GeekGirlCon Blog

Interview with Chloé Bruce

Here at GeekGirlCon, we all love our kickass sci-fi action heroines, but what about the unsung stunt doubles that help bring these roles to life? Chloé Bruce was the stunt double for Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, for Frigga and Sif in Thor: The Dark World, and I’m betting many of us have seen her amazing background stunts in Kick-Ass 2, World War Z, and Wrath of the Titans.

She was kind enough to answer some questions–though she was understandably tight-lipped about her role doubling for Daisy Ridley in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens!

Interview conducted by Sandy of Kids Saver Network.

Image source: Chloé Bruce Facebook

How did you manage to break into stunt work?

I got into stunt work by chance to be honest. I was working on the movie John Carter, and from there a fight coordinator noticed I had a talent for fighting and martial arts, and was going on to work on Wrath of the Titans and asked if I would come on board as the stunt double for the lead actress. It was an awesome experience and one I will never forget, as from there I have pretty much been non stop.

You’ve been a Stunt Performer, Stunt Double and Stunt Coordinator. How are they different and which is more fun?

I have only been a stunt performer and stunt double. Each has its advantages, but the one I prefer is doubling for the actress. You get more of a “role” so to speak, and have a lot more responsibility. Which I love. A Stunt Coordinator is a lot higher up and in charge of all of us. Maybe I will get there one day!

Many people don’t realize just how skilled a stuntwoman needs to be. Can you describe some more of your more “Special Skills” (as listed on your resume for John Carter for example)?

To be a stuntwoman, you just have to have a love and passion for stepping outside your comfort zone, and not being too afraid of trying new things. Every day is an adventure and a new challenge. So its exciting but can be daunting at the same time. The more skills you have the better, obviously, as you never know what action or stunts your actress is going to have to perform throughout that movie.

What’s it like working on the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

I cannot talk about this movie at all. Apologies.

In Guardians of the Galaxy you doubled for Zoe Saldana, and in Thor: The Dark World for Rene Russo and Jaimie Alexander. How do you find working with actresses on a major Hollywood Blockbuster?

I love it. As I mentioned before about the whole doubling role, you get more of a responsibility. By this I mean you get to form a great bond with the actresses and learn to portray the character together. After all you are both out to achieve the best overall appearance for the character on screen. You can help train them and prepare them for the shooting days along with the stunt coordinators, and just generally form a great connection so that when you are shooting you get to help and rely on one another.

Image source: Chloé Bruce Facebook

Do you ever get to go to any conventions and perform? What’s that like?

My main job prior to stunts was a performer at live conventions and events. So yes, I have performed all around the world. I love performing, and having a good balance between the two (stunts and performing) is very important for me. There is no better buzz than performing live. You only have one shot to get it right, you have a large audience going crazy for you at the time and the energy is unreal. Whereas when you are shooting a movie, you do get a sense of reward, but the biggest reward comes a year or so later when you get a chance to watch the movie, you see your action and your name come up in the credits. So they are completely different but both so great!

What advice could you give to women who wanted to pursue a career in stunt work?

If someone wants to get involved in stunts, I would say to have a solid foundation in martial arts, and also to train in gymnastics and maybe trampolining. All of them will help give the best start to get into the industry for sure.

If you had to pick your favorite movie based on its stunts, what would it be?

My favourite movie so far has to be Guardians of the Galaxy. I had a lot more involvement in that film and the whole crew was just awesome. It was such a challenging but rewarding job to be a part of.

Can you mention any projects you have on the horizon? Ultimately, what direction would you like your career to go in?

I cannot talk about further movie work, unfortunately. However with regards to my future, I am just kind of going with the flow, and seeing what opportunities come up. I would love to open up a martial arts school one day as I love to teach. But that would be a lot further down the line. For now I am just happy with where my career has taken me and so grateful for these opportunities that have already come my way.

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