As my readers know, I simply adore the Vancouver film industry, and not too long ago, I was honored to have been connected with one of the most promising, up-and-coming young filmmakers in this community–Cassandra Ebner. I have noticed her name emerging on a regular basis over the past few months, and I knew it was finally time to feature here on my website. Even though she may not be a recognized name amongst my usual readers, I tend to think that she is going to be one of the filmmakers to watch attentively in the new few years. Regardless, please enjoy finding out more about this talented young lady as you read my recent virtual chat with her.
RH: Please tell us a little about your background and how that led to your wanting to pursue a career in film and TV.
CE: I tell a lot of people how it was a superhero show that inspired my career, but let’s get more specific! I am pretty positive when I was four, I was introduced to the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve. He had superpowers and I told my parents that’s what I wanted to be–someone who saved people with their mighty gifts and inspired others to do the same! When they told me that was an actor, I was like, “Then that’s what I want to do!!”
As time went on, social media featured stunt performers more and I realized that was an actual job! I could learn to do the superhero stuff people saw in the movies! Because of my mix of Rugby, physical activity and love for bringing stories to life – that’s where my career has taken me. On an epic journey of stunts, acting and creating stories for people to feel the way we all feel when we watch a movie — entertained!
How did you use YouTube to help jumpstart your career as a filmmaker?
I started to learn editing when I was thirteen and creating my own skits, discovering camera angles and cheats in editing to help tell goofy stories to others online. This helped me in so many different ways; it taught me how to write skits, produce things, work on my acting and how to market myself. I had a following and was collaborating with people from around the world before the age of sixteen.
When I was eighteen, some fans from YouTube connected me with a few stunt performers in Vancouver. And now for the fast track version of the story – I trained more after those encounters, started working in the film industry, made more connections, levelled up more skills and kept creating to now be the filmmaker I am today. Thanks, YouTube and all the humans I have met along the way!
Please tell us a little about your training after high school graduation that led to more opportunities in film and TV.
After high school, I had moved to Vancouver to enter the film industry – with $500 in my pocket. I found part-time jobs and helped out at a Taekwondo school in exchange for training. I saved money to go to open gymnastics where I met more of my friends who I trained with at other gymnastics gyms. I volunteered on indie film sets to meet more people and to learn more set etiquette. I then started working as a PA on sets, did background and I also had a side job editing corporate videos for banks. I tried to do everything and anything for film so I could learn more and be an asset to a team.
As I saved more money I started to invest more in my skills by going to boxing, parkour, fitness classes, a mix of various martial arts, getting my Padi certificate, motorcycle courses and taking time off work to be part of more volunteer opportunities. And when the right opportunities opened up and more people met and trusted my skillset I started to get hired as a professional stunt woman and actress.
You have worked as a stunt performer in a variety of film and TV productions. What have been some of your most memorable roles in stunts, and why do those stand out?
My work on Game Of Thrones was surreal, I still remember the experience so vividly and that’s saying a lot for someone who’s played rugby (a few hits to the head goes a long way, ha-ha!). Getting to work on a show you’re a fan of, seeing how it comes together and being so heavily part of the process is always gratifying. And honestly… squinting through the fake snow blowing through the massive special effects fans and seeing a horde of undead standing only fifty strides in front of you, with ice-covered mountains behind them, is a memory you will never forget.
What are the differences in training for stunts as opposed to training to be an actor/actress? What are the benefits and challenges of both roles?
I love training both! And actually find a lot of similarities between them. When I am on set doubling, I am using that time to perform and embody the character I am doubling to seamlessly blend the edit from actor to stunt double. Both acting and stunts require a confidence in what you’re doing for those you’re working with – making choices that are best for the character or most safe for your body is something to convey with confidence and conviction.
In my opinion, the difference between the two would be the dangers or complexity of the scene you’re involved in. Rehearsals go into place for stunts to make sure the stunt is best worked out and safely executed, but due to what you’re wearing when you perform on camera you will have some scuffs and bruises at the end of the day. With acting, the scuffs and bruises may be on your heart from the complexity of the scene you’ve been given or the emotional work you’re doing on set. Similar – but sometimes physically and mentally different.
