Hi there, my name is Jamie, hail from sunny Glasgow and all that. Most pleased to see you have a home here on the WWW. Been a film fan for aeons, and I’m one of those poor souls who stay behind and attempt to memorise each name in the credits! You may not be surprised to know that I be one of these people who update the IMDB…
Just a couple of things. Although I haven’t been here long, I’m quite sure you’ve been asked all sorts of questions, and repeatedly – how did you get started? What made you want to concentrate on being a full-time stunt performer? What’s the toughest stunt you’ve ever done? Being at the top of your profession, is it a job that can keep the wolf from the door? How much do you actually enjoy being second unit director? How do you choose which film to work on? What would I have to do to get Vic Armstrong to work on my film? Do you only work on big pictures? How do you enjoy working with such-and-such a director? What films are you proudest of? What films would you like to do? Do you think there will be an Armstrong doing what you do in the future? Etc, etc, etc.
Again, I’m sure that you’ve been asked all of these questions here, and so what I’m suggesting is that you consider adding a Frequently Asked Questions to your homepage, so that you never have to answer them again! Secondly, I presume from your previous posts you now call Southern California home, and so I must ask how you’re enjoying the heat – and the beer!
My thanks for reading, and for all the fine work.
Best regards
Jamie
http://www.vicarmstrong.com Vic
Hello Jamie, sorry it takes me so long to answer but travel just gets in the way and i just chill out and do nothing on the odd days i have off.
To answer your questions i got started in 1965 by being asked to ride a horse in a chase sequence in a movie called “Arabesgue” with Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren and i thought this job suits me fine and just kind of kept on being asked to do things and realised it was a great business that could be made very professional and successful. I love directing 2nd (they are actually Action Units) unit but I love directing 1st units better so there is always something to strive for. It is a little bit of fate as to what films I actually do, it involves financial negotiations and locations and actors and all sorts of things. I work on BIG films but i also like to go on little low budget movies (for a short time!) and help out if I can. Some directors are easier than others to work for,all have different personalities. I am proud of the Indy Trilogy, the Bonds i have done, The Mission, Superman 1&2 Total Recall and many many others. There are lots of Vic Armstrong’s coming along now which is great there is plenty of work out there for good people. I call the UK home as well as LA but i am never in either place much because my work is mostly locations although last year I was in LA for the longest time yet.
If you think i need a frequently asked question page send me some design or ideas and i will pass them onto my web page man Nick Rennie. Hope this is what you wanted jamie Good Luck Vic
http://timesunion.com Paul Grondahl
Mr. Armstrong:
Paul Grondahl of the Albany Times Union here. I’ve covered lots of movies shot in the Albany area over the past 25 yrs. and am a friend of Phil Caruso, who lives locally and shoots stills for the film industry. He said he’s worked on some movies with you and suggested I contact you. Could I interview you about being stunt coordinator of “Salt” while you’re still in Albany? Let me know. Thanks. Paul Grondahl
(518) 454-5623 [email protected]
Kevin Daniels
Dear Vic.
I am leaving the British Army in about 17 months time. I will be 40 years old on the day that i get out. I am very interested in becoming a stunt man, but i have two questions that i hope you can answer.
1. Will anyone in the industry be interested in hireing a 40 year old.
2. If they are, who or where is the person/place to be trained.
Any help or advice you can give will be very appreciated.
Thank’s very much.
Kevin Daniels.
http://www.vicarmstrong.com Vic
Hi Kevin, you would be employed as a 40 year old no problem but firstly you must join the stunt register for details write to Equity, Guild House, Upper St Martins Lane, WC2H 9EG when you have passed the skills they will advise you on and have joined you must have one skill that puts you above anybody else and whatever category you are good at and use that skill as your calling card. It is a long process and difficult but people do join and get work. Good luck, Regards Vic
david firestar
hello are you going to be on the facebook ?
cant wait for shanghai,im back in bangkok doing more extra stuff
david
http://www.vicarmstrong.com Vic
Hi David, I guess Shanghai should be out any week now it was s fun movie to work on and iI loved my whole crew and cannot wait to get back there. Regards Vic
