The onscreen exploits of stuntwomen, and their off-screen battles for fair and equal treatment, is explored in Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story, a new documentary from director April Wright for Shout! Studios that debuts September 22 on digital platforms.
Narrated by Fast & Furious franchise star Michelle Rodriquez and based on Mollie Gregory’s 2015 best-seller, the film chronicles the lives of women who perform the stunts in some of Hollywood’s biggest action sequences — from the early days of silent movies to today’s blockbusters. The producers are Stephanie Austin, Michael Gruskoff and Marion Rosenberg.
“These unheralded heroines are the generations of stuntwomen who risked their lives in front of the camera, while behind it they fought for equal rights with male stunt performers, battled sexism and harassment, sustained life-threatening injuries and returned to the fray after each battle,” the producing team said in a joint statement.
Ben Mankiewicz, film historian...
Narrated by Fast & Furious franchise star Michelle Rodriquez and based on Mollie Gregory’s 2015 best-seller, the film chronicles the lives of women who perform the stunts in some of Hollywood’s biggest action sequences — from the early days of silent movies to today’s blockbusters. The producers are Stephanie Austin, Michael Gruskoff and Marion Rosenberg.
“These unheralded heroines are the generations of stuntwomen who risked their lives in front of the camera, while behind it they fought for equal rights with male stunt performers, battled sexism and harassment, sustained life-threatening injuries and returned to the fray after each battle,” the producing team said in a joint statement.
Ben Mankiewicz, film historian...
- 8/3/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Ten years ago, Jeannie Epper was hired for a V8 juice commercial. It was a fairly standard gig, at least for a stuntwoman: She'd drive a car up a ramp and jump it through a ring of fire. Perhaps not so standard was her age at the time, 68. But Jeannie Epper, widely considered the greatest stuntwoman
...
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Other Links From TVGuide.com Jeannie EpperDebbie EvansWonder WomanWonder WomanThe RookieRomancing The StoneTerms Of Endearment...
...
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com Jeannie EpperDebbie EvansWonder WomanWonder WomanThe RookieRomancing The StoneTerms Of Endearment...
- 3/26/2019
- by Malcolm Venable
- TVGuide - Breaking News
The Ugly Behind-the-Scenes History of Video Game Movies
“Few Hollywood announcements are treated with such fierce-yet-wounded anticipation as video game adaptations. Full of incredible artistry, instantly-recognizable characters and an increasingly-mature approach to storytelling, you’d be forgiven for thinking gaming is a medium particularly well suited for making the jump to the silver screen. But history tells another story.”
Robocop: The Oral History
“A little more than 25 years ago, Orion Pictures released RoboCop, a grimly hysterical, hyper-violent satire masquerading as an action film. And despite spawning two sequels, a television series, some anime, and now a remake, the film’s success was inimitable. This is partly because RoboCop only really became a great film as it was made. Director Paul Verhoeven (Total Recall, Basic Instinct) worked tirelessly to revise scenes while actors like Kurtwood Smith, who plays Clarence Boddecker, the film’s main heavy, improvised some of the movie’s best lines.
“Few Hollywood announcements are treated with such fierce-yet-wounded anticipation as video game adaptations. Full of incredible artistry, instantly-recognizable characters and an increasingly-mature approach to storytelling, you’d be forgiven for thinking gaming is a medium particularly well suited for making the jump to the silver screen. But history tells another story.”
Robocop: The Oral History
“A little more than 25 years ago, Orion Pictures released RoboCop, a grimly hysterical, hyper-violent satire masquerading as an action film. And despite spawning two sequels, a television series, some anime, and now a remake, the film’s success was inimitable. This is partly because RoboCop only really became a great film as it was made. Director Paul Verhoeven (Total Recall, Basic Instinct) worked tirelessly to revise scenes while actors like Kurtwood Smith, who plays Clarence Boddecker, the film’s main heavy, improvised some of the movie’s best lines.
- 2/13/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
New Zealand stuntwoman-turned-actress Zoë Bell is fully aware of her unique position as an action star that also does her own stunts. After working as Lucy Lawless's stunt double on Xena: Warrior Princess, Bell was discovered by Quentin Tarantino on the set of Kill Bill. After that, Bell has enjoyed prominence as one of stuntwoman-centric doc Double Dare's two subjects and a major role in Tarantino's Death Proof. Now, Bell stars, performs stunts, and produces Raze, a spartan, ruthless action film in which 50 kidnapped women fight each other in order to spare their loved ones. The Village Voice talked to Bell about being mentored by fellow stuntwoman Jeannie Epper, working with Quentin Tarantino, and stunt-doubling for Sharon Stone in Cat...
- 1/5/2014
- Village Voice
I know that when you saw the trailers for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter you were as dumbfounded as the rest of us. While we’ve seen literal adaptations of some of the classics turned into zombie novels (and by the same culprit as Al:vh no less) this seems like a stretch. Let’s take an historical figure, well loved who has established mythology and then completely turn it to our own horror lovin’ devices. I’m sure this is the literary adventure that our forefathers imagined when they formed this nation. Life, liberty and the pursuit of horror (or at least camp classic entertainment). Come listen to Jeff Konopka, Shawn Savage and Jesse Bartel as they dissect this one. I think it’s safe to say, it is exactly what you think it is. The Dead Air has the 101 on this purposely historically inaccurate work of fiction.
