Upcoming Exclusive! Mayling Ng 'Action Ready'- A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive Interview!

Above Photo: Mayling with a 

Jiu Huan Dao (Nine Ring Halberd) weapon! This massive weapon weighs 10 pounds!

(C) 2015 Fredrik Lonnqvist A Dan's Movie Report exclusive wallpaper image, click to enlarge!

Greetings fellow action fans! It has been awhile since an exclusive interview has appeared on Dan's Movie Report. Fear not brave souls, action actress and and international fitness model Mayling Ng is about to drop some knowledge, fitness and her very sharp swords upon you!

Mayling has a wealth of experience in fitness from running her own international fitness company to being an Arnold Bikini and Figure competitor. Mayling has traveled the globe to compete and train others, now acting is her next stage of evolution! Get ready world, here comes Mayling!

Above Picture: Pre-release Poster for Svietta (C) 2015 Mi Lan


Fresh off her lead villain starring role in the upcoming 'Lady Bloodfight', 2015 will be an explosive year for the glob trotting star. Her role as a Russian Hit-woman Svietta, should propel her into the international spotlight and of course. Dan's Movie Report will bring an all exclusive interview with exclusive photos.

Later in the year, be on the lookout for a Mayling autographed photo contest! The interview is in the works, until then check out all about the fantastic, dynamic, and forceful Mayling on her website and her various social media outlets!

Keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more exclusives!

Official Site: http://maylingng.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ngmayling
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mi88ing
Lady Bloodfight Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDmc_E_55gk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/maylingng/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/missnginaction

Maximum Choppage! Extreme Hilarity From ABC2 Australia! Series Debut February 24th, 2015!

Above Photo: (C) 2015 ABC2


Below Link: Official Trailer for 'Maximum Choppage' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nR8WTpXCjI

Greetings fellow Dan's Movie Report readers, how are your martial arts, and when is the last time you have been "monkey fisting"? Seriously this is perhaps the most hysterical action that has been shown in a long time! Get ready for much pain, in the sides back and legs, not from traditional martial arts, no from the utter craziness that is 'Maximum Choppage'!

Additional videos have been set up @ click for the links! above and below, a sneak peak and teaser!

Action Actress/Producer/Stuntwoman Maria Tran shares the tidbits of the series being as wild and as crazy as it sounds! Watch for future interview of Maria with exclusive photos.

Above Photo: (C) 2015 ABC2


Watch this space for more on 'Maximum Choppage'!

The Scrorpion King 4: Quest for Power Movie Review

Hard to believe it was over 12 years ago when the first Scorpion King hit the movie theaters. With a big budget The Rock and Kelly Hu, the movie was pretty cool, but definitely did not live up to the box office expectations that the mummy franchises have set. The three spawned sequels have all been DTV movies.

Fast forward to 2015, Scorpion King, now with it's third DTV sequel has established itself to the home movie market as a raucous fun filled adventure, part Indiana Jones and part UFC haha. While the third film focused more on interplay between characters and an eventual budding romance between Silda (Krystal Vee) and Mathayus (Victor Webster) The 4th installment is a slobber-knocker fight fest complete with cameos from Lou Ferrigno, Don (The Dragon) Wilson and WWE Superstar Eve Torres, Royce Grace, Esme' Bianco, and Antonio Silva. Yes, the preceding names are an example of why this film is a fight fest more than a quest fest.

The movie is full of action in the first 30 minutes and hardly slows down enough to give the audience  a chance to breathe, so if action is your cup of blood than enjoy. We start learning of the plot in earnest when Mathayus gets thrown into the dungeon after being caught, and meets up with the slinky yet feisty blonde lady named Valina played by Ellen Hollman  Ellen Hollman's performance was aggressive when need be and feminine when need be. Ellen is beautiful and is obviously fully aware of her character's movements and actions. Check out Ellen on her official site @  http://ellen-hollman.com/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/EllenHollmanOfficial
(thanks for the correction-Ellen)

Once they are freed from the dungeon their quest begins to find the keyhole that the ancient key opens. There are chase scenes, hiding, fighting and running across the terrain of the mythical countryside as Valina looks to her father for the answers to the Key.

