This week Doc features a very busy and talented stuntwoman...thats right a stunt WOMAN. Oww La La...you may have seen her in such films as John Carpenter's Vampires, Ghosts of Mars or even The Matrix Reloaded...but now thanks to Dr. Mowamba we have a heaping helping of some sweet, stuntwoman goodness with our exclusive interview with...Danielle Burgio!

(Q): How did you get started in the entertainment industry and what made you want to become a stunt-woman?

(A): I started as a dancer wanting to transition into acting. When I got to Hollywood and started working in film and TV I met some stuntmen and the rest is history. In a million years, I never thought I would have ended up with this career.

(Q): What made you want to start acting and get into the horror genre?

(A):I didn't go looking for the horror movie genre; it definitely came to me, probably like many other actors in it’s genre. We're just out here to act no matter what, and we go on the auditions that come up. If you find you’re good at something, it seems to have a trickle effect and people talk and you get suggested for more and more roles. I love acting, whether it's acting scared, sexy, sad, angry, or otherwise. As long as I'm acting for real, for keeps, then for me, it's a job well done.

(Q): What is the craziest stunt you ever had to do in a film?

(A): They all seem crazy to me. It's always a different deal with a different set of circumstances. Just yesterday I had to run like I was hypnotized and fall into a big hole in the ground....that's crazy! One of my favorite stunts was jumping from building to building (about 4 stories). The trick was that the script required that I just miss the second building. My foot was to catch the edge as I grab on to save my life. It went well but I knocked the wind out of myself every take. I also ripped up the palms of my hands from the gravel paper the line the roof with. Very painful experience but one of my most satisfying

(Q): One of your first movies was John Carpenter's Vampires. How did you come about being cast in this movie?

(A): This was my first real gig. Another stunt-woman was doing the role but the schedule changed and she had a conflict. They needed a replacement quick and needed someone who looked like her. I had recently met the coordinator and fit the bill. He decided to take a big chance on me but felt confident because of my dance background. It was sheer luck on my part and threw me into my new career, head first. I got experience with squibs, airrams, ratchets and fights. Most stunt people put in years to get that opportunity.

(Q): You played one of the female Vampires in the film. Can you tell us a little about the filming and the make-up process?

(A): The make-up was mostly airbrush brilliance by KNB. I thought they made me look beautiful and scary all at the same time. It took a couple hours but the worst part for me was the contacts. They were hard painted lenses that were made for the previous stunt-woman. I don't generally were contacts so it was a new experience. They had to numb my eyes and practically hold me down to get them in. The filming was fantastic. I was having a blast. The whole scene took about 3 days. It went so well, I was invited to stick around and play in the motel scene. If you look close you can see me as a hooker in a bright green mini-skirt. When one of the slayers is shooting at the head vamp, he uses me as a shield....great fun.

(Q): You also did some stunts in John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars Can you tell us a little about it?

(A): We shot in New Mexico on a reservation. The earth was painted red and we shot at night for 5 weeks. It's always weird finishing your workday when the sun comes up. The set always seemed to call for fire and there were always bats flying around. It was very surreal but so much fun. So many of my friends were on that job and we were all painted like Martians running around like kids all through the night. I can't think of a better way to make a living.

(Q): How was it working with John Carpenter?

(A): John is one of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with. I was so intimidated by him at first but now I just want to hug him. Both films I shot with him are of my favorite experiences. He was also extremely generous to write the forward to my book "The Stuntwoman's Workout".

(Q): You also were the stunt double for Carrie-Ann Moss in the Matrix Re-loaded and Matrix Revolutions. You did a lot of the wire fighting scenes. How tough was it to do these movies for you?

(A): That movie was tough for a different reason. It was one of the few times that the actors really did so much of the action. I was dying to step in. My job was working with the stunt team to dial in the fights, help with rehearsals and step in when things got a bit too dangerous for Carrie-Ann.

(Q): What is the worst injury you have had doing stunts in movies?

(A): I broke a rib getting thrown through the wall at the end of Matrix Reloaded. Other than, it's been whiplash, sprained ankles and a whole lot of bruising. I consider myself very lucky.

(Q): Recently you have been doing a lot more acting in movies and T.V. Do you prefer acting or stunt work?

(A): I love working as an actress now. It's been my dream since I was a kid and the first time that I’ve actually pursued it.

(Q):You were also in All Souls Day Dia de los Muertos. Can you tell us a little about your role and filming the movie?

(A): That was another case of being a last minute replacement. I was asked to come to set to meet the director and the next thing I knew I was body painted and falling out of a coffin.

(Q):Did you get a chance to get to know Danny Trejo and how was it working with him?

(A): We met but I can't say that I got to know him, we were in different scenes so we didn't have time together outside of the makeup trailer. He was incredibly nice, I remember being surprised at how friendly he was.

(Q):You also played Alice in House of the Dead 2 Dead Aim. Can you tell us a little about the filming and your role?

(A): It was honestly one of the most uncomfortable jobs for me. The make up required that the zombie teeth were built into the prosthetics, so I couldn't take them out. I was in them for 10-12 hours a day. The worst part of it was since I couldn't close my mouth, I was drooling all over myself....very embarrassing.

(Q):Was it an extensive make-up process to turn you into a zombie?

(A): The make-up took hours. My entire face was covered in a thick skin....I was the oldest zombie so I had the most extensive make-up. It was also applied to my arms. The guys at almost human were fantastic and we spent so much time together I feel a special bond with them.

(Q):You have been in a lot of horror movies now. Are you a fan of horror films and what are some of your favorites?

(A): I'm just a fan of good films, period. In the horror realm, I like so many, from "The Shining" to "Shaun of the Dead"

(Q):Do you have any up coming movies or project you want to tell the fans about?

(A): I've learned my lesson about answering that question. You never know how or even if something will come out until you see it for yourself. My favorite thing that has hit the airways recently is my propel commercial "Uphill".

(Q):Thank you so much for doing this interview with me. Is there anything else you would like to say?

(A): Just thank you! Being asked to do an interview like this is such a great compliment. I'll leave you with the stunt motto: Go big or go home!