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Friday, September 23, 2011

RED CARPET REGULARS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MOVER AND SHAKER KURT YAEGER, FEATURED IN DOLPHIN TALE WHICH DEBUTS IN AMERICA TODAY! SPONSORED BY A. MARINELLI LUXURY FOOTWEAR AND YOUR BACK OFFICE


Kurt Yaeger


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See the trailer:

Previously, Kurt has been featured as a Mover and Shaker on Whom You Know: 

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Peachy Deegan was thrilled to review Dolphin Tale:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/09/movietime-in-manhattan-dolphin-tale.html

Thank you Kurt.

We are equally psyched to present Mover and Shaker Kurt Yaeger as our latest Red Carpet Regulars exclusive interview.
Peachy Deegan interviewed Kurt Yaeger for Whom You Know.


Peachy Deegan: Did you get to play in the tank with or swim with Winter, the Dolphin of Dolphin Tale?
Kurt Yaeger: I didn’t get a chance to swim with Winter but I was able to spend a little time with her. She was absolutely amazing.

Did you meet all of the "real life" people that played a part in this true story, and if so, how was that experience?
I met a few people from the real story and they were all amazing. Meeting the people from Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics was my highlight because they took the time to create the products that I use today; they help me walk.

How long does it take to film a movie like Dolphin Tale?
I’m not sure how long filming took, but I can tell you Alcon Entertainment (the production company) spent many months preparing for filming and they did a wonderful job bringing Winter’s story to the screen.

In the movie, does Winter do all of the Dolphin work or does she have a stunt double?
As far as I know Winter did all her own work. She’s an amazing dolphin and can do far more than people would think, sort of like me.

What are the main differences between making a prosthetic for a person and making a prosthetic for a dolphin?
Dealing with the constant problem of being wet is a big issue. Being underwater creates hydraulic conditions which I’m sure were difficult to overcome besides wanting to slip off because of the water and smooth skin of the Dolphin. Even with those technical challenges I’d have to say that the biggest challenge would be that the patient, Winter, can only give limited feedback because we don’t understand dolphin communications completely.

Were you involved in any of the technical aspects of the movie as far as far as the prosthetic tail goes since you know about this field?
In this project I was only involved as an actor. I have done consulting in the past for productions wanting information about prosthetic limbs, the day to day issues being an amputee and also extreme sports projects. I actually like consulting as much as acting, it’s clearly different but they both are integral to the creation of a great piece and being a part of the creating team is very satisfying.

What should most people know and understand about prosthetics that most people do not?
That’s a hard question to answer. Every person missing a limb deals with it different with it’s own set of problems. Some have massive pain, others none. Some have bone spurs, bursas and other issues that come up and others don’t. It’s very individual and a trial and error process to get everything right, often to only find you need changes a few months later.

Has anyone you know from Wounded Warriors seen Dolphin Tale and the role that you play in it yet? If so, what have they said?
I’m not 100% sure who has seen it yet, I’ve sort of been in a whirlwind lately.

We know you are involved with Wounded Warriors; how did your involvement prepare you for the role you play as Veteran Tim?
Veterans are special people who have a mindset about life that is different than most people. They live for honor and try to let nothing get in the way of that pursuit. Understanding that basic principal is key to my process for character development. If you know the root of your characters beliefs, well, everything else builds from there.

What words of inspiration and wisdom would you have for real life veterans who come back from war with disabilities?
I think it’s the other way around. Their stories, their character, their honor, their sacrifice and commitment is my inspiration and teaches me wisdom. I lost my leg when I was 29. This is after I became a professional athlete, after long-term relationships with women, after living a certain type of life. Some of these heroes are coming home at the age of 18, 19, 20 before many of them were able to live with that limb. Their attitude is better than mine and that shames me. Working with those guys has made me a better person, not the other way around.

What would surprise everyone about the making of Dolphin Tale?
That yes, it is a real story of a real Dolphin named Winter who really lost her tail! That and the guys at Alcon Entertainment are some of the nicest people I’ve met in Hollywood.

What aspect of Dolphin Tale are you proudest of and why?
I love that the story was written with such heart, true signs of compassion and what service can do for your own heart. The writer, Noam Dromi, is a fantastic person who captured the essence of this story. From the struggles and triumphs and to the fun moments, he nailed it.

What is your favorite scene from Dolphin Tale?
My favorite scene in the whole movie is when all hope is lost and out of a van comes the most adorable face you have ever seen. Laila is a little girl in a wheelchair who is missing her leg and she waves so innocently, so heart wrenchingly sweet that I just break out into tears every time it plays. I’m a sucker for innocence.

What else should Whom You Know readers know about Dolphin Tale?
This is a great film, a type of film that Hollywood should make more of and if people do want to see more of these productions made, tell your friends about the film, get out to the theater, and vote with your dollar. You can tell Hollywood these are films you want by making this the biggest deal this year.

Will there be a sequel to Dolphin Tale?
Not sure if there will be, but if so, I’d be honored to be involved.

We would like to toast the success of Dolphin Tale with The Peachy Deegan cocktail with you next time you are in town. Do you want to try to hit all 14 places consecutively? If not, which are on your "must visit" list? 
I don’t think I could handle drinking that much, I’m a lightweight and a cheap date.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
You can like my fan page on facebook at 
Or contact my management team at Marv Dauer Management


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