Interview with Gene Glazer

#ff9966 #ff9900 CynbytheSea Interview with Christopher Cordell

The members of CynbytheSea express their complete gratitude in conducting this interview with
Christopher Cordell, thank you so much for your time with us, and we wish you the very best in your future.....
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1.) Have you ever been injured doing stunts, in practice or on a set? Do you have to carry a certain type of insurance for this type of occupation?

CHRISTOPHER: Yes I have been injured doing stunts, both in practice and on set. Nothing too serious though, mostly just bruises, which don't really count. I have never broken a bone on set and I still have all my fingers and toes. Our performers union, ACTRA in Canada, carries it's own insurance for performers. Additional insurance is not needed.

2.) You played multiple roles on the television series "La Femme Nikita", always different, why did this occur? And what did you learn from your time spent on the show?

CHRISTOPHER: I think I had multiple roles on Nikita because my roles were always very, very small. My dialogue was usually next to nothing and the characters were always fairly insignificant. In fact all of the roles had to do with a stunt of some sort, and I was able to say what little needed to be said and then get killed.
I learned how to react to getting shot, how to sell being shot. At the time of filming I was still very new at a lot of aspects of stunt work. Mic Jones the stunt coordinator took the time to show me different techniques that have helped me hone the craft.
I also learned the value of keeping your mouth shut and doing your job. Roy was a great one to watch. When I was on set he was always quiet with a great stillness about him. I remember being amazed at how he would walk on set very quietly and suddenly command your full attention and admiration as he began performing.

3.) What special training is required for stunt work?
Physical, Emotional aspects of it as well?

CHRISTOPHER: To train for stunt work you have to either be a fantastic professional at one thing, like an Olympic gymnast or you have to be good at many things. Not being an Olympic gymnast I train to be good at many things, horse back riding, SCUBA diving, air ram, wire work, martial arts, high falls, precision driving, motor bike, roller blades, weapons, rock climbing, skiing, rappelling, and so on. Diet and regular exercise are also very important. It is good to have a strong core so that you can manipulate your body position quickly and efficiently.
As far as emotional aspects, you have to know that it is ok to be afraid, just as long as you can still do the job well. Fear is natural, as a stunt performing you are constantly doing things that you have learned will hurt you, jumping off of buildings, falling down stairs, flying through the air into hard objects, playing with fire, etc.
The next most important emotional aspect is to remember that you are not the star. As a stunt performer you are part of the team that is making a film. Without the rest of the team you don't have a job. When you perform the rush can be incredible and you may feel like you are the king of the world. It is important to remember that you are NOT the king of the world, to keep your emotions in check, and to act accordingly with humility and appreciation for the opportunities you have been given.

4.) Where did you get your training for stunt work, and what was the most important thing you learned from it all?

CHRISTOPHER: Stunt guys train with other stunt guys. You have to, no one else has the proper equipment, no one else understands the trust that is required, and no one else has the time. I do have friends, like my Buddy David Tompa, that I climb with and my girl Kelsey Matheson that I dive with, that are not stunt performers but on the whole if you are repelling or practicing your driving skills you are usually doing it with friends that are also stunt performers.
The most important thing I have learned is to always stay focused. The easiest gags are the ones that get you hurt. I have screwed up on simple gags while training because I'm either showing off and thus my focus is on the person I'm trying to impress and not on what I'm doing or I've under estimated the task at hand, relaxing before I'm fully done what I'm doing and loosing my focus. This can cause unneeded pain and embarrassment.

5.) "The Making Of Madness" title intrigues me, can you tell me more of the story involved and the depths it took you through in writing it?

CHRISTOPHER: The "Making of Madness" is a story about communication, trust, relationships and the perfect murder. It suggests that given the right circumstances and manipulation, any one can be made to do anything, no matter how crazy it may seem or how normal they may appear. The concept is actually more intelligent then I really am, so I've been having trouble finalizing the script. In writing it, I've really had to explore my own issues with trust, communication, relationships, and insecurities. All of which are not easy things to look at about yourself. It turns out to be a rather dark, twisted tale where the bad guy actual wins.