Scorpion King 4 has some flaws, although it is full of action, unlike the third installment, is just not witty and humorous enough to fulfill the quota. Scorpion King 3 had massive battle scenes with Elephants, chases etc, and felt like a much "bigger" film then the actual budget. More questionable CGI in Scorpion King 4 takes away from the feel of the film as well. An example is a series of swinging pendulum blades in a room they had to pass. Their were too many blades, and the movement was not fluid, perhaps two actual fulcrum blades, painted and looking like real ones would have had more impact.

I loved the fighting, however, and Scorpion King 4 delivers one of the most epic female fights in any film between Valina and Chancara (Eve Torres) The massive fight seems to go on for an eternity with ebbs and flows during there undulating battle. Eve Torres is aggressive and really enjoyable to watch, I hope she can get some lead antagonist roles in the future. She looks really mean and angry, and is threatening enough to be believable as a rough and tumble bad girl.

Finally, after a second viewing, which I did enjoy a bit more than the first, I evaluate the film at a 6.5 out of 10. A definite watch, and purchase if action is your desire. The film is available worldwide today and can be purchased through the link below on Amazon.

Rope A Dope 2 -The Return Of The Martial Art Mafia Movie Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5VSi7YNr4Y 

Full Film on Youtube in Above Link!

In the decade or so I have been writing about Eric Jacobus and The Stunt People, they never have disappointing, always fresh and innovative with new ideas. With Rope A Dope 2, Eric and the gang have out done themselves not only in creativity, but in epic, maniacal humor. In the opening sequence which I have to reference to "Live Die, Repeat" we see the same sequence with our hero waking up with a newspaper thrown through the window hitting his head, and subsequently ending up in a fight.

Although 18 minute film has no dialogue, the action and settings tell the story of two guys locked in combat and one up fighting. Literally everything can be used as a weapon and in homage to 'Karate Kid' a weapon's master "read guy pushing a grocery cart of odd discarded items" trains our hero not the force but haha mastering the art of frying pans and canes!

The fights are long and memorable, particularly the one outside with the frying pan with multiple attackers. Eric is a master of unusual weapons, not sure what will be in his next effort, but I am waiting for a European Cucumber!

Rope A Dope 2 is by far the highest production value on any of The Stunt People shorts. A definitive collabrative effort as Clayton Barber and Freddie Poole involved as producers, and Eric and Pete Lee are directing.. In fact the film is listed as a Barber Jacobus production. This is significant. I believe further collaboration between various action groups will untimately lead to better production values and higher quality material, worthy of a strong look from studios to eventually pluck out various people.

On the sexy action side watch for a short cameo by Ashley Short, obviously she can mix it up with the boys, actually I hope in future Stunt People production action women are given a chance to shine. Eric, still waiting for a Mileena Stryker fight! Seriously though, strong female  characters are a standard even on the big budget films now. I am definitely looking for more Ashley in the future!

Finally, after interviewing Eric last year: I must say his beard is now at the legendary status, please completely follow his grooming habits, and read his in depth interview you will learn not only his new projects and ideas, he will tell you what razor he uses, exclusively on your home for insane action, and follicle fancy, Dan's Movie Report!  http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2014/06/eric-jacobus-interview-c-2014-dans.html Watch for more from Eric in 2015!

I watched Rope A Dope 2 three times and have come to the conclusion that this is far and away the best piece that Eric has had a hand in working on. Rope A Dope 2 rates an sky high kick to the face, and hot frying pan to the head 9.5 out of 10, yeah it is that good! 

Like Rope A Dope 2 on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/ropeadope2movie
Stunt People Official Youtube page @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQINCBT70eomwMIPR1BnjLg

Jeff Centauri Prepares To Release Armored Outlaws! From World Of Tanks! Exclusive Photos! Dan's Movie Report

Above Pic: Armored Outlaws Poster (C) 2015

Above Photo: Gumi Ho in 'Armored Outlaws' (C) 2015 Jeff Centauri Exclusive for Dan's Movie Report!

