anymore whereas when we don't give our all could have done it better, I wasn't really good at that.

00:16:00: Then then i'm mad with myself for sure.

00:16:03: Yeah

00:16:03: did you ever blame yourself?

00:16:05: All the time all the time when I feel like I didn't perform as well as I could've than always mad on my self oh yeah That

00:16:14: inner critic just doesn't let go right?

00:16:17: no You can take a. I wonder why.

00:16:21: It's because think know your potential and what are capable of doing.

00:16:27: reach that level for yourself, then you're just unsatisfied.

00:16:32: Then it's not proud of yourself right?

00:16:37: And in the ever so fluctuating world like where do you draw your self-confidence from?

00:16:47: That is a really good question.

00:16:52: I think It has to know who are and What you have achieved, like for yourself.

00:17:02: kind of.

00:17:03: that's what I always puts in perspective For me because sometimes i'm reaching for the stars and then i'm happy That i'm not grabbing them.

00:17:09: No i'm Not happy.

00:17:10: i

00:17:11: am Said that i'm NOT there You know but Then i'm always going back And let's just think about okay Like i have to look at my journey step by Step where?

00:17:19: i'm from would've done Where i'm now like what i have achieved so far like Just too To really bring yourself back and humble yourself a little bit.

00:17:29: And I think this makes, it brings confidence as well.

00:17:31: You have that clarity though in the moment?

00:17:34: Not In The Moment!

00:17:38: Not At The Moment.

00:17:38: A lot of reflection Yeah A Lot Of Meditation.

00:17:41: I Love Writing i love to journal write and just Write It Out What Has Happened what Have Done or what has what I've experienced you know.

00:17:51: Just To Really Really experience it again because sometimes things happen so fast and you don't get the chance to really, You know process it.

00:18:01: And then sometimes you lose it Because The next thing was there.

00:18:03: now are already they're not here anymore.

00:18:05: met a new person?

00:18:06: You forgot about amazing first.

00:18:08: you just met five minutes ago.

00:18:09: It's like life is so fast Sometimes that I'd like to sit down and write things down Just to remember myself

00:18:17: morning or evening journaling or doesn't really matter.

00:18:20: Doesn't

00:18:21: matter, I'm not that organized.

00:18:24: Yeah me neither.

00:18:26: It's such a valuable thing and i've only very recently started it And is kind of...I remember going to high school reunion and like you have the people they take an let's call it normal career path and then its like do you remember that day when we went here there?

00:18:43: Well and just feels like somewhere along the line someone pushed fast forward in life.

00:18:49: I know exactly what you're talking about.

00:18:51: I have the same problem, i forget so much stuff.

00:18:54: even my mom tells me that she don't remember this and then like...i really dont' remember because your brain has to make space for new things happen all of a sudden.

00:19:05: yeah thats why it's important sometimes sit back think about whats you've done

00:19:14: in ur world especially public opinion that comes in.

00:19:18: and then there's the director's opinion, I'm sure there are egos working on set.

00:19:25: And all those things played towards a confidence aspect.

00:19:31: whereas i always like to differentiate between self-confidence and belief.

00:19:36: That rock solid belief probably stems more from what you say, reflection... You spend time with.

00:19:45: Do you have like a close friend or someone that helps you cement that?

00:19:52: Yeah, I have us.

00:19:53: Like little group of my very close friends and I know since i'm a child so they really know me And it's Really real and really raw and They would tell Me all the time like what they think honestly.

00:20:08: So this is also What helps me A lot to not go crazy in This industry.

00:20:14: because like what You said sometimes Especially because I started really young in this movie industry with eighteen.

00:20:19: And feel like it was still young and there are so many people who try to tell you, You're not good enough.

00:20:26: You know?

00:20:27: Who bring your confidence down or always want to bring them down...

00:20:31: Bring themselves up by bringing you down!

00:20:32: Yes

00:20:33: exactly.