6.) You must be very creative using your mind and body in your work as a writer, actor and stunt man, where is this rooted from?

CHRISTOPHER: I get a lot of my inspiration from my beautiful and talented girlfriend, Kelsey Matheson. We do most of our independent projects together. She is super supportive and has been there to help me grow as a performer, writer, director and as a human being. She constantly pushes and challenges me and helps me to achieve new goals. She has definitely helped to culture and nurture my creative side.
I believe that everyone has a creative part to who they are. I have been very fortunate to have a girlfriend, a family, friends and a lifestyle that allows me to explore and expand my creative part of who I am.

Cynthia Wilkerson ~ Texas, USA
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7.) What made you choose such a dangerous career such as a stunt man?

CHRISTOPHER: A side from the obvious answers like stunt work gives you this great rush, the money is good and every day you get to meet new and exciting people, I think one of the main reasons I do stunts is because I love to tell stories. Story telling is my true love and as a stunt performer you are helping to tell the story physically. Being able to be on a professional set, with professional directors, actors, and crew, gives me a real sense of accomplishment. Being able to go to a movie theatre and see a stunt you performed on the big screen as a vital part of the story being told is so fulfilling. Most times the general public never see your face or know that you performed the stunt but all that matters is that you know and it feels great.
I also grew up with Lee Majors on TV as "The Fall Guy" and he made being a stuntman look really cool.

8.) As a stunt man on "La Femme Nikita", what was the most difficult thing you had to do and did you ever get any serious injuries during that time?

CHRISTOPHER: Most of my stunts on Nikita were quite mild. Nothing to spectacular. The most difficult gag would have been episode 4.20 "Face In The Mirror". I played Red Cell Guard #2, usually if your character name has a number in it, your character is very, very minor. If you look at my IMDB listings you will see that most of my roles have a number in them. Anyway the gag had me interrogating Michael (Roy) and some how he out smarts me, over powers me and I end up getting shot five times in the chest by some of my own comrades. This gag was a little tricky because I was working closely with an actor (Roy) and I was squibed five times on the chest. Squibs are small explosives that are filled with fake blood. They are used to simulate being shot. They can be quite powerful and if they are not directed properly they can cause blindness, deafness, burns and the loss of fingers. Because of the danger to Roy, being so close to the squibs I was more stressed then normal. But really it was a nothing day. This piece of action is actually in my acting demo on my website at www.christophercordell.com

9.) Is the acting/ writing something to fall back on when you can't do the stunts anymore?

CHRISTOPHER: I love telling stories. If I can tell a story as a stuntman then that is fantastic. If I can tell a story as an actor then that is fantastic. If I can tell a story as a director or writer then that is fantastic. I never looked at the acting or writing as something to fall back on, but I imagine that I will be able to write and act long after my stunting days are over. Lets hope so anyway. Although I do know stunt guys that are in their sixties and are still coordinating and stunting.
I just recently finished a short film called "The Cleansing" where I only acted and did not perform a single stunt. I played the lead and I think I held my own as an actor. You can check out the website at www.thecleansing.com and decide for yourself.

10.) What did you enjoy doing most on LFN and why?

CHRISTOPHER: I think I enjoyed playing Red Cell Guard #2 the most. I got to hose down Roy, say a few words and then get shot five times. I enjoyed the whole process, when I showed up that morning on set I had no idea that I would be saying a few lines. I only had a few minutes to learn my small amount of dialogue and come up with a character. I was then squibed five times and told I would be fighting with an actor (Roy). Fighting with an actor is never the same as fighting with another stunt guy. When working with another stunt guy, both of you have training and an understanding of what needs to be done to accomplish what the director and/or stunt coordinator is asking for, the two of you share the responsibility equally. When working with an actor the responsibility falls entirely on the stuntman. The stuntman should have the training and know how, the actor usually doesn't. So if anything goes wrong or if anyone gets hurt, the responsibility falls on the stunt performer. This added a bit of pressure to the already difficult task. I love a challenge, especially one that I feel I can over come. Roy turned out to probably know more then I do and was a joy to work with. We had a couple of great conversations and I learned so much about acting and presence just from watching and talking with him.