Youtube! ---->

Greetings fellow action fans and fans of extremely nice looking ladies. Action director and all around movie maker Jeff Centauri has an exiting couple of projects that will be released soon! Taken To Sell will drop on January 16th, but for this post I will focus on 'Armored Outlaws'  Jeff states that 'Armored Outlaws is the most powerful clan in 'World Of Tanks' and that he aims to merge exciting action with mesmerizing beauty! The executive producer on the project is Jim Bembenek. More news to follow as it arrives keep it locked in to your home for exclusives Dan's Movie Report!

Check out the sexy Nica!

Gumi Ho Kicking!
Check out this amazing Pic!--->

Check out the exclusive photos! All Images (C) 2015 Jeff Centauri A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!

Watch for more in the meantime check out their official sites! Nica https://www.facebook.com/nicapiring?fref=ts

Gumi Ho @ https://www.facebook.com/www.modelgumiho.com.ph

Much More to follow! Connect with Jeff on his youtube Channel @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsoS94yopNIjEjR--E8oiWg

Actress Tamiko Brownlee Interview (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report (Exclusive!)

Above Photo: (C) www.tonychu.com Tony Chu

Blasting into the new year, time for a fresh interview with Stunt Action Specialist Tamiko Brownlee. Tamiko is one of the most down to earth people in the business, ready to work hard, give 110 percent, and she thrives on extreme action! Tamiko has so many projects on her plate between 2014 and 2015, we decided to wait and blast out this 2500 word interview. Here it is fresh for 2015, right when her new material is ready to air! Sit back, relax, and check the textual ass whipping from the sultry and talented Tamiko, and watch for her all over your TV and theater screen in 2015, get ready for it! 3-2-1 GO!

Above Photo: Tamiko and I 2013 on American Ninja Warrior Set (C) 2013 Dan's Movie Report

Chat about some of your background, what sports did you participate in when younger?

Growing up, my father put all of the kids in martial arts – Taekwondo I know I wanted to take gymnastics down the street instead but in hindsight, I'm glad that I took martial arts. Actually, I wish I could have done both!

In middle school, I played softball and volleyball and ran track. I did a few years of gymnastics and drill team when I was in high school as well. I wanted to participate in wrestling instead of gymnastics but it wasn't allowed back then at my school (though now that's changed).

In college, I wanted to learn to be more graceful and I was humbled when I took my first hip hop class. After that first class, I was determined to be a dancer and I threw myself in every class I could find from hip hop, jazz, modern and ballet, so I understudied with a dance group in Seattle at the time called Street Level, and after a year or so I was allowed to be one of the group members....I was so honored! I ended up minoring in Dance at the University of Washington and toyed with the idea of maybe attending Cornish College of the Arts one Day.

A few years back, I spent some time in Cape Town, South Africa with my Dad's side of the family. While there, I wanted to keep in shape thus I ended up training in Muay Thai at Dragon Power. I realized how much I really loved martial arts and I decided then that I wanted to start training in it again.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I looked for people and places to train martial arts. I've been so grateful to all whom have taken the time to teach me and help me along on this journey. Some of my favorite place to train now are at Simon Rhee's and LA Wushu (but I'll always miss training with the Shaolin martial artists/monks) :-).

You have quite a diverse background quite a winding road to action. What made you decide ultimately to get into the stunt realm? Was there a person or people who helped you along the way?

Many moons ago, I was introduced to a very talented martial artist named Arnold Chon.  A good friend of mine, Tammie Baird, told me about him and said if I wanted to get a lot better with my technique and kicks then I needed to train with him.  He was actually the one who helped me figure out how to be a better performer because movie martial arts is very different from what I've trained in.  He helped me by having me attend an audition for The Last Airbender.  I was lucky enough to be chosen and was then tafted into the SAG union....thus my stunt career was born.  A lot of people along the way throughout the years have helped me out, been patient and guided me -- Glen Levy, Ron Yuan, Ming Qiu, Kerry Wong, Jeff Habberstad and Sam Hargrave are just some of the people I'll never forget.