00:20:34: And work

00:20:35: against that into to not believe this and try to stay strong so hard.

00:20:41: And I think that struggle with these many years definitely, but it really was just kind of almost like losing myself because... ...I didn't know how to work against that you know?

00:20:54: But then again i think its very natural also in your evolution especially as a woman when the older you get more confident you can get anyways.

00:21:06: Most of the time, it's like this when I talk to them and they're so much more confident than in my twenties or something.

00:21:13: It just happens naturally also.

00:21:15: So yeah And then you kind of grow above that.

00:21:21: Do think You have to go through some of those painful experiences?

00:21:25: To actually grow?

00:21:27: Yeah i think so i Think is very important.

00:21:30: unfortunately We have to make those Experiences.

00:21:36: Well, you literally.

00:21:37: Yeah I'm literally mourning but you really have to go through a hard time sometimes To get out strong...I truly believe in that and even though i don't like this nobody But it is true And thats what also try think about all the times When its not good phase or when somethings not going smooth Or we need fight thru some thing then I always try to think, OK but there will be a really nice outcome from this.

00:22:04: There'll be real big growth in the future at that moment.

00:22:11: Any moment you're willing share where... That you had a real growth phase?

00:22:15: Like any moment was it an injury or something like that stands out when you kind of went through emotions.

00:22:25: Oh so many!

00:22:28: Just recently, this year actually I just finished my production in New York a TV show that i was filming and I tore my ACL.

00:22:39: And...I still had the next job here in Germany for a dance show!

00:22:45: And it was like a tv-show.

00:22:51: I first of all, didn't know that my ACS torn right away because it didn't go to the doctor in the US.

00:22:56: Sometimes you just don't wanna know

00:22:58: as I can see.

00:22:59: Yeah?

00:23:01: It's gonna be fine!

00:23:01: It's going to be fine.

00:23:02: Oh, but cannot really walk on its own fine small and less like... You know when he does talk to yourself

00:23:08: there is no way this is fine.

00:23:10: yeah But as soon as she doesn't know for real you happily in your head.

00:23:17: So yeah, and then I did this whole TV show.

00:23:19: And I knew that it's so hard mentally... The second

00:23:23: TV Show?

00:23:24: Yeah!

00:23:25: I did the whole TV Show in Germany with a dance show on the Torn ACL.

00:23:29: A Dance Show on a Torn ACL?

00:23:31: Yeah.

00:23:32: Flat

00:23:33: shoes?!

00:23:34: No!

00:23:34: With high heels for dancing shoes.

00:23:40: This is one of these moments where you really come out stronger, because it's not just physically extremely hard to do.

00:23:47: Because you have to activate your muscles in your legs so much like... You really have to anticipate every movement and everything has to be super activated and tense and cautious.

00:24:01: And then also mentally I was super sad that i can't do the moves I would've liked to do.. I can't be me right now but finish this job.

00:24:15: and yeah, it was a lot of like low moments there even though its nice experience.

00:24:23: And I knew when i finished everything after that is going to be little bit easier again because you can't get this slow again.

00:24:31: Yeah!

00:24:31: Because also the moment you are shining as you Like your on TV show You're presenting yourself as Marie not someone else.

00:24:42: And like, I mean...I know from experience.

00:24:46: Like working under pain and the physical pain is just always it catches your capacity It's always in your subconscious and then you're also more tense Whereas in a dancing show, it's already like that mixture of tension and being relaxed.

00:25:04: Yeah you can't be super relaxed!

00:25:06: And again I was hired as Marie Maroum the stuntwoman.

00:25:09: Of course they wanted to see some moves... ...and i was thinking what can i do where don't injure my knee more?

00:25:16: Then i'm thinking about flying sidekicks Where i am jumping off with left and landing with the left again, so I don't really use like the right.

00:25:24: Like it's stuff... I did a lot of moves in kicks and jumps or whatever where i don't land on the broken knee you know?

00:25:32: And stuff like this.