Natz ~ Edinburgh, Scotland
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11.) In the book you wrote "The Making Of Madness", is it based on fact or fiction?

CHRISTOPHER: "The Making of Madness" is actually a script. It deals with trust, relationships, communication and the perfect murder. It is a fictional story, but like any good story there are elements that have been pulled from my own life and the lives of people around me.

12.) What is your opinion regarding stunt actors receiving awards for your line of acting?

CHRISTOPHER: I think awards are great. I think everyone likes to feel appreciated and respected, awards help you to feel that way. Getting an award no matter what you do in life is something that I feel is a good thing.

13.) In "La Femme Nikita", how did you prepare for the many role changes? Do you have a certain mechanism to achieve this?

CHRISTOPHER: My roles on Nikita were always very small, in fact I don't even speak as Body Guard #6. So there isn't much of a mechanism or preparation for changing the characters. The different episodes were filmed weeks apart and they had different directors. As Techie my character was well a techie, so he was a little geeky and wore glasses. I used a higher pitch voice and talked with uncertainty. As red Cell Guard #2 my character was torturing Michael. So we made him a little tougher, spoke in whispers and grew a little stubble. He spoke with menace and moved with purpose. These are just little things you throw in to help complete the character and they usually become obvious once you get into costume and on set. I find being on set always helps me realize who it is I'm portraying.

14.) Do you have a personal trainer , if so, is it the same person always working with you in the different projects you are involved in?

CHRISTOPHER: I once had a wonderful personal trainer named Carrie. She taught me a lot and I have taken her teachings with me. I also use to work as a technician for a fitness chain, so I picked up a little bit of knowledge from my days hanging with fitness gurus. Now I train myself, putting on or taking off weight depending on the actor I'm doubling or the character I'm playing. I usually sit around 170 pounds and I can go up to 180 or down to 160 in a matter of weeks.

Sandy Meridith ~ Kansas, USA
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15.) What kind of stunts do you like to do most?

CHRISTOPHER: I like big action stuff. Wire work, air rams and high falls. I've actually only ever done one high fall and it wasn't really that high, only about 45 feet, but it was a real blast. I've also worked with fire once on "Bulletproof Monk" that was fun as well. I think most stunt performers like to do stuff that other stunt performers will say "I saw the gag you did on Crime Spree. What an awesome looking hit!"
By the way if you do ever watch the movie "Crime Spree", Joel Harris does an amazing car hit as Harvey Keitel's double, near the end of the film. Check it out you will not be disappointed. It is pure poetry in motion.

16.) What kind of stunts did you do in LFN?

CHRISTOPHER: Most of my gags on Nikita were pretty simple. As Red Cell Guard #2 I have a slight tussle with Michael, get shot 5 times and fall to the ground. As Techie a computer screen blows up beside me and then I get shot and fall down. For those in the know, the killing of Techis did not make the final broadcast that you the fans saw. As Body Guard #6 I walk in get shot and fall down. If your keeping track, that's an awful lot of getting shot and falling down. Not very glamorous but still fun.

17.) Are you writing anything new? What do you like to write about?

CHRISTOPHER: I have recently finished the eighth draft of a feature script called "Gord And His Things". It is a parody of "Lord Of The Rings", written in the style of Monty Python with strong references to the works of Spielberg, Lucas and Peter Jackson. I auditioned for the role of Boromir ages ago and when I didn't get the role I started writing what was meant to be a short film that I planned to put together and show on the internet poking fun at the film. OK so I was being a little childish, I can be immature at times. The script kept growing and growing and is now a feature length piece. If you know any one interested in producing or paying for it to be made, let me know.
I also wrote and directed a short film called "Not My Religion". It is in post production and the first rough edit is almost done. The film takes place entirely under water, which was no easy task. It stars my girl Kelsey Matheson (www.kelseymatheson.com ) and I almost drowned her trying to make the film. Kelsey plays a Mermaid and John Dickie of Shifter (www.shifter.ca) plays Jesus Christ. It deals with relationships, communication and the different worlds of the two sexes.
At the moment I have a number of ideas and a few starts on scripts, but nothing else completed. I have had to put down my pen to focus on completing the projects I've already started.
I like to write about communication and the differences between men and women. I don't think I fully understand how human beings work so I keep writing about it in hopes that it will help me figure it all out.