Above Photo: (C) www.tonychu.com Tony Chu
 
I noticed you had many episodes of stunt work on 'Hawaii 5-0', maybe share a funny onset story. How much fun was it in Hawaii?

Yes! I was fortunate enough to work the first two season on the show. I met some awesome people working on that show too.  Actually, last month I was able to be brought back for fight doubling again. Nothing like being in Hawaii.  :-) I think most of our funny stories would be the ones made off set hanging out....like at Yardhouse and Sansei!  HAHAHA! Hawaii is amazing....great food, nice people and wonderful weather.  It's definitely paradise out there and very relaxing.

Yes is '5-0' is amazing, Bob Orci and the rest of the creators have excellent ideas. Shifting gears a bit, chat about stunts that involve several takes to get the perfect shot, and look for the camera, chat about an instance onset of any TV show or movie that the stunt was challenging to complete, describe the stunt...

Oh man, sometimes a lot more than needed for sure! Most of the time it comes down to timing of everything -- camera, cars, explosions, people, angles, lighting, sound...  I can't think of anything off hand really. The only thing that comes to mind is the fight scene I got to do against Esteban Cueto for The Originals.  We were vampires who were fighting for the daylight ring.  We had such a fun time working out the fight!  There was one part of the fight where I doing a punch at Esteban's head and he ducks under to then slam me down to the 'concrete'. That slam was a good ole flat back!  The only thing was that my wardrobe was that of a sport bra and pants....no place for pads there! He's a pretty tall guy so that was at least 5 plus feet up!!! I think we did that about 7 times...fun fun fun!  :D

 

That is also my favorite fight you did, wow 7 times, no pain no gain haha! Share a story from True Blood, must have been a blast working on that popular show.

Man, I've had a great opportunity to work on 'True Blood' a few times. The first time was to do a MMA style fight that was pretty cool and unfortunately got edited down to a much smaller fight (all the fun awesome parts were edited out too).  That was the first time I got to work with Mike Massa (who was the coordinator of the show at the time).  We had a blast and spend a lot of time on that fight.  I also got to come back and double the same actress for a different episode but a different fight and that was awesome.  

One story from that was that I had to throw a kick to the actress's face and she had to catch my foot with her hand.  I remember when we worked on the choreo, she went to catch my foot with her thumb sticking out and in my head I panicked (I saw my whole career going down in flames as I would have at least sprained or broken her thumb) but the split second decision to pull back on my kick saved me!  Whew!!!

Above Photo: (C) www.tonychu.com Tony Chu

Note to self, some actresses can be fragile, Tamiko, she is damn near indestructible! Do you have a favorite type of stunt you like to do, fighting, falling, etc..

One that doesn't end up causing injury! HA! (Ed Note: Ain't that the damn truth!)

Usually I feel most comfortable fighting and hitting the ground. I'm always trying to learn new ways to hit the ground making it look painful without it actually being too bad. I also like weapon work but I know I need more work with that as well since I don't train it as often as I should.  Wires are fun too depending on the actual stunt. I would also like to do more driving and sliding of cars, that is another thing I plan to do more training on as well:-)

What was the hardest stunt you had to do for a film or TV show, describe the set up and stunt.

I really haven't had the opportunity to do super hard stunts....yet.  Usually the choreography is tricky (fights) and it challenges me to get out of my comfort zone. One of my weaknesses is trying to do choreo that is not my style....it's frustrating and rewarding, but I get in my head too much and way over think a lot of things. I think the hardest thing for me to do is get out of my head most of the time and to stop being my biggest critic.

Who are some of the directors, actors, and actresses you would like to work with, but haven't yet?

There are many many people, shows and directors I would love to work for. One of them that comes to mind is of course Clint Eastwood....what a legend! There are many I wish I could have worked for whom have passed on too.