00:25:33: but its just still super.. It was super risky!

00:25:36: Super, super risky.

00:25:37: But

00:25:37: at this stage You knew that it is broken

00:25:39: At some point.

00:25:40: I knew yeah

00:25:40: Okay So are you willing to take the risk?

00:25:42: Yeah I'm willing to

00:25:45: talk about your relationship.

00:25:46: to risk You know, I'm like avoiding injury at all costs.

00:25:55: Like a blister is like oh my god!

00:25:57: i'll miss training and hear you are talking about performing on an ACL which...you know?

00:26:04: Like you said- you land wrong..on heels.

00:26:06: Yeah

00:26:07: That's tickets for a long time.

00:26:08: Yeah yeah I don't think I have the way to go with relationship or risk But somehow this inner voice in me that says Yeah, it's gonna be fine.

00:26:22: It's going to work out like sometimes.

00:26:26: I also liked the thrill of the risk you know?

00:26:29: Like see

00:26:30: what if it does workout then it would be amazing.

00:26:34: so i'm a little bit curious to see.

00:26:38: that's why i'm also a stuntwoman and have done many things that are very risky.

00:26:43: especially when i was younger i was way more risky than i am now.

00:26:48: but Okay, I hope it works out.

00:26:52: Let's go!

00:26:54: Is that something... That is a thrill you seek?

00:26:59: Or was it something built up over the years where people do hard shit and every time i'm doing something HARD.

00:27:10: I can do something harder.

00:27:13: And its like.. I wonder what you get from risks to standing on th- on the roof of a fifth floor and throwing yourself off.

00:27:22: Is that just natural progression or is it youthful ignorance?

00:27:26: And you kept getting lucky in inverted commas, everything...

00:27:32: I think its like more you achieve something risky than proof to your self.

00:27:36: for kids It's possible.

00:27:38: I can't do it, you know?

00:27:40: What else could I

00:27:41: do?".

00:27:41: And then get kind of addicted to the feeling afterwards that you really have done that and worked out and was amazing!

00:27:53: The glory as well like... That you had this footage or people seeing your doing this on a movie is all that comes with it.

00:28:02: but no.. But i've never done something.

00:28:05: where there are some things where I said, I cannot do this.

00:28:09: This is not part...I'm not capable of doing it.

00:28:11: You should get a professional who's really specified in the... Yeah but there are some...in the stunt world There're some people have really specified for high-foss.

00:28:21: let say that.

00:28:22: So i do high-false But up to certain degree.

00:28:25: if its like crazy high fall you know

00:28:28: then It's story over building.

00:28:30: You have done that.

00:28:32: There you go!

00:28:33: But if it's like, they're crazy or things.

00:28:36: and then I say obviously now... ...you have to get somebody who is really only doing that, super good in that.

00:28:43: And i've turned on many jobs where he doesn't feel comfortable with Many many jobs.

00:28:49: So its not just blindly crazy because It´s still the job when thinking hmmm..I think can actually do this.

00:28:58: does it have to be more than next time?

00:29:00: Are you like, okay today I'm on the fifth.

00:29:01: Next time i have to get that same thrill

00:29:05: with high fives and not a fan telling your right now.

00:29:08: Okay!

00:29:09: I do it but am proud of myself after doing this.

00:29:12: But as stand there thinking oh my god... I hope goes well.

00:29:21: So then what in your mind is the craziest stunt you've done?

00:29:28: I've done so many stunts, but i think in my mind it's actually something completely different.

00:29:34: The craziest for me is the wire stunts where you are on a wire and you get pulled like into a wall or across a building... Or somewhere!

00:29:46: As

00:29:46: you do?

00:29:49: For many movies.. And this is to be actually the craziest stuff because It's out of your hands, like somebody else has your life in their hands and their ropes.

00:29:58: They have a machine sometimes a ratchet where they put on the speed and power And then this machine just pulls you.

00:30:05: You just need to believe that setup is right The wire is good Everything is done well Because there are lots of accidents happening.

