Episode 40 - Olivia Jackson

Episode 40 - Olivia Jackson

Author: Ben Johnson June 10, 2019 Duration: 1:18:13

It was while doubling for Milla Jovovich on the set of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter in 2015 that Olivia Jackson's life would transform forever. A promising young stunt performer, model and Muay Thai kickboxer from South Africa - whose film credits included Mad Max: Fury Road, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Olivia narrowly escaped certain death when a motorcycle stunt went horribly wrong during filming in Johannesburg. Following a head-on collision at high-speed with a mechanical mobile film camera, Olivia spent 17 days in a coma. Her injuries were severe and life-threatening; brain swelling, broken bones, a punctured lung and severed crown. Part of her face was 'degloved' in the incident and needed to be completely rebuilt. Damage to the vertebrae in her spine has left her with permanent paralysis on the left side of her face and body, resulting in the need for her left arm to be amputated. In this candid, detailed and at times graphic conversation, Olivia explains how the stunt community has rallied together to support her since the accident took place four years ago, the results of which she continues to feel every day. It has been a slow and steady road to recovery, but Olivia has shown great courage, determination and optimism since the event, refusing to let her injuries get the better of her. She has returned to her training in the martial arts - she is on her way to gaining a black belt despite only having one arm - and she says her Buddhism has helped in dealing with the effects the crash has had on her mental health. Olivia's story is a poignant one, and acts as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that stunt performers put themselves through for the benefit of our viewing pleasure. It was an absolute privilege to be able to visit Olivia's home in the UK and spend time with her to record this episode of the show.


LINKS

Follow Olivia Jackson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviathebandit/

Olivia's story will also be told in a new biography, written by New York-based writer Shannon Nixon, coming soon in 2019. More details can be found via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviabiography


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There's a particular magic in the stories behind the fights, the philosophy woven into the choreography, and the sheer dedication it takes to create martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast is built on those stories, offering a backstage pass to the world of Hong Kong action, classic Shaw Brothers epics, and modern martial arts filmmaking. Host Ben Johnson, who created the extensive kungfumovieguide.com resource, sits down for detailed conversations with the very people who bring these films to life. Each episode features an unscripted, in-depth interview with actors who threw the punches, stunt performers who designed the falls, directors who framed the shots, and choreographers who turned violence into poetry. You'll hear about their career paths, the challenges on set, and the deep, personal passion that fuels their work. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous movies; it's about the craft, the history, and the human effort behind every iconic scene. For anyone who has ever wondered about the artistry behind a perfectly executed fight sequence or the legacy of a genre that spans decades, this podcast provides a rich, engaging listen. Tune in for genuine insights from the heart of martial arts cinema.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 107

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast
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