What prompted you to write/produce your own independent film/show? Where did you get your inspiration for Life XP?
I had always wanted to create a web-series (aka short-form series), but with training and work, I didn’t feel I had the time. So when I broke my ankle on set, I thought “perfect timing!” I got to writing, applied for some funding programs and won the Independent Production Fund, put the team together, filmed Life XP and got it out to the world! My inspiration came from a lot of different things, other web series, gaming with my uncle and dad, my encounter with online fame and some good ol’ storytelling of an unlikely hero’s journey!
Please tell us a little about Life XP and how it has been received in the independent film community? Any idea when it may be available for distribution?
We have gotten into many film festivals around the world with over eight wins and twenty nominations! We were invited to go to MIPTV in Cannes, France with Life XP. We’ve been featured on podcasts, TV interviews and gone to schools to showcase Life XP. And it is currently available online for free at www.youtube.com/ebnerds OR if you want to support the series you can buy the entire series, plus behind-the-scenes interviews and commentary here: www.vimeo.com/ondemand/lifexp AND we also have a Life XP Merch store where you can buy fun swag to help support future seasons www.lifexpseries.com .
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Some upcoming doubling on the new season of the Flash, Batwoman, Legends of Tomorrow and some others that I am not sure I can mention. An acting role on the last season of The 100. And lots of fun stuff in the works, completing a project and starting new ones. And in March, I will be on a panel at SXSW (South By South West) and some other upcoming events which will be mentioned on my social media.
Who do you see as your mentors and/or role models in the film/TV industry? Why/How have these individuals inspired you?
There are too many to name. I have met so many people along the way and learned so much from everyone. Some of the ones I can name off the top of my head right now are: Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Jim Carrey, Edgar Wright, Dwayne Johnson, Melissa McCarthy, Ellen Degeneres, Andy Serkis, Joss Whedon, Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, George Lucas, Michael Dante Di Martino, Bryan Konietzko, Zoe Bell, Chloe Bruce, Dayna Grant, Darryl Quon, Mike Ching, Chris Webb, Marny Eng, Kim Chiang, Andrei Kovski, Patrick Sabongui, Rob Hayter, JJ, Maja Aro, Corey Glass, Brian Ho, Irma Leong, Brent Connolly, Andrew Chin, Marie-Eve, John Kralt, Simon Burnette, Atlin Mitchell, Lars Grant, Cody Laudan, Ieisha Auyeng, Trevor Addie to name a FEW! Some of these people I work with or have met along the way at pivotal moments in my life. Some I haven’t met at all and have been stalking their career since I was a little girl. These humans all have one common detonator, they all inspire me and have a special place in my heart, whether they know that or not.
When not working in film/TV, what do you like to do for fun?
This is a great question. I have completely engulfed my life with what I like to do for fun – creating, performing, training and inspiring others. Most of my time will be found doing one of those four things. And if I am not I am drinking tea, eating delicious food, cuddling with dogs, watching entertainment, travelling or drinking tea! (Yes I said TEA twice…)
I certainly cherish Cassandra’s spirit, energy, work ethic, and overall persona. There is nothing like a person who absolutely loves what he/she gets to do for a living, and it would seem that Cassandra thrives on filmmaking in any capacity. Whether she is stunt-doubling a well-known character on a popular network show or creating her own content, I have no doubt that the effervescence and youthful vigor she brings to set is positively infectious. As the years go on, I tend to think her enthusiasm and degree of professionalism and artistry will only increase dramatically, for she has all the components that comprise a much-sought-after working industry professional. It is stimulating to witness the willingness of someone her age to invest the time and resources to embrace and effectuate her dreams and goals. Moreover, Cassandra is an unreservedly delightful young lady who understands what is required to be a success in the film and TV industry, for it is more than apparent that she entered this business for the appropriate reasons. It’s not about being rich and famous; it is about producing content that connects with people on profound levels while entertaining and motivating them. I invite everyone to visit all of Cassandra’s links below and consider following her where applicable. Without a shred of doubt, there is an excellent chance that you have witnessed Cassandra’s prowess on the screen without even realizing it, and I can hardly wait to witness the continued acceleration of her career in the days, weeks, months, and years to come!
FOLLOW CASSANDRA
