News

Thursday 7th, March, 2013

Know your limits , Highs and Lows with Stunt woman Eimear O’Grady

I am intrigued as to why you decided to become a stunts person , Did you find it difficult to break into this industry, what tips would you give to any young girl trying to break into the film stunts business?

“I initially studied the two year Professional Actor course at The Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. Within the course there is a module of stagecraft. It quickly became my favourite part of the course. Growing up I was a competitive sea swimmer and spring board diver and so was used to the discipline of sports training. As for advice for any aspiring stunt performers.. Train and train hard, that's the least you're expected to do. Add imagination to that and it becomes entertainment.”

Eimear could you tell me who is your greatest influence regarding your chosen career?
“Mainly the team that I have worked with, I’ve gained incredible knowledge and trust from these guys. It's so important to work with people you trust, the devil is in the detail.”

Is there an important movie on your CV and if so did it make a big difference to your career?
“I'm lucky; I've been quite busy here in Ireland. I've been fortunate and doubled a lot of actresses on big budget movies. That said, the most pivotal point of my career came with a car knockdown performed for a BBC drama "The Silence”. 

What is the most challenging project you have ever worked on?
“A full body burn,-doubling Lilly Cole, for "The Moth Diaries". It was my first burn and so learning to hit marks and look for the camera whilst alight was a new challenge. Preparation is key. That's really the difference between just doing something crazy, calling it a stunt, and working as a professional performer on set”

What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?
“Know your limits and work on broadening them”