Claudia Conde ~ Buenos Aires,Argentina
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18.) If you compare stunts in Tarzan, LFN and Mutant X, which were easier and which made you have more fun?

CHRISTOPHER: The stunts on Nikita were probably the easiest. I have fun on every set I'm on, just because I love to be working. I'm always so excited that I'm getting the chance to perform. There are a lot of talented people in this world, so I feel very blessed every time I get chosen to work on any show. So picking which show was more fun is really tough and I don't think I can do it.
I can tell you that as far as working with Stars go, doubling Dean Cain on the set of "The Glow" is one of my favorite moments. Most stars and leading men are very nice. They are usually very polite, courteous, and friendly. Dean Cain took it one step further. Working with him was like working with a best buddie. Have you ever met a friend of a friend who instantly took to you and treated you like a friend? Well that's what Dean did. He treated every one like a friend with warmth and respect. He would make that extra bit of effort to include the people around him. He insisted I pose with him when fans asked for pictures, he would invite me to hang with him or just join him in a walk to the craft table. He would include me in his conversations, and treat my opinion like it mattered. All in all he was a real joy to work with, and I appreciated his warmth and attitude.

19.) Do you watch these shows also in private or it's simply work for you? Are you a fan of some of these shows?

CHRISTOPHER: I must admit I have a weakness for Sci-Fi. I wouldn't call myself an avid fan, but I do like to occasionally watch, Angel, Nikita, or Witchblade if they happen to be on. In Toronto we have a channel called The Space Channel that mainly shows Sci-Fi and in my free time it is usually the first channel I'll turn to. They have been showing Battle Star Galactica recently. Not the original show with Lorne Greene but a new mini series with Edward James Olmos that I really like. I will watch a show that I know is filming in Toronto or Vancouver just so I can get a feel for it's style, in case I do get hired to perform on it. Other then that I really like to watch ER, West Wing and Law and Order. My girl and I will curl up on her couch and watch West Wing for hours. She has the first four seasons on DVD. Not many stunts on those shows but the writing and performances are so riveting to us.

20.) What would you like to do as an alternative to stunt work? Stunt coordinator? Actor? Millionaire? Seafarer? :-)

CHRISTOPHER: Millionaire sounds cool, but no one just becomes a millionaire, so the question is what will I do to become one. Unless you have a cool million lying around that you would like to donate to The Christopher Cordell Fund of America?
I don't have any plans to become a stunt coordinator. There are many people that are much more qualified for that position then I am and I'm very happy to work with them.
I do act whenever they let me and I have just finished a short film called "The Cleansing" (www.thecleansing.com). I'm hoping that this film will lead to bigger and better acting opportunities. I've been acting since I was 12 so I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Mickey Rooney once told me that in order to be a successful actor you need to stick with it for 10 to 15 years and then it will happen. It's been just over 15 years so it should be happening any day now. Keep you fingers crossed for me.
I also write and direct, although I've never been paid for those positions, so I guess they could be viewed by some as more of a hobby. But given the opportunity I would love to write and direct as a profession.

Vera Schweinhuber ~ Prague, Czech Republic
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21.) Do you think your time spent in comedy/improv helped you in going to dramatic roles?

CHRISTOPHER: Absolutely! The skills needed for one can be used for the other. A good example is Robin Williams. He has gone from the extreme comedy of "Mork and Mindy" to the intense drama of "Good Will Hunting" or "One Hour Photo". Robert De Niro is a great example of the opposite. He has gone from the intense drama of "Taxi Driver" to the off the wall comedy of "Analyze This" or "Meet The Parents" holding his own with Billy Crystal and Ben Stiller.