00:30:14: This is actually for me the craziest stunts all time because we really give up control completely, sometimes too strangers that you don't really know.

00:30:23: And yeah... That's kind of mentally crazy.

00:30:27: So how do you hand over control?

00:30:32: Like because physically it is one thing to prepare yourself getting yourself mentally ready in the zone.

00:30:39: but at this moment your excuse my ignorance seems like a passenger.

00:30:45: Yeah!

00:30:45: You are actually really our passenger.

00:30:48: You can educate yourself.

00:30:50: Like I did educate myself, I did drinking classes where i just learned about ask a lot of questions how does the why have to look like?

00:30:58: How that's the pulley system work with weight and then just checking out the equipment of the rigors and seeing if this is all legit, If they really know what their doing.

00:31:09: And This Is The Way You Can Feel A Little Bit More Confident and A Little bit More Satisfied But At The End Of The Day you Still Have To Let Go.

00:31:18: I Think In That Moment You Really Just Have to Say It's Gonna Be Alright.

00:31:22: Like i Don't have Negative Thoughts in that moment Im Just Thinking Everything Will Turn Out Good.

00:31:27: Its Gonna be Fine Cause.

00:31:29: Yeah You're gonna drive yourself crazy if you have negative thoughts.

00:31:36: Yeah, I think it would be the cause of some serious anxiety.

00:31:41: Is there like a code between kind-of the stunt crew as such?

00:31:46: Because i mean... ...you are essentially meeting strangers and then I assume that sometimes to get know each other check all out.

00:31:54: but essentially your testing a prototype Yeah, like every single time.

00:32:00: Like I've tested a few prototype bikes and i'm like that didn't go well for long.

00:32:05: um And That's not throwing myself against the wall intentionally

00:32:10: yeah?

00:32:10: Yeah in training before you actually go to set You have to test the wire gig many times Before you actually film it right and the rig has also had to figure out first how much speed and how to build the system.

00:32:24: And you're in the wire, and then just like...

00:32:26: With you?

00:32:27: Yeah sometimes you are already in it.

00:32:30: They have a big stand back that has approximately your weight That they first train with.

00:32:34: but at some point You have go into the wire and test See if you can do.

00:32:38: It goes wrong few times.

00:32:39: Then think oh no thats not it.

00:32:42: This wasn't it!

00:32:43: Then try to figure out The right system there To actually go to set and then on set it's normally the easiest part because you do a few takes of It sometimes just one take Because he trained so much for it to be that perfect.

00:33:01: Yeah

00:33:02: So mentally, take me into that moment.

00:33:04: You're standing there?

00:33:06: The scene is about to go And I'm assuming this mixture of being like self-protection

00:33:16: Tense

00:33:18: But mentally Do See the perfect movement that you have to do.

00:33:23: Do you try and like visualize what's coming?

00:33:25: Yeah, or

00:33:27: You trying avoid all the million one things they could go wrong?

00:33:31: No Like right on set right before I go in a deep deep meditative state like very meditative like.

00:33:39: i'm really Very calm super super calm And I think about the motion and how my body is doing it, visualizing exactly my motions.

00:33:51: And in this moment... Exactly what to do!

00:33:54: I know that i can't do because of a visualized so well.

00:33:59: only positive thinking will be good.

00:34:02: we're gonna go there then i'll jump here.

00:34:04: everything's positive no room for any negative thought.

00:34:10: bring you out from zone or meditative state.

00:34:14: And I'm so hyper-focused that after a stunt is done, like just my adrenaline level completely crashed because i am super focused right before I go.

00:34:30: How do you get there?

00:34:31: Because if I am aiming for the Olympics... I know on the nineteenth of August at ten AM in LA I've got two hours to perform or whatever XYZ.

00:34:46: You're on set for weeks, months guessing and i'm guessing call times change all the time.

00:34:54: how do you get yourself on-call into that zone?

