Interview with Stuntwoman Kayley Carrigan

Kayley Carrigan is a Filipina stuntwoman and performing artist from Manila. Carrigan became a stunt performer at 21 and made her debut on Encantadia. She began dancing at a young age, starting her her career at the age of 11, before becoming a stunt performer. She was discovered by a stuntman while working as an extra on LolaBasyang.com and from there she got more opportunities and her career took off.

Aside from stunts, Carrigan makes music, dances, sings and acts. Carrigan is also an independent wrestler from Manila Wrestling Federation and her ring name is Jorelle Liwanag.

Describe yourself in three fictional characters?
Natalie Yue (House of Fury), Black Widow, Lorraine Broughton (Atomic Blonde)

Photo by Jeff Centauri

What was your introduction to the world of stunts?
Before I started my stunt career, my first love was dancing. When I was 11 or 12, I had Taekwondo lessons in Physical Education subject and got interested to participate in Sports competitions around the private schools, but not for long. I remember when my dad was watching plenty of action films, I was captivated by Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung's 'Knockabout', Jackie Chan's 'Police Story', 'First Strike', and 'City Hunter'. I've kept my eyes on their fighting scenes and felt amazed at their works.

Fast forward to my high school and college days where I followed my passion. I joined in a dance organisation to perform school events, enlighten, and teach other members to use their capabilities by moving rhythmically and to beat the stage fright. After I graduated from college, I continued pursuing my dancing career where I became a member and performer of a dance group named 'Powered iOX' and together we tried competing in dance contests around the towns here in the Philippines. During the rehearsals, a Talent Coordinator messaged a fellow dancer looking for people to be bit players for a fantasy series and I volunteered. While filming, I was discovered by a veteran stuntman, he told me, "You look athletic - would you like to train with us?". I found it more fascinating though it's literally similar to my dancing skills because it's based on body manoeuvre but it has different skills and techniques. He recommended me to train with him and his other stuntmen, and so I agreed.

After a lot of basic training, I got an opportunity to start my journey as a stuntwoman (I was 21). I made a small debut in 'Encantadia (2016 series)' followed by my works as an action actress and stunt double in various TV series, movies, and commercial projects.

Then in 2018, I played as Chongki's Goon in Erik Matti's 'BuyBust' - I also worked on other short film projects like 'Low Blow Streets: Shattered Dreams' and 'Assassin One' directed by Jeff Centauri (you may find it on YouTube) and then in 2019 I played as a stunt double of Maria (played by Cristine Reyes) in 'Maria'. Every year I I learned what I need to be accountable in my career, and for the rest of my life. I kept training in FMA (Filipino Martial Arts), and other artistry of stunts with my 'RedLine Action Design' team. I am forever grateful that I made my history in this Entertainment business in just 4 years.

Just like what I've done in my college days, I want to encourage and uplift somebody who is willing to learn, especially for the women of the stunt community here in the Philippines, because I can see any of them have potential that they can bring for future female action films - for the next decade I would like to demonstrate what I've learned in my previous works as the fresh face of stuntmen and stuntwomen.

Fan photo of Kayley Carrigan and Cristine Reyes

Was there a specific training you did to prepare for getting into stunts?
Yes, from basic rolls, selling punches and kicks, and making use of Arnis (Eskrima) and knives (a rubber dummy thing, not an actual sharp one) in a bloody fight scene.

What is your process of preparing for a role?
Three weeks before the start of filming, every day I have to stretch from head to toe to increase my flexibility. Tone up my muscles from shoulders to legs twice a day and train in stunts two to three times a week.

How do stunt coordinators and you, as a stunt performer work together to put together a scene that requires stunts?
I’m always intrigued when going into meetings with the stunt coordinators talking about what's next. My mind thinks, "Will it looks severe? And risky?" As the stunt coordinator and the director want to make it look 'more' realistic. We train first at the gym, made a previs with a couple of portable objects, and then rehearse at the exact location with the cast before we begin shooting.

What is your favourite part about your job?
Assembling with my stunt team and other stunt people to instruct and work closely with the actors and actresses.

What is your favourite stunt that you’ve ever done?
A Head-scissors Takedown like Black Widow where I bumped my back into real mirror glass.

What advice would you give to those who want to start out in stunts?
Train hard(er), stay sharp, be prepared, and BE BADASS. Don't overthink something that bothers you. If one of those stunts challenges you but frightens you (like faling into the ground from 2 feet high or more, or getting hit by a car), you must come to face your fears. Listen to your stunt team/mentor and SAFETY FIRST.

How would you describe the stunt industry in the Philippines and do you see a difference between the stunt industry in the Philippines and other countries’ stunt industry?
It is demanding physically and mentally. Mostly the professionalism, dedication, and determination of all the stuntmen and stuntwomen's performances.

How do you think the stunt industry in the Philippines could improve?
To exercise more prudence in important matters and more safety procedures. Everybody has to be responsible for each other’s lives and safety.

You were the stunt double for Cristine Reyes in the film Maria, how was your experience working on the film?
It was phenomenal! I had the privilege and got the greatest moments working with the cast and crew. My stunt team (RedLine Action Design) made a whole preparation to train and practice with them using hand to hand, Balisong, and Karambit skills.

What was your favourite part of working on the film Maria?
The rehearsal, a spare practice with my fellow stunt double, and the two actresses before and during the shoot of Maria vs. Miru fight scene.

What were the biggest lessons you learned, while working on Maria?
Work hard and stay humble. Look on the bright side. The difficult days can be just another way to grow in both your career and life.

Do you have any upcoming projects that we can look out for?
Last year I finished two films. I played the Lady Assassin in 'The Señoritos' directed by Gorio Vicuna, and also as the stunt double of Angela (played by Madeleine Humphries) in 'Kid Alpha One' directed by Richard V. Somes.

Photo by Jennifer Lee

Speed Round. Pick one film for each category.

What is your favourite childhood film?
Harry Potter

What is your current favourite film?
The Old Guard

What is your favourite film by your favourite director?
Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch

What is the film you know all the words to?
"The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work." - Tiana, The Princess and the Frog

Which Cinematic Universe would you like to live in?

Harry Potter *laughs*

Photo by Ser Jon Photography

We hope you enjoyed our interview with Kayley Carrigan. Thank you so much to Kayley. Don’t forget to keep up to date with her via Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.