22.) In stunts on your site, it mentions you have your own jerk vest. Can you enlighten us, please as to what this is?

CHRISTOPHER: A jerk vest is a vest that stunt performers use for getting jerked. It fits snugly against the body and has several different pick points. Usually a stunt performer will wear the vest when the action demands that they fly a long distance or move in a sudden or violent way. A wire or wires are attached to the vest and the performer is pulled or jerked, much like a puppet, in the direction or manner needed. I'm wearing my jerk vest on "Bulletproof Monk" when the truck explodes and Duncan McLeod, Brian Jagersky and myself go flying. You can see that footage on my website (www.christophercordell.com) under the stunt section. Sometimes it will also be used as a safety device or a means of hanging a performer from a height and at an odd angle. They are fairly expensive and are rated for heavy weights and hard pulls and are quite often used in big action pieces. Most stunt performers have their own vest that has been tailor made for them.

23.) Looking through your site, you have done a lot of stuff connected with TV/Filmmaking. Which one would you do if it was the only one you could do?

CHRISTOPHER: If I could only do one thing I would have to pick directing. Just because as a director you still get to be involved in almost every other aspect of the film. You get to work with the writer, actors, stunt coordinator, you still get to have your fingers in each of the pies. You get to take the collective creativity of all the people working on the film and guide it into a final compelling and beautiful piece of work. What a great way to make a living.

24.) Do you do TV/Films for the fame or does it come from within or even 'something you have to do'?

CHRISTOPHER: I think that fame is highly over rated.
I think the cons of being famous would out way the pros, for me anyways. On one hand it is very nice to be recognized and admired for the work that you do. This has only ever happened to me once in my entire career and it was totally by chance. I had performed in a music video for Melanie Doane and as I was walking along Yonge street in downtown Toronto a young man walking toward me said "hey your that guy from the video". It turned out that he was one of the editors for the video and had spent the last week staring at my face as he edited the piece. It was a pretty obscure recognition, but I still walked away feeling good about myself. I think recognition and admiration of ones work is always a good thing.
On the other hand, if I was so famous that I couldn't walk along Yonge Street in Downtown Toronto, the feeling of warmth would be replaced with a sense of lose. I like to be able to go grocery shopping with my girl, I like to be able to go see a movie or window shop without having to close down the entire store to do it.
So I don't do it for the fame. As it stands I make a living but I'm not getting rich at very fast pace. So it's not for the money. I do love to tell stories. I'm the oldest of six children. Yes six. You just say the word sex near my mother and she gets pregnant. There is a large age gap between myself and the next oldest, my brother Jacob. My entire life I have been entertaining and telling stories to my younger siblings. I think this has lead to my joy of story telling. I love to tell tales and create an awareness of something new or different. I love to inspire new thoughts or change a point of view. I love to evoke an emotion or make someone laugh out loud. These are the reasons why I work in film and Television. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to help tell stories to the entire world.

Warren Stewart ~ Perth, Australia
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25.) Being a stunt person, do you have any notion to become an actor? Or doing just stunts does it for you?

CHRISTOPHER: I love acting. As I've mentioned in some of my other answers, telling stories is my main true love. If I only do stunts for the rest of my life, I would still die a very happy man. If I stop being hired as a stunt guy and only act for the rest of my life, I would still die a very happy man. If I'm able to have a career as a writer or director, I would also be a very happy man. As long as I'm making a living telling stories, I'm fulfilling my dreams.

26.) Which, if you have any, would be your most favorite stunt role?

CHRISTOPHER: My work on "Bulletproof Monk" would have to be my most favorite. Branco Racki the stunt coordinator on that show gave me many great opportunities to do some really neat gags. You can see some of them on my website (www.christophercordell.com) under the stunt section. He let me do a propane blow and 25 foot ratchet. He let me do an air ram gag over a desk and into a main frame system. He let me do lots of wire work and rigging. Branco really gave me some great opportunities and I'm very thankful for them. His brother Robert Racki also went out of his way on that set to help me fit in and give me advice. In fact everyone was awesome to work with. Paul Wu, Steve Lucescu, Brian Jagersky, Duncan McLeod, Darren McGuire, Joel Harris, Dan Belly, Tig Fong, Johnny Mac, these are just a few of the guys on the stunt crew that were fantastic to work with and be around. These guys are all highly trained professionals. Check out their resumes on the IMDB and you'll see what I mean.

