Divergent: Excl. Interview with Stunt Woman Alicia Vela-Bailey

Avatar, X-Men: First Class, Iron Man 3, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Total Recall are just some of the films where Alicia Vela-Bailey has featured her talent. If you didn’t noticed her is because she did her job right. Stunt performers are an essential part in the movie business and Alicia is just one of the best.

In an exclusive interview with Desde Hollywod, the beautiful daredevil talks about her career and shares her experience in “Divergent” (in theaters and IMAX® on March 21st).

How were those first experiences doing stunts in Hollywood?

It was very exciting for me. It kind of just happened. Everything was new. Learning how to fight, new moves… it was super fan!

When you are someone’s double, do you watch previous movies to mimic them?

If it is a sequel, yes I would. If not, I meet the actor and I learn how she moves in rehearsals.

How was it working with Shailene Woodley?

I love her! She is so down to earth and sweet. She says “hi” to everyone. It was wonderful working with her.

Photo: Jaap Buitendijk© 2013 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved

Was that big jump the most challenging thing for you in “Divergent”?

I have never done before. I was nervous, honestly. It was very windy that day. We did it 4 times. When it was all done it was a big relief.

How do people react when you say that you are a stunt woman?

They don’t believe it at first. But then they want to know more. It is always a surprise for people. It’s kind of funny.

Is it frustrating to know that most people won’t know it was you doing the stunts?

You need to stay humble. My family and friends know it is me. I am used to it so it isn’t a big deal.

It seems that a sequel is already in the works. Are you excited?

I prefer to wait until someone calls me and says they want me to be part of it. It sucks when you get excited and things don’t happen.

Divergent is the first installment in the Divergent trilogy, the top three books on USA Today’s best-seller list in 2013. The story is set within a future world where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personalities, and Tris Prior, played by Shailene Woodley, is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, she must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late.