00:34:58: That's what i try to figure out myself too because movie sets are crazy!

00:35:04: You get there sometimes at six in the morning And then you go to hair & makeup and then your costume changes on set, and then you sit around for hours.

00:35:13: And you don't know when your scene happens because the whole shooting schedule changed?

00:35:17: Then all of a sudden let's say it's seven

00:35:20: p.m.,

00:35:20: they're like okay Marie!

00:35:21: You're up!

00:35:22: Your stunt is up!

00:35:23: Let's go.

00:35:23: we got to go now but we don't have much time.

00:35:25: We gotta get it done now

00:35:26: fast.".

00:35:26: And he was just out-of-the-cold sitting there.

00:35:29: He had his little coffee or something yeah...and I just i don't Know..I have this thing where really talk to myself.

00:35:40: I say, okay Marie you have to be super concentrated in the zone.

00:35:46: let's get there like it's kind of a mental coaching with my self where i also don't really talk about people anymore.

00:35:52: It is only me at this moment and we already start feeling whole body.

00:36:02: all my body, like my joints feel every muscle in my body.

00:36:07: Just know it's all...

00:36:09: Like step by step?

00:36:09: Step-by-step just to know its' functioning and active and strong mentally build myself up by talking to my self, I would say.

00:36:21: And then when i'm there and they say this three two one action Then this gives me even more focus.

00:36:29: like it's the opposite.

00:36:30: some people freak out in small but for me This is more like now Even More Like again get even more.

00:36:37: Yeah.

00:36:37: So yeah?

00:36:38: I mean that makes perfect like The Countdown kind of think.

00:36:41: you've probably heard at That many times Now that You know that's Kind Of The Gold.

00:36:45: Do Have A Mantra

00:36:49: Not that I know of, but I'm sure have.

00:36:54: But I think...I am not really aware in the moment like it's almost like a meditative state- I am NOT REALLY THERE right now!

00:37:03: It is completely different zone than how i am in my normal life because unorganized and then something's like, oh yeah I wanted to do this or forgot that.

00:37:20: Like i'm not really so concentrated but in that moment it's crazy is completely different for myself.

00:37:28: Yeah It's uh...it's So unique how everybody has their kind of process To get into it.

00:37:36: Talking about the process.

00:37:38: When you prepare And You Get Yourself Ready How Let's go into the process like what is your daily?

00:37:49: What does your daily process look like?

00:37:51: I mean do you train daily?

00:37:53: How do you prepare?

00:37:54: how do you physically get yourself in shape for one of these?

00:37:56: um Well, yeah.

00:37:59: It actually trained almost daily Like II had a face where I trained more than I have a face we're trained less But i'm always and I love training.

00:38:07: it's just so much part Of my life that I like I got to the gym.

00:38:12: I do cardio training like running Martial arts training.

00:38:17: still I try to train with a lot of different people, A lot of martial arts.

00:38:22: To always learn new things and also Always keep the basics.

00:38:27: And stretching yoga like you name it.

00:38:31: i do so many different sports just to be to have a variety of skills, because that's also very important for the movie.

00:38:40: For stunts like.

00:38:41: sometimes they're like can you do this really quick?

00:38:43: And then it is good when you know!

00:38:47: Sometimes I throw here in cold water

00:38:50: or against the wall... In your case to be quite honest Okay so then you are preparing You go into gym and going through the ring You fighting Doing all these things.

00:38:59: It' s like i imagine getting ready on race day.

00:39:04: Everything kind of set and optimized for me.

00:39:09: You get thrown a costume, something else that disguises you in a sense but also isn't really made for your performance like I'm sure shoes dresses.

00:39:26: all these outfits look great on set But not how much they help with the flying kick through car window.

00:39:35: How does that feel?

00:39:36: Like how do you deal with it, use in your training.

00:39:39: You have to get used because its really true especially as the women's costumes sometimes are even worse.

