Meet Nina Ratterree | Stunt Woman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina Ratterree and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Stunt work is probably one of the hardest industries to break into. You may have skills but do people trust you enough to do the job? Or people know you, but do you have the skill to do the job? We are constantly training. Stunt fights, firearms, stunt car driving, motorcycles, high falls, martial arts. Over and over.

Stunt work is all about safety. Get the job done and get home safely.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Stunt work is very physical and mental. It’s all about skills and timing. Do you have this skill or that skill? It’s also about being professional on set. Stand back, pay attention and listen to your stunt coordinator. There is a lot at stake and sometimes even our life. So safety is a priority. We are not the stars. We are there to enhance the character of the talent we are doubling and to make sure they do not get injured so filming can continue.

For me, I am not a gymnast or a martial artist. I started because they needed stunt doubles for teenagers and kids. Along the way I had to find other stunt people so I could learn knew skills like hitting the ground and fights and high falls. It was intimidating in the beginning, but I kept showing up. It was hard, but I kept showing up. It was painful, but I kept showing up.

I am happy I showed up because I’ve gotten to work on some of the coolest tv shows and movies.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s go to the Korean Spa!! Olympic Spa is my go to! We’ll get our worries scrubbed away and then go grab some breakfast in Los Feliz. Afterwards, let’s drive around and look at all these beautiful houses. Then, I would go to The Beverly Hills Hotel where all the old school movie stars used to hang out and grab a cocktail….or three.

I would go in search of boba and let’s do some cool stunt training. Wire work and maybe some basic stunt fights. Let’s go learn how to drift cars! I would go to Cirque School on Hollywood Blvd and take some fun aerial class.

I would head out to Paso Robles and do some wine tasting.

I would take them to studios and show them where some of their favorite movies and tv shows are made.

Crumbs and Whiskers is a great cat cafe on Melrose Ave. Let’s grab a latte and love all over some cats!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad! My dad is a retired Green Beret and he built up a confidence in me since I was a little girl. He kept telling me I could do whatever I wanted as long as I was the one who wanted to do it….not for anyone else. Do it the right way the first time so I don’t have to do it over. Be strong and tough, but be kind. Stop talking and listen to people. Be aware of my surroundings. Be on time!! He taught me to try everything and stick with the things I enjoyed and was good at. Stand straight!! Look people in the eye! He encouraged me to travel the world and see how other people lived and to be compassionate towards others. My dad is the best!!

My boyfriend, John Phillips. He encourages me to move up to the next level. To stay young mentally. He’s always there cheering me on when I book a job and enjoys listening to my stories from being on set. It’s great to be on this journey with him and I’m savoring this time we have together on this planet.

My little sister, Danielle. Keeps me on track because I had to remember she is there watching everything I am doing. I want to make sure she has a good role model. She’s my little love bug and I’m so grateful she’s there to talk and listen to me. She grew up to be a great person and I want her to know I’m here for her, also!

Instagram: NinaRatterree

Image Credits
John Allen Phillips