Yes Clint is a legend, shifting gears again, chat about the transition from stunts to acting, I saw you did a short film called 'Reverse Mugging', with a bit of humorous dialogue and action.

I have thought about making the transition more into action acting. I think with a little more training in acting that will be something I can do more often. Otherwise, I'm perfectly happy not being the 'face' :D I would never turn down a great opportunity to work as a stunt actor, and I have been working on my acting!

Well you have a head start with good facial expressions and clear speaking voice. Shifting back to stunts, chat about learning a variety of new stunts, what tricks have you learned in the past couple of years? Any stunts you want to try but haven't?

I've always wanted to be better at gymnastics skills. I worked hard at wanting to be able to pull off a back handspring and a back flip. I've done both and have it on video to remind myself that I have the ability to do so. One of the other skills I want to get back under my belt would be the butterfly twist I landed one a few years back, but haven't landed one since because my ankle was injured for a long while, it's about time to try it again!

Chat about your hobbies, what do you like to do in your downtime?

Hahaha... it's funny because my downtime is usually spent working out and training.  Lately, I have been getting into more running and doing events. I have about 10 races planned for 2015 and hoping I can do them all (or most) if I'm available to. Participating in the running events helps me get out of my head, and stop thinking so much, focus on the movement and action. Plus it a great way to keep in shape.

What are some of you future goals in Hollywood?

I have been thinking about it for awhile... I need to spend more time with the camera and working on my fights. Right now I would love to shadow different coordinators to see how it all comes together.  There is so much work and thought put into the action scenes, it's amazing to see it all connect. I would also get back to doing hosting as I used to host for a small company when I first moved to LA. I got to interview several times on red carpet premieres and also got to interview a few bands as well.

Above Pic: Tamiko behind the scenes in Transformers 4, as an action bride!

Yes you are a natural for hosting, and that is a slightly less dangerous job hahaha then being slammed to the ground by a big guy. Shifting the conversation, discuss working on  'Transformers 4'.

Working on 'T4' was a great experience really. I would joke about how we all "survived" working on 'T4' but it's true. You had to be so on point with your focus, and always pay attention. Michael Bay really knows what he is doing, and is brilliant. He knows so much and it's hard to convey what is in his head/his thoughts/his vision. There is so much going on in one scene -- cars flipping, cars sliding, cars racing around, people running, things falling, explosions, mortar blasts going off, and all the while cameras are moving and camera cars racing around the sets. It was quite a rush!

Yes, if you are a person who likes action, Michael Bay knows the scenes and is active in participation. Shifting gears, chat about your recent experience in India on 'Kaththi', working conditions, very hot I assume. where you stayed areas you visited.

India was such a great experience. I'm really glad that I got the opportunity to go to another country and see how they do things. They were really sweet and accommodating as well. I was so happy to be able to experience another culture and try the food. Yes, it was also very hot and humid which was fun in itself. :-)

We didn't have much of any down time while we were there, we had a tight shooting schedule. When we were done working, we didn't have much time to sight see. It's quite hard to sight see at night. We did go to the longest beach there, I think it was called the Marina Beach, but it was at night so there wasn't really anything but darkness!!

Chat about the amazing fight scene posing as a journalist camera person, how long did it take to prepare?

That was a great fight scene that we did in Chennai, India I took about a week or so of work to film. We didn't have rehearsal days, we just flew in and worked the following day up until the morning before we left! It was so great to see how the stunt coordinator there visualized everything. To see how it all came together was awesome! They really like their slow motion too.

The fight was pretty cool, and it is up on YouTube. Chat about working on the new series 'Stalker', seems like you are doing a bunch of action on the show doubling Maggie Q.

Maggie Q is quite talented. She really does pretty much all her fighting herself. I am used to work through the fights on rehearsal days, and on the day of filming as well. If there is anything that may hurt her then they will insert me into the scene where needed. She's very nice and I enjoy having the opportunity to work for her and always look forward to it as well.