00:39:46: and um... Sometimes high heels on super tight clothes or short clothes so you can't put on pads cause you would see them and then you wake up super tight and hurt and sometimes they don't even see anything.

00:40:01: And it's like, the costume can be so uncomfortable.

00:40:07: Then to perform with this when you're already so restricted is a whole new skill set by itself I would say but... ...I'm surprised somehow that always works out in the moment You think This Is Impossible.

00:40:23: How am i supposed To do?

00:40:24: This isn't gonna work But somehow our body Can just Do little bit more than we think When your really there And you have to do it.

00:40:33: It's just somehow, You can't do it actually even though your thought is not possible.

00:40:39: Yeah when you can surprise yourself in a weird way When things and years of training come together

00:40:47: Exactly!

00:40:47: And also want be the person who was able because you booked on set as the stunt performer The person that knows how.

00:40:56: The set is full of people, you know.

00:40:58: Everybody's watching your performance everybody wants to see it and It also a little bit of pressure.

00:41:03: And

00:41:04: I was gonna say

00:41:05: yeah You don't want to embarrass yourself either.

00:41:08: that why you really give it all the time?

00:41:13: Like I said movie is forever like if this is what... This is a mantra.

00:41:17: having my head something.

00:41:19: Movie in film is for ever.

00:41:21: This is not a race.

00:41:23: You can watch this fifty years later sometimes, and if you really did it well... ...you're going to be so happy for us to out there in the world!

00:41:34: I want to get into pressure.

00:41:35: talk to me about pressure.

00:41:37: we just spoke to months long build-ups.. ..you've got everything going.

00:41:46: You know, this is not your neighborhood film club.

00:41:48: I mean these are like a hundred million dollar first day kind of productions.

00:41:56: Do you ever feel the pressure?

00:41:59: Sometimes they want to feel the pressures.

00:42:01: They say we only have one take and it costs two million dollars right now because all set up in explosions Cadillac old timer, when this is hit it's hit.

00:42:12: We don't have a second one.

00:42:14: and they tell you like all these pressure that there's one take has to work.

00:42:19: now on the first try.

00:42:21: but I try not get this from me because negative energy.

00:42:27: I feel like to put this type of pressure, you know?

00:42:31: Like financially... This is the biggest movie in the world and it's a most expensive scene!

00:42:36: I try not think about that because even if it was NOT THE BIGGEST MOVIE i still want do just as

00:42:44: good!!

00:42:44: You

00:42:44: know??

00:42:45: I still wanna for myself.

00:42:47: do it

00:42:47: right!!!

00:42:49: Not just cause its

00:42:49: EXPENSIVE!!!!

00:42:51: Yeah, so I try to block that and ignore it even though people really tried to pressure you with stuff like then.

00:43:02: I get the feeling you put enough pressure on yourself?

00:43:04: Exactly!

00:43:06: That's already enough...that is all the extra stuff.

00:43:10: sometimes i'm like okay yeah

00:43:13: no.

00:43:13: It's funny how people try to hype you up.

00:43:15: build your life.

00:43:18: I think i got this.

00:43:19: Yeah they really tell you, that's one take it has...I remember we did on James Bond the last James Bond No Time To Die.

00:43:28: there was this one scene that took forever to set up and all these like visual effects and special effects were there And this car had to drive into a scaffolding.

00:43:43: scaffolding It had to collapse.

00:43:45: Such an intrigue scene, like the set up was so intriguing.

00:43:48: I think it had to kick somebody over the railing or something like that and even though... And then we only have one take and no more time.

00:44:00: but yeah i don't know.

00:44:02: just thought at this moment It's gonna work out.

00:44:05: its going be fine.

00:44:06: Like idk i tried calm her down.

00:44:09: People almost get mad when im too chill because they think why are you so chill?

00:44:15: But I'm thinking, I have to be because everybody else is freaking out.

00:44:18: Like I cannot be the one freaking as well.

00:44:20: somebody has bring it down again you know?

00:44:24: Where does that come from?

