Nova Zatzman
She played in a couple episodes of Haven as an stunt (double) performer.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Nova Zatzman: My name is (Elana) Nova Zatzman, I’m a professional stunt woman who works in Canada and the USA.
SKSM: When was the moment in your life that you want to be a stunt woman?
Nova Zatzman: I wanted to be a stunt woman since i was 10 years old. I knew it was something i wanted to pursue – when i was around the age of 13. So I tracked down a stunt coordinators phone number and called them up. Till this day I believe that he probably thought i was some crazy young kid, but he told me to keep in touch and to call him once i turned 18. I did and every year after that i called – until he hired me for my first job.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Haven?
Nova Zatzman: Actually the stunt coordinator that hired me for Haven was the same coordinator that hired me for my first stunt performance when i was younger.
SKSM: What kind of stunts do you do in Haven?
Nova Zatzman: I did a few jobs for Haven. I did a bicycle gag and some additional work in the first episode, if you recall in the first episode where the actress has a near miss with the bicycle rider coming down a hill in very deep fog – that was me. The fog you see in the TV show is not CGI in the first episode- we had it created on the day so as heavy as it looks it actually was that thick. I also worked in the very last episode as Vera’s stunt double.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you played in Haven that you would like to tell me about?
Nova Zatzman: Nothing really funny that i can recall off the top of my head. Working with the Haven cast and crew was a blast. I can only hope they shoot additional seasons!
SKSM: Is there some part(s) in the film where you now say “I wish that I have done this different”?
Nova Zatzman: Actually i don’t think or question my performance. I know my abilities and limitations so when i perform I just go with the flow – if you doubt yourself or hesitate you will make a mistake. Yes….things can always be done differently but if you hold onto that thought process “i could have done better….” its a really negative thought and could bring you down. I like to keep positive.
SKSM: Are you always happy with the end result of your stunt?
Nova Zatzman: Yes, I am always happy with the end result of my stunt. I’ve worked very hard and train with many people in the stunt industry. So what i know and have learned I credit to many people. I think any performer “lights up” when they hear crew say “that was a great stunt”.
SKSM: Are you going to do also some stunts in the upcoming Haven season(s)?
Nova Zatzman: I hope they shoot many more seasons of Haven and that i’m invited back- its a great show and it has a good fan base. I would love to work with the production team again.
SKSM: What was the most dangerous thing you ever done?
Nova Zatzman: I can’t really answer this question – because you can’t compare stunts. Every stunt has a danger factor to it – which is why performers are hired. The stunt coordinator – creates the stunt which a production requires to shoot a scene, they do the best in their abilities to make the stunt or gag as safe as possible for a performer however there is still a risk factor. That is why stunt performers exist – we aren’t just on set to perform a stunt, we are on set in case something does go wrong during the stunt sequence (say if a pedestrian runs onto the location we are shooting) we know how to react and won’t “freeze up”. It’s all about safety.
SKSM: Are you (or where you) a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Nova Zatzman: I actually never read Stephen King’s work prior to working on this show. I heard about many of his books through friends but sadly I never had the opportunity or time to actually open one up. Maybe in the future.
SKSM: What do you do when you’re not working?
Nova Zatzman: Well I’m not working all the time in the film industry. Many of us performers have additional jobs – I am a professional web and graphics designer/programmer (www.e-zdesigns.com). Aside from that I enjoy training and working out and i coach/mentor sports teams.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Nova Zatzman: Sure, To the fans of Haven – Keep watching and supporting the show and I’m sure more seasons will come! Thanks for the interview!
SKSM: Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Nova Zatzman: If you would like to see what I’ve been up towards – my website is located at: www.novastunts.com.