Good thing that Tamiko is virtually indestructible, haha! Yes, seriously Maggie has done some really quality work on American films and TV, I would enjoy the opportunity to interview her. Shifting the topic, chat about some additional stunt skills you would like to add to your arsenal in 2015?

I would love to practice more on various skills, including: weapon work, hand speed, martial arts basics, cleaning up and making my kicks faster, better falls and of course the driving! Also, I would like to do more acting and hosting.

You have a clear speaking voice and a bright personality, a natural for hosting. Wrapping up the interview, discuss various new projects in the works for 2015, what exciting action is on deck for Tamiko?

There are several projects that I have my hand in right now. Most of them I can't disclose (of course). But you can be on the look out for episode 5.14 of 'Hawaii Five-O', episodes 5.17 and 5.19 of 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Insurgent' and several other projects in the works! I will keep you posted.

Above Photo: Tamiko in Hawaii Five-0! (C) 2015 CBS promotional use only

Thank you so much for your time with this detailed interview Tamiko, I am sure 2015 will be amazing for you, Dan's Movie Report will be first on scene to cover it, exclusively as always!

Check out Tamiko's new official site at www.tamikx.com In addition to her various action and stunt work,  she has two recent short films available on YouTube that showcase her extraordinary ability in action and adaptability.
 

Tamiko's new action reel is live online @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs8-cTow18w
 
Check out the fantastic short film shot by Vlad called 'Special ID Episode 2' @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UosO9dn2gYk  

 this film is my top overall action fight short of 2013, so epic and amazing, bone crushing and earth shattering, a game changer for modern action, my only perfect score ever for short film! Dan's Movie Report review is @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/11/special-id-episode-2-blood-donnie-yen.html
 
The second short  film showcases Tamiko's comedic timing and quick wit, with action and flair. Check out the madness that is Reverse Mugging! The tables are turned as the smart and sexy Tamiko over powers the weaker thugs! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAr0ItCCYPs

Brand new action short by Aaron Toney watch tamiko kick ass and get roughed up! Very pro shot! @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cap2EL8kqFU 

Follow her on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/_tamikx_ IMDB link @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2163396/?ref_=fn_al_nm_

Tara Macken Interview (Exclusive!!) Dan's Movie Report 500,000 View Special! (C) 2013 Danny Templegod

Above Pic: (C) 2013 Aaron Paul Rogers Photography, a Dan's Movie Report Exclusive, click to make wallpaper sized!

First of all, I would like to thank all of my readers, Dan's Movie Report has reached the 500,000 view plateau! What better way to celebrate it with a cool interview from Actress/Stuntwoman Tara Macken! Tara is a dynamic performer, full of energy, putting forth maximum effort into whatever she sets out to achieve. Although she has gained international fame from “The Hunger Games”, rarely have I witnessed a detailed interview for her. Time to blind side my readers with the smiling, peace loving, calm aggression that is Tara. Keep reading, because Tara opens up some textual ass kicking and chats about “Raze”, "G. I. Joe", and several other projects!

Opening with a two part question, with your dance background stunt-work was a natural progression? What do you consider was your first big break in film?

TARA: Absolutely! I've been a dancer for many years and also a gymnast, which is fantastic for movement and for fight choreography. Working on film and television, each fight scene is like a dance with your fight partner, with beats, rhythm and timing. Knowing how to move with people is crucial to making the action look and feel believable. Plus, being a dancer, I have been exposed to so many different styles of movement (ballet, modern, hip hop), that learning martial arts was easy for me. I already had a strong core and flexibility for martial arts due to my dance background.

Photo Credit: IMDB Tara is easy to spot, haha she wearing yellow.

Part 2: I guess my big break was my reoccurring role on "Sons Of Anarchy", season 3, where I played "Luisa". I came in to the audition to read for one episode, and they were so impressed and happy with my character that they wrote me into seven more episodes! 

"S.O.A." is a gritty, dangerous show, right up your alley, in addition I noticed you have worked on a wide variety of productions budget wise and M.P.A.A. ratings wise ha, do you enjoy the indie stuff, like Girl From The Naked Eye as much as Hunger games, or a whole different scenario?

