AUSTRALIAN STUNTS ORGANISATION (ASO) - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Film Director, Stunt Coordinator, ASO Ambassador & ASO Stunt Safety Advisor
We are honoured and thrilled to welcome Andy Armstrong. Andy's journey began in motorsports before he leaped into the movie industry in 1972. Starting as a vehicle stunt performer, his knack for organisation propelled him to the status of assistant film director by 1973. Over his career, he contributed to 70+ international movies, including iconic James Bond films. Renowned for managing intricate, perilous stunts, he became a specialist in handling complex action sequences.
By 1987, Andy shifted to directing entire action sequences, crafting monumental scenes in movies like "Hoffa," "Stargate," "Planet of the Apes," and more, while also coordinating action in films such as "Scooby Doo 2" and "I Robot." Co-founding Armstrong Action, a family-driven stunt company, he influenced global productions, even reshaping action styles in "The Amazing Spiderman." Additionally, he delved into directing films like "Moonshine Highway" and TV episodes, along with co-directing music videos for Metallica and Sheryl Crow, expanding his creative ventures across 38 countries. Andy solidified himself as a global authority in action choreography and direction.
Job Titles:
- ASO Ambassador & ASO Research Advisor
We are delighted and grateful to welcome Dr. Jeff Russell. Dr. Russell holds the position of associate professor in Athletic Training at Ohio University and is the Director of Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe). With a career spanning sports medicine, orthopaedics, and performing arts medicine, his current responsibilities encompass leading a group of athletic trainers and researchers devoted to the comprehensive study and care of artists engaged in disciplines such as dance, music, theater, entertainment, and marching band. His primary research emphasis is concussions in stunt performers.
Especially valued in his research group are several community-engaged co-investigators who represent the artistic communities with which he conducts research. Dr. Russell's academic background includes a Ph.D. in dance medicine and science from the University of Wolverhampton, England. His notable designations include being a founding board member of The Bridge Dance Project and a co-founder of the SPRINT Study at Boston University that investigates chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in stunt performers.
Job Titles:
- Media Psychologist, Stunt Coordinator, ASO Ambassador & ASO Researcher
- Member of the Science
ASO is delighted to extend a warm welcome to Dr Leslie McMichael. Dr McMichael has been a Canadian stunt performer since 1996 and a stunt coordinator since 2015. Her performing specialties are martial arts, wire work, driving, fire and stunt acting. Leslie is the first female stunt coordinator in Alberta, and has worked for studios such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Paramount, Universal and CBS. With a PhD in Media Psychology, Leslie has studied the effects of serial concussion in stunt performers and continues to educate and promote concussion awareness in the stunt community.
Leslie is an active member of the Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe) Research Group at Ohio University as a community-based researcher who advises the research group on the technical aspects of film and television stunt performance. In addition, she's a co-investigator in the SHAPe Research Group's partnership with the Boston University CTE Center to study chronic traumatic encephalopathy in stunt performers. Other volunteer work includes being the concussion representative for her son's Bantam football team.
Job Titles:
- Events & Industries Consultant
Leveraging a wealth of experience in event management, particularly within the realms of entertainment, festival installations, and patron engagement, Henry adds a seasoned perspective to our ranks.
His fervour for media and the arts is matched only by his enthusiasm for nurturing and realising the complete spectrum of opportunities tied to stunts and creativity.
Job Titles:
- Associate, Film Producer / Distributor & ASO AR / VR Advisor & Consultant
A warm and honourable welcome to Jordi van Even. Jordi has been involved in film, television, and entertainment since 2010, following an MSc and a career in international business. His passion for cinema dates back to his upbringing, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that emerged at the age of 12 with a home video store. A dedicated writer and conceptualiser, he refuses to choose between the business and creative facets of entertainment. With 14 years of distribution experience, including multimillion-dollar deals with major studios and platforms, he possesses exceptional contract and negotiation skills.
Having achieved success with titles like the FC Barcelona documentary ‘Take the Ball Pass the Ball' in collaboration with Universal Pictures through Rooftop Film & TV, he went on to establish Rooftop Immersive Studio in Amsterdam. This new venture focuses on Location Based Experiences, AR Activations, and Web 3 IP. Jordi also serves as the European production partner for LA-based Curiosity Entertainment, concentrating on commercial and international productions, such as the upcoming ‘Europe by Train' created by Mark Williams (OZARK).
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Founder
Kim's aspiration within the Australian Stunts Organisation is to furnish resources and assistance to stunt performers who encounter challenges in accessing adequate medical care, rehabilitation, and additional living provisions subsequent to job-related injuries.
In 2011, while her former partner was gaining prominence as a sought-after stunt performer, he suffered an injury that abruptly terminated his career. This incident plunged him and Kim into a long and difficult struggle to secure the necessary resources and financial support for appropriate treatment.
Presently, Kim has the distinct privilege of being actively involved in a close collaboration, working alongside Louis-Philippe Lorange on his enthralling stunt documentary project.
Her commitment to holistic well-being has driven her to embark on a new academic journey in Counselling and Psychotherapy. This endeavour reflects her aspiration to seamlessly integrate her creative arts and fitness qualifications, offering a comprehensive approach to benefit ASO and its mission of nurturing both physical vitality and emotional well-being.
Job Titles:
- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
Kundai is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, ISSA Nutrition Coach, ADAPT Level 1 Parkour Instructor, with 10+ years of experience in the Cape Town film and fitness industry.
ASO is pleased to introduce Louis-Philippe a skilled filmmaker with training from INIS and the University of Montreal, where he holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree.
His dedication lies in a broad spectrum of artistic domains, with a pronounced emphasis on documentary cinema and research, complemented by a proven proficiency in screenwriting.
Over the course of nearly a decade, Louis-Philippe has amassed substantial expertise as an independent contractor, assuming diverse roles within the realms of television, film, and advertising production.
His enthusiasm for education and teaching is equally pronounced. To demonstrate this commitment, he has achieved a notable accomplishment by successfully finishing a microprogram in post-secondary education at the University of Montreal.
Job Titles:
- Community Leader
- Executive Assistant & ASO Ambassador
Beyond his role as a community catalyst, Maruti finds immense fulfillment in the realm of acting. An ardent enthusiast of the craft, he revels in the transformative experience that unfolds both on and off the stage and screen. Through the embodiment of diverse characters and narratives, acting serves as his outlet for creative expression.
Maruti brings a dynamic perspective in human psychology coupled with a creative approach to ASO, leveraging a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Behavioural Science (Psychology).
Job Titles:
- Headache & Migraine Physiotherapist & ASO Ambassador
ASO is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Michelle, whose multifaceted expertise in physiotherapy, performing arts, and dedication to enhancing healthcare aligns with the ASO's commitment to fostering holistic well-being within the artistic community.
Michelle, an Adelaide-based physiotherapist specialising in headache and migraine treatments, holds Level 3 Watson Practitioner certification in the Watson Headache Protocol. Her dedication to delivering top-tier healthcare for chronic pain sufferers is evident through her effective treatment approaches.
Job Titles:
- Director of Health Programs & Consultant
Introducing Tony Hvasanov (B. PHYSIO), who acts as an advisor and consultant to ASO's health professionals, partnerships and alliances.