00:44:24: like where do think you got that chill vibe?

00:44:29: Because exactly how many people are on a set but imagining its hundred plus and everyone's kind of freaking Zen, because you have to be.

00:44:40: But where do you think it comes from?

00:44:42: I think it really originates a little bit... ...from the martial arts as well.

00:44:45: for my Martial Arts training Because Martial Art always goes along with meditation and you concentrate You think about your visualise Your movements.

00:44:55: Before-and-after class We have this type of meditation session Where we also learn what you just learned How can use these moves And stuff To stay calm and chill.

00:45:08: Like, this is a very martial arts spirit.

00:45:11: if you meet like real fighters and stuff You will see they are always the chillest, calmest people in the cage.

00:45:18: They go crazy but outside there Very zen because it's Because...you kind of have to be To balance This out, y'know?

00:45:27: If to channel The anger right?

00:45:29: Yeah, yeah, channeled Anger And also channeled The aggression that you then Have put into That moment.

00:45:37: Yeah, so I think it originates from martial arts training.

00:45:40: Yeah again please don't get me wrong i want to compare but have taken one boxing class with a natural boxer you know and that wasn't like the fit box like a probable... And there's just nothing too at least

00:45:49: yeah

00:45:50: You can see there is so much art and so much refinement.. I think its probably a very grounding kind of

00:45:57: base A very respectful also very respectful training where You know, respect your opponent.

00:46:03: Respect to a teacher.

00:46:04: you're glad for the training sessions and for connecting and stuff.

00:46:08: it's like... It is very nice sport I would say.

00:46:11: Other

00:46:12: than that you kick your head?

00:46:13: Yeah

00:46:13: when you fight!

00:46:16: But then after that its all really respectful again And

00:46:21: I liked her a lot.

00:46:24: Talk to me about respect because That i can see on set Had the chance to work with some great great actresses you've mentioned.

00:46:33: You've befriended some of them and Perhaps even found mentorship.

00:46:39: Mm-hmm Have you ever had?

00:46:42: The opposite so that you've had two double someone That you don't particularly get along with.

00:46:49: let's just keep it neutral

00:46:50: Of course yes, yeah Yeah, I did.

00:46:54: how do you risk your ass for something?

00:46:57: Yes sometimes its like.

00:47:00: Then you really just have to see it as a job.

00:47:02: That's the job that you got hired for here, It doesn't matter who this person is You still do your best.

00:47:10: Obviously would be nice if guys could get along But sometimes there are so much... Also lot of actors like every person in world Have insecurities also don't know If they can do it.

00:47:27: They're good enough and sometimes they let it out on you, as a stunt double.

00:47:37: And then I said in some type of interviews... Sometimes I feel like almost like therapist as well to build somebody up because

00:47:50: if your training them prepping that

00:47:52: yeah exactly mentally also prepare them talk the confidence.

00:47:59: You wouldn't believe how many big, big actors or big roles like they play big roles in movies and actually... They don't believe themselves.

00:48:10: sometimes you know?

00:48:11: And then when you watch the movie see it would never think that because that's why there are great actors.

00:48:17: Well I take fifteen takes probably.

00:48:19: Yeah!

00:48:21: It is also your job to sometimes to build somebody up.

00:48:26: Yeah, in that way.

00:48:28: Which I can sort of see as an athlete.

00:48:30: you have big races and small races but there's so much more at risk for you because the risks doesn't really change.

00:48:37: In fact if i think... ...of a Marvel production US massive budget There is probably a lot more security and safety and kind-of like health insurance whatever I don't even want to know.

00:48:50: actually You're insurance broker he must be He must have hard job But it probably is more dangerous in that sense on a smaller production.

00:49:02: And then you kind of don't have that personal relationship, but just comes with the job?

00:49:08: The job isn't as fun like... It's not a fun job if you didn't have good team to work with right?

00:49:13: If we don't had a good stunt-team and also for actors It's just not as fun, like when we did Black Panther.