Tara: I love it all! I know that might sound like a safe answer, but being a part of the process is always rewarding. Working on smaller budget features I get to work on projects that have taken more risks in terms of the story (RAZE). Whereas on huge blockbusters,I get to be apart of movie history (The Hunger Games, Iron Man). I am blessed to have the opportunity to work on both spectrum.

 Above Pic Credit: Danny Shamon (C) 2012

With regards to stunts, chat about your particular training regimen? If you are going to be doing a film with sword-work vs falling and jumping do you vary your routine.

TARA: I have a typical regiment that I do to keep my skill set in check, which mostly comprises of martial arts, boxing, park our, trampoline work and general activities to keep my cardio up (running, dance, yoga). And yes, if I know I have a movie or an episode coming up that needs a specific skill set I train for that particular job. For example, I worked on G.I Joe 2, which for me was heavy into double sword work, so to prep for that movie I worked with weapons day in and day out and did less boxing.

I know you respect Aoni Ma, who are some of the other female martial artists you look up too? How about other stuntwomen you enjoy? I know you like Mo Ganderton, she is very cool and talented.

TARA: Monique Ganderton and Aoni Ma are my girls!! I love them dearly, and their fierceness definitely inspires me and keeps me going. It's always great when I get to work with my friends, I got to work with Mo on "Iron Man 3" and on "The Hunted". Some other women, who I know you know, are Ming Qiu, Zoë Bell, Janene Carlton, Shauna Duggins, Luci Romberg and the Moneymaker sisters. There are so many talented girls out there that I know I'm blanking out on right now, I'm just stoked that I am in the same industry as them! 

You worked on GI Joe Retaliation as a double for Elodie Yung, maybe share a cool story from the set of that film. Ming Qiu told me was a very enjoyable to work on.

TARA: What a fantastic, action filled movie to work on! Both Elodie and Ming are so good and so lovely, it was great to work with them. We all trained so hard and ate doughnuts lol!

Who would have known doughnuts are the key to action girls, haha. Your hectic filming schedule had you going right from a Disney production into a hyper-violent horror action film Raze, how did you get the part? Must be great fun to work with Z Bell. Share a crazy Raze set story that hasn't been told yet.

TARA: Yeah, when I take a step back at my schedule I just laugh at the diversity of violence and types of shows I'm on. From working on "Kick'n it", for Disney XD, where you are not allowed to hit anyone in the face, to working on RAZE, where its all really intense violence, I can't tell you what happens to me on that show! You just have to watch it and find out!! Zoë, is AWESOME. I've known of Zoë Bell before even getting into stunts, from her Kill Bill days. So working for her was great and inspiring. The world needs more tough, real female action stars out there. Zoë for me, really bridged the gap between stunts and acting, and that is what me and Mo Mo (Monique Ganderton)are doing!

Above Pic Credit: (C) 2013 Quincy Pictures Tara Macken in Raze!

I agree, Raze is a very exciting project for me as a writer, finally female fighting is not comical, but brutal. Why do you think filmmakers feel that when women fight in a movie it tends not to be serious?

TARA: I don't know if filmmakers think that women fighting is less serious, I think that people in general, are use to seeing males perform action or strong characters.  From comic book heroes, to watching pro fighters on TV, barely ever do you see that many females. Not trying to be sexist or a feminist or anything, but maybe it's a cultural perspective of action, males are the heroes and females are the damsels in distress. The great thing about RAZE, I can't tell too much obviously, but being apart of it, its no longer about chicks fighting each-other, its about survival. About humanity, RAZE could have been done with a whole male cast, it does not make a difference, so its cool that RAZE does not pretend to be something that its not.

On Raze your character is Dee and you were last seen leaving Lucky's Bar. Any more light you can shed or your role in Raze.

TARA: Nope, lol, you will have to watch to find out!

Will you be kicking some ass? A fight with Rachel or Z Bell?

TARA: No spoilers, Danny! 

