| Interview with Ben Wright | |||
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 We have all seen action films and been entertained by the special effects and explosions, wowed by the realistic dramatic sense. Even tho technology is advancing in the cinematic world one thing will never change, the need for people to re-create danger for our viewing pleasure. This is the job of the stunt man or stunt women. The highest degree of skill is needed, and training and planing for those few seconds of spectacular vision. Final Fitness has a great insight into this world with an interview from one of the leading stunt men, lets see what Ben Wright can tell us about stunt life at the top.FF. How did this all start, did you always know you wanted to be a stunt man or was it some thing that you fell into (pun) BW. Unfortunately it is something I fell into. My Mum and Dad got me into gymnastics at the age of three, I didn't really have much choice as they owned the local gymnastics club. From there it was a natural progression into Adverts, Operas and stage shows. I knew I wanted to be a Stunt Man from about the age of 18 and started training for it at 20. FF. What was your sporting background when you were younger. BW. See should of read ahead. My sporting background is gymnastics and martial arts. The classic saying of a very good friend of mine is... The older I get the better I was!!. FF. Who and what is your inspiration through life. BW. At different stages in my life I have had different mentors and inspirations. As a child Action Man and The Incredible Hulk were who I idolised. But as I got older it became my close friends and my Family. I have been very lucky having such a great support network help me achieve my dream. FF. When you decided that being a stunt man was for you did you have to learn new skills and improve on old ones. BW. The British Stunt register requires that you have 6 skills that you are very proficient in, the 6 skills come from different catergories and they set the standard you have to be eg. Black belt in a recognised martial art. All skills have to be on video of you performing them so I had to bring my gym shoes out of retirement and get back to some serious training!! I think even now keeping up all the training is the hardest thing...You never know what you are going to be asked when the phone rings. FF. What is the most dangerous stunt you have ever done and which did you most enjoy. And what injuries have you been given from your job. BW. All the stunts are dangerous, I love the fighting aspects and I love heights..fighting at heights would be my favourite. Not to be Macho but unfortunatly injuries are part of the game and 99% of the working Stunt performers all are dealing with an injury or 2!! FF. Do you think the world of stunt has changed through time, with people pushing themselves more and more BW. I am relatively new to the game so I guess my perspective on it is different. But from what I hear Stunts have changed massively with much tighter Health and safety regulations and insurance issues.  People will always push themselves in every industry and ours is no different. Directors and producers are always looking for ways to create better action. This keeps the coordinators on their toes and performers at the top of their game. We have some of the best Stunt Men in the world and some with Talents nobody knows about. There is always room to raise the bar...as safely as we can.FF. Do you feel you have to take greater risks to follow your carrier and be the best you can be. BW. There is an element of risk in everything we do that is why we are there. But they are calculated risks. Working with some amazing performers makes you want to train harder and learn more, pushing your own boundaries as a person to be the best you can be.. FF. How do you train, whats a normal training week for you when you are not shooting a film. BW. Taekwondo twice a week, gymnastics once a week, weight training 3 times per week. somewhere in there I have to fit in horse riding, high diving and weapons work. Might have time to learn new tricks on the bike and maybe even get some air ram work in. Every week is different but the fundamentals stay the same. FF. Tell us what films you have been in and whats coming up for you in the future. lately I have been in.. The Golden Compass, National Treasure 2, Prince of persia, Clash of the Titans and Robin Hood. Three of them are not out till next year so you will have to wait for them. Whats in the pipeline is a small acting role in a movie with Natalie Portman..then who knows FF. If people want to find out more about you what's the best way. And if anyone is interested in-becoming a stunt man or women whats the best way to go about it. BW. More about me...I just bared my sole Equity is the best place to find out about becoming a stunt performer. My Motto If you think you are training hard, Train Harder!! www.Ben-Wright.com You can achieve anything you want in life if you have the courage to dream it, the intelligence to make a realistic plan and the will to see that plan through to the end.
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Issue 2. Cover - photographer -Paul Baichoo