Our Man from Jersey – Stunt doubling Mark Wahlberg
In the fast-paced world of Hollywood action films, there are unsung heroes who bring heart-stopping sequences to life on the silver screen. Among these heroes are stunt doubles, individuals who risk life and limb to create the thrilling moments that keep us on the edge of our seats. One such adventure led me to an unforgettable experience working as Mark Wahlberg’s stunt double on the action-packed movie “Our Man from Jersey.” But this job was no ordinary gig – it was a remarkable collaboration with my longtime friend, team mate and fight choreographer, Adam Brashaw. Join me as I take you behind the scenes of this incredible journey from working in the UK to climbing mountains in Slovenia and shooting in Croatia.
As fate would have it, my journey on “Our Man from Jersey” began with a fortuitous alignment of paths. My dear friend, Adam Brashaw, renowned for his fight choreography skills, was brought on board to orchestrate the dynamic fight sequences in the movie. Our history together spans over two decades of training and working side by side, making this collaboration a dream come true. It was surreal to think that after all these years of working together around the world doing Parkour and Free Running, we were now joining forces to tackle a Hollywood blockbuster together. We had a really talented stunt team being spear headed by Adam Kirley as Stunt Co-Ordinator and Ben Wright assisting, a great bunch of guys I had the pleasure of working with.
From the get go, I knew “Our Man from Jersey” was going to test my limits like never before. The action-packed script called for an array of demanding stunts that would challenge even the most seasoned stunt performers. From smashing through skylights and crashing onto tables 15ft below to leaping off Alberts Bridge in London onto a moving barge – the thrills were non-stop. Each day presented a new set of physical and mental challenges, I had to train with all kinds of guns learning room clearance, proper weapon control, tactical reloads the works! Luckily I had Adam Collins a former Marine turned stunt man who was an incredible teacher. I learnt so much from him in the 6 months we worked together and to this day all of his knowledge sticks with me making me a better stunt performer for any future role I take.
The production took us on an exhilarating ride that spanned continents. We kicked off filming at Shepperton Studios in London, where we brought the heart of the action to life. I would say we reached a pinnacle when we got to jump off Alberts bridge in central London onto a moving Barge while a helicopter hovered above us, Easily one of the coolest stunts I have had to do, but that was just the beginning. Our journey continued as we ventured to Slovenia and Croatia, embracing new cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
Slovenia and Croatia offered the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s most daring sequences. Scaling buildings, jumping rooftops, and even a heart-stopping car chase – every scene was a testament to our dedication and teamwork. It was during this leg of the journey that our core team forged an unbreakable bond, training tirelessly after long shoot days and embracing the grueling demands of our craft. We became “Team RIP” ^_^, this perfectly encapsulated our dedication to pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
Our adventures weren’t limited to the film set. In a moment of ambition and spontaneity, the core team decided to tackle Mount Triglav, the tallest peak in Slovenia. The weekend mountain climb, though ambitious, left our legs aching and our sides splitting from having such a good laugh together. While our muscles may have felt the burn, the experience only solidified our bond and added an unforgettable chapter to our shared journey. It really was the ultimate team building experience, and one that will live with me forever. I could not have gone up with a better bunch, shout out to Adam Colins, Kai Martin, Lucy Cork, Adam Lord and Steve Mullins.
Working alongside Mark Wahlberg is always a blast! this was now my 4th film with him. His professionalism and charisma set the tone for the entire production, inspiring us to deliver our best performances. And let’s not forget the brilliant Halle Berry, who brought her talent and charm to every scene. Sharing fight sequences with her was an honor, as she consistently impressed with her dedication and skill.
As the dust settled on our incredible adventure, the anticipation for the film’s release began to build. “Our Man from Jersey” promises heart-pounding action, jaw-dropping stunts, and an unforgettable story that will keep audiences glued to their screens. With its expected release on Netflix in 2024, the world will soon get a glimpse of the passion, dedication, and camaraderie that went into creating this cinematic masterpiece.