Ok, Ok, had to ask! If you had to fight for real Raze style, what would be your technique, would it change if the person is larger than you?

TARA: Good question. I guess when fighting for survival, it's no longer about particular styles or techniques, all that gets thrown out the door. It is just about taking the other person out, being the craziest one in the room. 

Feel free to demonstrate your craziest one in the room technique on me. I have to give the Raze producers something to look forward to, haha!

TARA: I don't know about that Danny! I might get thrown into jail! 

Ok haha, I do outweigh you by about 100 pounds, however I am slow and about 20 years older, haha, but seriously Tara, did you ever have to use your martial arts skills or athleticism in a real fight?

TARA: Remember that saying "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility", yes I'm quoting Stan Lee in Spiderman. I always think about this whenever I'm confronted with situations. I guess its the martial arts philosophy, that just diffusing a fight through your words, you've already won. That being said, I have thankfully never gotten into a real fight out of anger. I know I can do A LOT of damage to another person, and I don't want to have to go there to end an argument. 

Now I know I want you on my side if things go South. Shifting gears slightly, do you have a particular film style preference to work on, action, horror etc?

TARA: Love me some action movie!!!! That's pretty obvious :)

Above Pic: Danny Shamon (C) 2012 Tara having some fun at a South Florida Comic Book Convention.

Yeah, I figured, but I had to ask, for diversity sake. How about the soft side of Tara, what are some hobbies you like to do to relax?

TARA: When I'm not fighting, stunting or acting, I enjoy being creative. I love photography, exploring, traveling to new cities and drinking a glass of sangria!

Continuing the chat about acting, Dream role, what character would you like to play in a movie?

TARA: Hmmm... that's a hard one, something action packed, yet with a great sense of character development. Maybe if black swan had an assault rifle and a samurai sword! Lol.

Above Pic: Tara Autograph, threatening violence against this docile reviewer! Oh My!

I can just see Mila Kunis, with those weapons, haha! How about actors, actresses, and directors you haven't worked with and would like to?

TARA: Baz Luhrman, Michael Mann, Quentin Tarantino, Jackie Chan, man... the list goes on!! 

Chatting about behind the scenes work, ever would like to write, produce, or direct a film or TV project?

TARA: YES! I don't know if I'm there yet, but that's down the road. I recently got into photography so I can learn about the camera, once I've gotten that mastered, I will go on to scenes and film cameras! I still have a lot to do before I get to this stage in my life yet. 

Above Pic Credit: Danny Shamon (C) 2012

I respect your fastidious learning process, and look forward seeing you developing into that stage. What are some of your long term goals, do you want to transition from stunt work to acting or do a bit of both?

TARA: I am an actress and a stuntwoman, I will do both for as long as I can do them! Eventually I just want to do projects where I get to do my own stunts, which so far this year, has been happening!

Speaking of stunts, any exciting news, new projects in the works Chat about Iron Man 3 etc....

Tara: I have allot of projects coming up! I'm so stoked about. I worked on "VIDEO GAME HIGH SCHOOL", a few months ago playing the character "Ronin", you would love it! Lots of video game, action, its insane! I am also about to start working on an indie movie "Ninja Apocalypse", playing the character "Mar". I am in talks for "The Devils Ink", with Zoe Bell, and I just did an episode on NTSF:SD:SUV for adult swim with Ming Qiu. This is all in addition to some fun stuff coming out like, Raze, Iron Man 3, After Earth, Hunger Games 2, and G.I Joe just came out! I think its going to be a good year. Just have to keep up the good fight!

Thanks Tara, even though the interview took some time to complete, like fine wine, it is worth the wait to uncork it! Any final thoughts?

Tara: Danny, thank you sooooo much for being such a fan and for supporting ACTION! You rock and there is more awesome stuff to come.

Watch for much more from Tara and the cast from Raze Later in 2013!

For now, check out her official web, and other various sites.

Official Site: www.taramacken.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Macken/222980867718422?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/taramacken

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2706388/?ref_=sr_1

You Tube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/taramacken