Along with the main event,...
Along with the main event,...
- 7/26/2012
- by Jimmy Terror
- The Liberal Dead
Each week within this column we strive to pair the latest in theatrical releases to worthwhile titles currently available on Netflix Instant Watch. This week we offer alternatives to Hugo, The Muppets & The Artist.
This holiday weekend is nostalgia heavy as two family-friendly features will duke it out for the top spot at the box office. And while a movie-lovin’ orphan battles against a mob of Muppets, a spectacular entry into silent cinema will dazzle in select theaters. But if you’re craving some couch-friendly entertainment to go with your turkey, we’ve got you covered with some kid-centered adventures, Henson-created creatures and classic and cutting comedies suitable for the whole family!
In 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) aims to unlock the secret behind a curious robot his recently deceased father has left him. Chloe Moretz and Sacha Baron Cohen co-star; Martin Scorsese directs.
Orphans...
This holiday weekend is nostalgia heavy as two family-friendly features will duke it out for the top spot at the box office. And while a movie-lovin’ orphan battles against a mob of Muppets, a spectacular entry into silent cinema will dazzle in select theaters. But if you’re craving some couch-friendly entertainment to go with your turkey, we’ve got you covered with some kid-centered adventures, Henson-created creatures and classic and cutting comedies suitable for the whole family!
In 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) aims to unlock the secret behind a curious robot his recently deceased father has left him. Chloe Moretz and Sacha Baron Cohen co-star; Martin Scorsese directs.
Orphans...
- 11/23/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
If you were the kind of little girl who loved jumping out of trees, having play sword fights, and wearing costumes, then envy Jessica Harbeck, a professional stuntwoman. Not only does she get paid to be (fake) punched in the face and kicked around, she has a blast doing it. AfterEllen.com talked to Jessica about her work, being a woman in one of Hollywood's oldest boys' clubs, and her Best. Day. Ever. Hint: It involves lingerie and a football.
Jessica Harbeck: Stuntwoman
AfterEllen.com: The first thing a lot of people will probably wonder is how do you become a stuntwoman? It's not like you can major in it in college.
Jessica Harbeck: Getting into stunts is different for each person in the business. I got really lucky. I moved out here with the intention of getting into stunts, after finishing school in Boulder, Colorado.
Ae: What...
Jessica Harbeck: Stuntwoman
AfterEllen.com: The first thing a lot of people will probably wonder is how do you become a stuntwoman? It's not like you can major in it in college.
Jessica Harbeck: Getting into stunts is different for each person in the business. I got really lucky. I moved out here with the intention of getting into stunts, after finishing school in Boulder, Colorado.
Ae: What...
- 12/29/2010
- by Dara Nai
- AfterEllen.com
Gerard Butler will receive the Action Movie Star Of The Year prize at next month's 2007 Taurus World Stunt Awards. The 300 star will be honored at the World Stunt Foundation's Hollywood ceremony, which is being hosted by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson on May 20. Butler says, "It is such a special honor to receive this award from the stunt community. In each action film I'm a part of, I am continually amazed by their remarkable talent. While I am proud to receive this accolade, I am keenly aware of who the real action heroes are." Stuntwoman Jeannie Epper is the first woman to be selected for the awards' Lifetime Achievement Award, while Burt Reynolds will also be honored.
- 4/20/2007
- WENN
AFI Fest
"Double Dare" very entertainingly takes us into the world of stuntwomen, a male-dominated world full of the same dangers faced by men but one that only now is grudgingly giving women their due. The film, winner of the Documentary Audience Award at the recent AFI Fest, makes a perfect festival entry and has potential as a theatrical release.
Director Amanda Micheli follows two stuntwomen at opposite ends of the world and their careers. Jeannie Epper is a familiar name to all industry insiders as she is the first lady of the first family of stunt people. Trained by a father who once doubled for Errol Flynn and Gary Cooper, Epper not only became a top stuntwoman but has seen her brother, sister, daughter and grandkids all excel in the profession. At 62, she sees no reason to quit even though she struggles against the aging process, weight gain and the frustration of not being able to advance to stunt coordinator or second unit director as do male colleagues.
Zoe Bell, a native of New Zealand, was the primary double for Lucy Lawless on "Xena: Warrior Princess" when that show shot in that country. Finding herself out of work once "Xena" wraps, Bell decides to go to Los Angeles to attend the 2001 World Stunt Awards. There she meets Epper, who becomes a mentor to the young woman. Teaching Bell the ropes of Hollywood stunt casting and how to create a good resume, Epper is near the telephone when Bell lands her biggest gig to date, doubling for Uma Thurman on "Kill Bill".
