In today’s entertainment universe, stuntwomen are beginning to experience more respect than they have in the past, but it still is somewhat of an uphill, strenuous struggle at times. However, when I had the opportunity to interview Lisa Chandler last year, it was apparent that this was one woman who was not going to let anyone dictate to her what she could and couldn’t do. Furthermore, she is much more than a mere stuntwoman, and I was thrilled to recently conduct an updated interview with the amazingly gifted, fiercely independent, but kind-to-the-core Lisa!
RH: Since we last spoke, you have done some stunt work on some incredible roles over the past year or so. Is there any special stunt role that stands out to you over the last year? Why do they stand out to you?
Altered Carbon
LC: Well, I just finished filming Altered Carbon, a SYFY Netflix series. That was and still is pretty intense. It was more a stunt actor role. The hype around it has been crazy and the most-looked-at show I’ve worked on yet. I play Mary Lou Henchy, a prostitute to “A Head in the Clouds”, who struggles to escape, but is forced to sacrifice herself to help break a horrible cycle. It was an amazing experience to be part of such an intense show yet not feeling the intensity of it right beside you. There was a lot going on all the time as it was a massive studio as well as different units shooting on location, but I’d go back and shot with them in a heartbeat.
Your acting career has really begun to take off, and you have been featured in some of my favorite shows. What was it like working on Supergirl and Riverdale?
Supergirl
Those are fun little gigs to work on. They’re great shows to be a part of. I’ve been doubling Chyler Leigh on Supergirl now for my second season and love working with the cast and crew on that show. As for the acting, they’re fun stunt actor gigs that I love to just “pop in, say hi, do my work and move on” to the next show. The CW shows are great for that!
Riverdale and their team were great to work with! The show has a very dark, mysterious feel to it that I love, yet it still allows itself to show the vulnerability in each character. When being on set, seeing how everyone moves about, shooting intimate scenes, goofing around, focusing, it’s great to see a younger set of actors take their job seriously and be focused, yet still maintain their genuine selves on set.
I notice you are also in a movie directed by Tony Giglio, SWAT Under Seige. What was most memorable about being a part of that project?
SWAT Under Seige
Ha! I love Tony! He’s great! Most memorable was being squibbed and dragged by a fellow stunt buddy of mine, Brad Kelly, who’s as large and muscular as a planet! He picked me up and dragged me about 10 metres in two seconds! It was hilarious. Oh, he was also shot in the back. Other than jokes on set all the time, working as a SWAT officer in full gear with guns was a blast! I just remember running around with an M4 all day thinking, “OMG I love this! If every day could be this rad I’d be in heaven! ”
The big show for you now is Altered Carbon. How did you get involved with that show? What drew you to your character?
Altered Carbon
This show is crazy! There’s a ton of action, interesting characters to say the least, nudity, sex, amazing sets, and guns! I got involved in an interesting way. The Canadian stunt coordinator, Larry Lam, called me up as I was having my last check-up appointment at the hospital for surgery on my tendon last year, asking if I was able to bolt it to Skydance Studios in less two hours. He said there was a role he wanted me to audition for. I arrived in an hour and was given a few sides(pages from the script) not even knowing what Altered Carbon was at that point. He came out and told me that there was a role that quickly needed to be cast as they were to film a water sequence scene next week that they moved ahead of schedule. So, I went into the office of Nick Hurran, one of the directors of Altered, the American Stunt Coordinator, Larnell Stovell and a few other assistants in the room. I remember thinking, “I’ve gotta stand out. Make your mark.” In an instant, I threw my boots up on Nick’s desk (I asked previously if I could use his desk, not telling him what I had in mind) and started my scene. I left the studio afterward not thinking of anything special when the following day, they called me to let me know I booked the part. I had no idea what Altered really was until I got to set. And wow! So glad I was a part of it!
Altered Carbon
What was most challenging about filming Altered Carbon?
There was a lot of water filming at the beginning of the shoot. Especially with me crashing into the water from a break fall point upon a Gini lift. With my stunt background and especially my water background, I was very comfortable in the water and having almost no clothes on during the filing of it was the only part that made me think….”Geesh, I hope my nipple covers stay on!” A close friend of mine, Braden Haggerty, was the underwater cinematographer of the shoot and thanks to her, she captured some amazing shots that made me feel comfortable as well as having it look amazing. The shoot was smooth and a huge learning curve for me. I’d have to say there was no real challenge at all.
