Kick Ass Character
Don’t Mess With Superstar Stunt Double Bridgett Riley

By Jeff Freeman

So far this column has concentrated on the people behind the camera in the world of filmmaking — but ultimately what happens in front of the camera is what the audience sees and, hopefully, enjoys. With the propensity of comic book and action films out there, it seemed logical to start with a person that helps make that incredible action happen.
Enter stunt person extraordinaire Bridgett Riley.

When I stumbled upon an incredible rehearsal scene that features Riley, I knew that I needed to learn more about what goes on in stunt choreography, and more about the person performing the “gags.” I was lucky that this former professional fighter and black belt kickboxer had time in her busy schedule for an interview.

With such an impressive bio, if she hadn’t it would have been no surprise. She was the Yellow Power Ranger’s stunt double, appeared in “Iron Man 2,” “G.I. Joe,” “Watchmen” and dozens of other blockbuster action films. And her nickname is “Babydoll.”

I have a foot in height and probably 200 pounds in weight on her... but I wouldn’t call this five-time world champion kick boxer that — unless she let me.

Jeff Freeman: What motivates someone to take on the dangerous job of stunt person?

Bridgett Riley: Well, I fell into it in the very beginning. I landed an ‘acting gig’ on the ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’  TV series when it  first aired. I did my own fight for one of the scenes and was then given the opportunity to audition for the stunt team. I was the first female to be on the show as a ‘stunt fighter.’ It was awesome and it got the ball rolling for me.

JF: Do you see the expansion of CGI and animation in films as taking jobs away from stunt players, or is there more opportunity?

BR: I think things move in cycles and have a way of coming back around. There is still a need for stunt doubles — no matter how much the actor wants to perform. We get as much out of them, and some really rock at action, but we still need to step in for the most part. In CGI we are still needed and there is a lot more motion capture. We add to it and it adds to the action when done right.

JF: You’re a former professional fighter as well, tell us about that.

BR: I fought in kickboxing and boxing — and I loved it. It was tough, but unbelievably rewarding. I won world titles, fought all over the world, fought on Pay Per View, ESPN 2, and other sports channels. I was featured in LIFE Magazine, had numerous interviews, and pinched myself that I got to live the life of a professional fighter.

JF: I’m making my own low budget indie film... how can I include some professional looking stunts without risking my cast?

BR: Hire professional stunt people. Get an excellent stunt coordinator. Do not pinch pennies in that department, it will be worth it. Train your actors well, and rehearse a lot.

JF:  How do you choreograph a convincing fight scene? What elements need to be present?

BR: You need good choreography that can be stylized for exactly what the story line demands. Action has to tell a story — it needs to make sense. I love story more than action and action for me is not forced. It has to be all about story first. Also, you have to not be ‘married’ to the choreography and be open and ready for change. Being a good problem solver is important. Much rehearsal time and prep need to go into the actors and stunt people.
Having a director who really knows how to shoot action well — that is key. The way a fight is shot can make or break it. A good editor is essential as well. Egos need to be checked at the door, and people need to work together to get a quality piece of work.

JF: Have you ever been seriously hurt during a stunt? What kind of safeguards should be taken before attempting stunts?

BR: Stunts are about training. Preparation is a must. I have been hurt but I heal fast, and I also have been flat out lucky, which I file under being blessed. I pray a lot. [Smiles.]

JF: Have you ever seen the Burt Reynolds film ‘Hooper?’ (A fictional account of famed stuntman, Buddy Joe Hooker.)

BR: A. I love Burt Reynolds, he ROCKS. B. Every stunt person loves ‘Hooper’ or they are just... ‘off’ [laughs]. C. Buddy Joe Hooker — what a cool guy.

JF: You’ve expressed interest in more traditional acting. Why the transition?

BR: Acting was where I actually began. As a fighter I did so many interviews and improv — it just seemed to come naturally. Now I am studying acting (wow — it is so much work. To really do the work an actor has to do, well that’s become the biggest challenge for me, and I dig it.

JF: So who’s the toughest actor you’ve ever met?

BR: I liked Maria Bello. I understood why she is such a great actor: her work ethic and attitude. She is a perfectionist and rehearses hard. She plays hard and the finished product really shows in her work.

JF: How did a former professional fighter and black belt get the nickname ‘BabyDoll?’

BR: I was a gymnast early in life and my brother was a karate kid. One of his instructors looked at me when I said I wanted to learn how to fight and he said, “She looks like a little babydoll, not a fighter.” [Laughs.] He decided the name should stick. I then committed to training and became a rated black belt competitive point fighter for him and our team, which lead me to kickboxing and that name just stuck with me. It became my new name.

Find out more about Bridget Riley’s work at babydollriley.net.

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