Thanks again for your time Christopher.
Deb Schwartz ~ Michigan, USA
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27.) When you prepare for a stunt, how much of the story context must you know?

CHRISTOPHER: It really depends on the gag. If it's just a regular bang your dead now fall down, I don't really need to know all that much. If the director has a certain style he is going for or the characters act in a different manner then normal, then I will need to know the back story. I was told on the set of "Crime Spree" that the director was NOT filming a John Woo film and could I please hold my gun straight up and down instead of sideways. I usually have read the entire scene that the stunt will be a part of before we begin filming, but it is rare that I will have read the entire script.

28.) When you do a stunt double of an actor, do you study his way of moving beforehand, or just the appropriate makeup is enough?

CHRISTOPHER: I always study the actor before hand. I think it is very important. The audience should never be aware that a different person is doing the stunt. I will sit on set and watch an actors movements and mannerisms. I will then mimic them until I feel that I'm doing a good job emulating their behavior. I will also try to spend time with the actor if I can, in order to get a sense of them. If I'm doubling an actor who's character moves awkwardly and then I come in and perform my stunt smoothly, the audience will notice the difference. I must perform the gag with the same amount of awkwardness that the actor has struggled to make real for the entire film or else I am doing the actor, the film and the audience a disservice.

29.) What kind of movie would you like to do in the close future?

CHRISTOPHER: I would like to act in a Steven Spielberg film. It is my opinion that working with Mr. Spielberg is the single most effective way to launch your career. Barring that I would love to perform in "Gord And His Things". It is an action, adventure, comedy that I recently wrote. Barring that, Bruce Willis is going to be filming a new movie soon. As far as I know, it is supposed to be a big action flick. I would very much like to be a part of that. I have long been a fan of Bruce Willis, since his days on "Moon Lighting" and his recording career as Bruno. His rendition of "Secret Agent Man" is still one of my favorite tunes.

30.) Do you plan to orient your career more towards acting sometime later, or do you love doing stunts too much for that?

CHRISTOPHER: I love doing stunts. Nothing else compares. I also love acting. With any luck I'll be able to do both for a while. I believe that acting will eventual evolve into my main source of income. I do have an acting agent and no one has told him that I completely suck, so I'm believing that with a little luck I can have a future in that line of work.

31.) What did you like the most about playing in La Femme Nikita? And what do you remember best about it?

CHRISTOPHER: I liked the opportunity I had to work with Roy. He has a very strong presence and is a fabulous actor. Being able to work with him, talk with him and watch him was a fantastic thing for me. I had been doing quite a bit of comedy, improv and stage earlier in my career and I had this idea that actors had to be ON all the time. Hey look at me I'm an actor. Waka waka waka. A little like Fozzy Bear on The Muppets. Getting the chance to watch Roy and see that he was so compelling yet so far removed from my Fozzy Bear mentality of acting, really made a difference for me.
I remember Roy and I talking briefly between takes, while the crew adjusted the camera. He said what he was saying and then just stood there staring at me, right into my eyes. I stood there staring back. It seemed unnatural and yet the right thing to do. I became aware of communicating with out speaking. I started to understand what true presence meant. That being an actor meant being able to be real. To this day I don't remember what we had been discussing, what I remember is the action of us looking into each other. Before any of you start getting crazy, there was nothing sexual about the staring, it was just two people looking at each other with integrity and confidence. I came away from set that day knowing I had made the right choice of careers. I felt good about who I was and optimistic about my future .........,

Dana Vrajitoru - Indiana, USA
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For Christopher Cordell's Official Website, please visit:
www.christophercordell.com

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