Interspersed with interviews with Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Lynda Carter (whom Epper doubled on "Wonder Woman") and Lawless, the film watches the women train, go to auditions, perform stunts and deal with rejection. For all their differences, these two women are cut from the same cloth. Both love the challenges; neither can imagine any other sort of life. "I don't think I could be a waitress," muses Epper.
"Double Dare" very entertainingly takes us into the world of stuntwomen, a male-dominated world full of the same dangers faced by men but one that only now is grudgingly giving women their due. The film, winner of the Documentary Audience Award at the recent AFI Fest, makes a perfect festival entry and has potential as a theatrical release.
Director Amanda Micheli follows two stuntwomen at opposite ends of the world and their careers. Jeannie Epper is a familiar name to all industry insiders as she is the first lady of the first family of stunt people. Trained by a father who once doubled for Errol Flynn and Gary Cooper, Epper not only became a top stuntwoman but has seen her brother, sister, daughter and grandkids all excel in the profession. At 62, she sees no reason to quit even though she struggles against the aging process, weight gain and the frustration of not being able to advance to stunt coordinator or second unit director as do male colleagues.
Zoe Bell, a native of New Zealand, was the primary double for Lucy Lawless on "Xena: Warrior Princess" when that show shot in that country. Finding herself out of work once "Xena" wraps, Bell decides to go to Los Angeles to attend the 2001 World Stunt Awards. There she meets Epper, who becomes a mentor to the young woman. Teaching Bell the ropes of Hollywood stunt casting and how to create a good resume, Epper is near the telephone when Bell lands her biggest gig to date, doubling for Uma Thurman on "Kill Bill".
Interspersed with interviews with Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Lynda Carter (whom Epper doubled on "Wonder Woman") and Lawless, the film watches the women train, go to auditions, perform stunts and deal with rejection. For all their differences, these two women are cut from the same cloth. Both love the challenges; neither can imagine any other sort of life. "I don't think I could be a waitress," muses Epper.
AFI Fest
"Double Dare" very entertainingly takes us into the world of stuntwomen, a male-dominated world full of the same dangers faced by men but one that only now is grudgingly giving women their due. The film, winner of the Documentary Audience Award at the recent AFI Fest, makes a perfect festival entry and has potential as a theatrical release.
Director Amanda Micheli follows two stuntwomen at opposite ends of the world and their careers. Jeannie Epper is a familiar name to all industry insiders as she is the first lady of the first family of stunt people. Trained by a father who once doubled for Errol Flynn and Gary Cooper, Epper not only became a top stuntwoman but has seen her brother, sister, daughter and grandkids all excel in the profession. At 62, she sees no reason to quit even though she struggles against the aging process, weight gain and the frustration of not being able to advance to stunt coordinator or second unit director as do male colleagues.
Zoe Bell, a native of New Zealand, was the primary double for Lucy Lawless on "Xena: Warrior Princess" when that show shot in that country. Finding herself out of work once "Xena" wraps, Bell decides to go to Los Angeles to attend the 2001 World Stunt Awards. There she meets Epper, who becomes a mentor to the young woman. Teaching Bell the ropes of Hollywood stunt casting and how to create a good resume, Epper is near the telephone when Bell lands her biggest gig to date, doubling for Uma Thurman on "Kill Bill".
Interspersed with interviews with Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Lynda Carter (whom Epper doubled on "Wonder Woman") and Lawless, the film watches the women train, go to auditions, perform stunts and deal with rejection. For all their differences, these two women are cut from the same cloth. Both love the challenges; neither can imagine any other sort of life. "I don't think I could be a waitress," muses Epper.
"Double Dare" very entertainingly takes us into the world of stuntwomen, a male-dominated world full of the same dangers faced by men but one that only now is grudgingly giving women their due. The film, winner of the Documentary Audience Award at the recent AFI Fest, makes a perfect festival entry and has potential as a theatrical release.
Director Amanda Micheli follows two stuntwomen at opposite ends of the world and their careers. Jeannie Epper is a familiar name to all industry insiders as she is the first lady of the first family of stunt people. Trained by a father who once doubled for Errol Flynn and Gary Cooper, Epper not only became a top stuntwoman but has seen her brother, sister, daughter and grandkids all excel in the profession. At 62, she sees no reason to quit even though she struggles against the aging process, weight gain and the frustration of not being able to advance to stunt coordinator or second unit director as do male colleagues.
Zoe Bell, a native of New Zealand, was the primary double for Lucy Lawless on "Xena: Warrior Princess" when that show shot in that country. Finding herself out of work once "Xena" wraps, Bell decides to go to Los Angeles to attend the 2001 World Stunt Awards. There she meets Epper, who becomes a mentor to the young woman. Teaching Bell the ropes of Hollywood stunt casting and how to create a good resume, Epper is near the telephone when Bell lands her biggest gig to date, doubling for Uma Thurman on "Kill Bill".
Interspersed with interviews with Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Lynda Carter (whom Epper doubled on "Wonder Woman") and Lawless, the film watches the women train, go to auditions, perform stunts and deal with rejection. For all their differences, these two women are cut from the same cloth. Both love the challenges; neither can imagine any other sort of life. "I don't think I could be a waitress," muses Epper.
- 11/19/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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