Altered Carbon premiere
Why do you think Altered Carbon has become such an international sensation?
When Laeta Kalogridis (creator) got the ball rolling into making the show, I personally feel that SYFY is huge with my generation, a few generations above and below me and the show pretty much executes most requirements on SYFY “must-have list”. Meaning, action, a futuristic world, robots, politics, wealth, a class system, sexuality, diversity, different languages and strong female/male leads that don’t take crap. Internationally, I feel it hits home with everyone because we can connect with at least five of the challenges that Ortega and Kovacs are going through (example., figuring out who we are, judgment upon others, our own sexuality, political sides, challenges with gender roles at work, etc. etc.). With this new wave of SYFY and the way Netflix creates its original content, they manage to really sell the show worldwide and execute it well.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Supernatural
I do! I have a few other small shows I’ve popped up on recently. Recently I was featured on Supernatural, episode 13, “Devil’s Bargain.” There’s one that I’m dying to talk about, but that’ll be in our next interview 😉
If you could work with any three people in the industry that you have not as of yet, whom would you choose and why?
I’d love to work alongside (acting) Kate Beckinsale. I worked with her on Underworld 4 and Total Recall. I simply adore that women! I don’t think people realize how funny she actually is! Another would be Patty Jenkins, ’cause she, well, she’s so talented and I love that she makes action films look like an art piece yet your adrenaline is pulsing! And thirdly, I’d love to work with Jennifer Garner. That woman should not be messed with! I’d love to do an Alias reboot or something. In my head Kate, Jennifer and I are all dying laughing, shooting guns in cool costumes, drinking gin and smoking pipes with Patty Jenkins directing us all. It’s a futuristic world and we’re all slaying dragons 😉
In light of the “Me Too” movement, how do you think that is changing the industry as far as the views of women are concerned?
The “Me Too” movement is interesting. I feel it’s like garbage under your sink. It keeps piling up, smelling like crap, most people see it, but don’t say anything until someone says, “That’s it! This sh*% needs to go!” There’s a shift that’s happening and I’m a part of it. There was a time when I would hug everyone when I got to set, “Hi! Good morning! Nice to see you again!” Now it’s a formal handshake because I see some people (mainly men) afraid that they may be approached later into a board meeting and sacked in a second. It’s a challenging conversation to have at work as well as off sets because some people are very open to the fact that sexual misconduct is not to be dealt lightly and to be dealt with aggressively as in no more, as well as some people don’t want to say a thing. I want men out there to know that us women are not against you. We want to work with you. However, we are not to be used or taken advantage of our minds or bodies. Now is a time to shift gears into teaching standards, personal space and also when and how to voice oneself. This is the tip of the iceberg
What is one talent/ability/hobby you would like to pursue and learn that you have not as of yet?
Speak fluent French. I’m dying to order a bottle of wine and a dish in the south of France on my own.(Yes the bottle is to myself. 😉
One thing you can always count on where Lisa is concerned: she tells it like it is. What you see is what you get with this actress. Now, while I know some of these phrases may sound cliché, Lisa embodies the very essence of each of these statements. No matter what role Lisa portrays, whether performing death-defying stunts or playing an engaging character, Lisa consistently brings her optimal skills while rising to the occasion and beyond. Although there is no denying that she is a lovely, young woman with a body that is resilient and toned, Lisa is a woman who refuses to be underestimated or thwarted. Make no mistake–this woman will accomplish her dreams (and then some), and all while remaining humble and pragmatic.
I also greatly appreciate her insight into the “Me Too” movement. While this has become the current trend and one that is hip to discuss, Lisa is willing to address the broad-spectrum ramifications and how it has altered the industry as well as a few misconceptions people may have about it. I respect the bold and fearless champions of this cause, whether they are former victims or not, and Lisa’s succinct observations remind us of the indisputable vitality of this movement.
Therefore, if you are so inclined, I invite you to check out Altered Carbon on Netflix as well as the rest of Lisa’s works–past and present. I would also invite my readers to investigate Lisa’s links below and consider following her and supporting her on her marvelous journey as an entertainer. In order for permanent change to occur, we need outspoken women who are willing to shed light on the insidious predators while going about it in the right way. I am looking forward to all of Lisa’s upcoming works, and I can say that of what I have seen of Altered Carbon, it is a splendidly-shot series that may very well be the next show some of my readers may care to binge-watch. And after all, why would we pass up the supreme opportunity to see this kick-ass female characterize such an incredible role?!
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