00:49:22: We were all this big family and we loved each other And...we had such a good time.

00:49:27: it was really sad on the first day or last day of filming where we're all crying because you grow together You know so much.

00:49:34: but then there are some movies that I was counting The minutes to get out Of their and i wasn't in movie for months.

00:49:45: It was so horrible.

00:49:46: The work relationship, that's just horrible you know?

00:49:49: And then it is very hard to push through and try be your best or give it all... Then its really hard.

00:49:55: but like I said they are not solely trying to see a professional.

00:50:00: i'm hired here as well.

00:50:05: But still yeah imagine those moments quite lonely, right?

00:50:09: Super Lonely.

00:50:10: This is super lonely like you're living in hotels and different countries all the time traveling from one set to next.

00:50:19: it's a very lonely business as well because its'a new team at that moment.

00:50:27: Now this your stunt coordinator now this fight coordinator strange people who have never worked with.

00:50:32: sometimes they are the closest people for you.

00:50:37: It can be lonely, yeah for sure.

00:50:39: Does that give you like a really good gut instinct to trust somebody?

00:50:43: Because again every time I feel...I keep coming back to this trusting thing That you are putting yourself on the line To trust a stranger to have thought this out.

00:50:53: well i guess You can see it beforehand

00:50:55: and

00:50:55: make your own judgment call Which is easier now i'm assuming than you have The experience

00:51:01: Yeah!

00:51:01: Now its easier.

00:51:02: then in the beginning

00:51:04: Is that a gut process or is there like, a systematic approach where you're like I can do this and this?

00:51:08: Or look at it.

00:51:09: And your'e well... This guy gives me all.

00:51:14: I'm assuming its many guys who..

00:51:16: Yeah yeah i think this also got better with confidence.

00:51:20: the more confident in the older I get on this movie world The more Guts also to say, no this is not how we're gonna do it.

00:51:29: We have to change this.

00:51:30: This isn't that's going to work.

00:51:32: or this is now how I can do it.

00:51:34: and Let's work together.

00:51:36: let's change.

00:51:37: in the beginning when you knew in this world You just want to please everybody?

00:51:42: And make everything right yeah, and just accept everything even though you don't trust somebody It's just Yeah, and then you go through which is a horrible feeling.

00:51:52: but Now talking out loud, what I think all the time.

00:51:56: If i didn't feel like something is not... Yeah people hate it sometimes but I have to do it you know.

00:52:01: because

00:52:02: yeah?

00:52:03: It's being liked versus being respected right?

00:52:06: Exactly!

00:52:06: Like..I don't mind if he doesn't like that in that moment But I need to do this so be able perform as professional as I can You know.

00:52:15: So um Yeah no now I always point out things with f-if they dont'feel Right

00:52:22: All The Time.

00:52:23: In the end, good luck to that person who says no you're doing this.

00:52:27: With your skill set I'd be quite worried about standing in your way!

00:52:32: Exactly right?

00:52:33: Very cool very cool.

00:52:37: Marie thanks so much for taking me into your world and listening along.

00:52:43: Do have one last question For You When is the Last time you went mental?

00:52:52: I Have To Think It's been very relaxed lately.

00:52:56: That's totally fine, anything that comes to mind is... there are no rules here.

00:53:00: it can be anything however you define and your first thought that comes into my head?

00:53:03: You're willing to share?

00:53:04: Actually actually

00:53:05: very much related our topic.

00:53:06: we just moved apartments in this name.

00:53:09: go mental!

00:53:09: It

00:53:10: was awesome.

00:53:11: I'm moving house at the moment and definitely makes me feel good.

00:53:13: This

00:53:13: really goes to make people go mental.

00:53:16: yeah Yeah on all the patients out of window.

00:53:19: Yes

00:53:19: true

00:53:20: Marie, this has been so much fun.

00:53:21: Thank you very much!

00:53:22: I really appreciate your taking

00:53:24: the time.