STUNTMAN, what a cool job!

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Being a stunt person, also known as a stunt performer or stunt double, is one of the most thrilling and physically demanding jobs in the entertainment industry. ……………

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Being a stunt person, also known as a stunt performer or stunt double, is one of the most thrilling and physically demanding jobs in the entertainment industry. Stunt people perform dangerous and physically challenging actions on behalf of actors, ensuring that the performance looks real while minimizing the risk of injury to the principal actor.

A stunt performer is an actor skilled in both choreographing and safely presenting actions on-screen that appear to be dangerous, risky, or even deadly. Stunts frequently performed include car crashes, falls from great height, drags (for example, behind a horse), and the consequences of explosions. 

There is an inherent risk in the performance of all stunt work. There is maximum risk when the stunts are performed in front of a live audience. In filmed performances, visible safety mechanisms can be removed by editing. In live performances the audience can see more clearly if the performer is genuinely doing what they claim or appear to do. To reduce the risk of injury or death, most often stunts are choreographed or mechanically rigged so that, while they look dangerous, safety mechanisms are built into the performance. Despite their well-choreographed appearance, stunts are still very dangerous and physically testing exercises.

A great article that discusses the hazards in the film business is linked here.

What is a Stunt Person?

A stunt person performs dangerous or high-risk activities that are often too risky for the main actors to do themselves. These activities may include:

Stunt people are highly trained and often specialize in specific types of stunts, such as falls, driving, or wire work. They work closely with directors, stunt coordinators, and the rest of the production crew to ensure the safety of everyone involved while still achieving the desired action.

SPECIFIC STUNT TRAINING

You’ll need specialized training in a variety of stunt-related disciplines. Some common ones include:

  • Fight choreography: Learning how to throw punches, kicks, and fight safely while making it look realistic.
  • High falls and controlled descents: Falling from high places or being thrown with a special focus on safety.
  • Wire work: Training to be suspended from wires for actions such as flying or flips.
  • Driving: Stunt drivers are trained to handle vehicles in extreme conditions, including precision driving, car chases, and crashes.
  • Fire stunts: Some stunt performers specialize in working with fire, which includes training on fire burns, fire safety, and extinguishing techniques.
  • Water stunts: Diving, swimming, and performing stunts in water, which often require SCUBA certification.

EXAMPLE-STUNT DRIVING

BULLITT ;The stunt driver who drove the black Dodge Charger in the iconic car chase scene in the 1968 film “Bullitt” was Bill Hickman. 

  • Bill Hickman’s Role: Hickman was known for his stunt driving skills and was hired to drive the black Dodge Charger 440 Magnum in the film. 
  • Other Stunt Drivers: While Steve McQueen, the lead actor, was credited with driving during the chase sequence, it was actually shared by McQueen and Bud Ekins, another well-known stunt driver, for the high-speed parts of the chase and other dangerous stunts. 
  • Hickman’s Other Work: Hickman’s work in “Bullitt” earned him recognition, leading to his hiring by William Friedkin for “The French Connection” (1971) and “The Seven-Ups” (1973), both known for their car chase scenes. 
  • Hickman’s other credits; include “Patton” (1970), “What’s Up, Doc?” (1972), “Shaft” (TV series, 1973), and “Madigan” (TV series, 1973). 

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CERTIFICATION AND SAFETY

While understanding that there are no “stunt certifications” in the industry at this time. Some schools provide certificates that are solely for use to verify training in order to participate in more advanced sessions or special invitation only events. The closest thing to a stunt certification is the arbitrary stunt coordinator requirements at SAG/AFTRA.

Stunt people are required to know first aid, CPR, and basic injury prevention. It’s also common for stunt professionals to get certified by organizations such as:

FYI: Some of these organizations are sometimes by invitation only.

S.A.G. / AFTRA  offers a verity of safety resources for free! Click here

GAINING EXPERIENCE

Before diving into stunt work on any production, it’s crucial to gain experience. Much of my background came from my upbringing—riding bulls, dirt track & drag racing, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and serving as an Airborne Engineer. However, despite this hands-on experience, training is still essential.

Here are some steps to take:

Start in Training Programs

  • Many stunt professionals start by enrolling in formal training programs or stunt schools where they can learn the basics and meet established stunt coordinators. Look for programs with reputable instructors in martial arts, gymnastics, and specific stunt disciplines.
  • Participate in workshops and training camps to hone your skills.
  • Action P.A.C. Stunts has a great training program we recommend.

Starting work as in Utility Stunts

  • Many stunt performers begin their careers by working as stunt doubles for actors, performing minor stunts on smaller productions or indie films.
  • Start with low-budget films, TV shows, or live theater where stunt work is required, and build your reputation in the industry.

Networking

  • Building a reputation and networking within the stunt community is crucial. Attend stunt-related events, work with stunt coordinators, and gain recognition for your skills. Referrals and word-of-mouth are often how stunt people get more work.

Joining SAG-AFTRA

  • While union membership is not always a requirement, many productions prefer or require stunt performers to be part of SAG-AFTRA, especially for larger projects. Once you’ve built up enough credits, you can apply for union membership, which opens up more high-paying opportunities.

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PAY & COMPENSATION

Stunt performers are generally paid per day of work, with rates varying based on experience, the type of production, and the complexity of the stunt.

Average Stunt Person Pay

  • Low-budget productions: $150 – $500 per day.
  • Television productions: $500 – $2,000 per day.
  • Film productions (major Hollywood): $1,000 – $10,000+ per day, depending on the scope of the stunt and experience.

Special Note: This Pay Scale is not in stone, and experience can determine your desired pay rate but remember, this is for the DAY OF THE STUNT! Usually it takes days or weeks to get the stunt set up right and all the safety features in place so even though you get paid for the stunt, you have to take into consideration the setup cost as well. Usually the stunt coordinator takes care of all this.

Stunt Coordinators and Specialists

  • Stunt coordinators, who oversee the planning and execution of stunts, can earn significantly more, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per week for larger productions. Stunt specialists, such as fight choreographers or wire riggers, can also earn premium rates depending on their expertise. Below is a must watch for any Stunt Performer.

Health and Benefits

Unionized stunt performers (SAG-AFTRA members) can access health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. However, independent stunt workers may need to source their own health insurance or rely on the production’s coverage for the duration of the job.

RISK & FUTURE CONSEQUENCES

While stunt performing is incredibly rewarding, it comes with inherent risks, including potential for serious injury or long-term health consequences.

Physical Risks

  • Injuries: Stunt people risk broken bones, burns, concussions, whiplash, and more. Serious accidents can occur during complicated stunt sequences, and even routine tasks can lead to injury if not done properly.
  • Long-term health issues: Years of performing high-impact or physically demanding stunts can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and other long-term physical ailments. Some stunt performers suffer from joint problems, back pain, or nerve damage as a result of their work.

Mental Health

Stunt work can be emotionally taxing, as it involves performing high-risk tasks and dealing with the physical toll of the profession. It is essential to prioritize mental health and seek support from colleagues, mentors, or counselors.

Career Longevity

Stunt work is often a young person’s profession, and as you age, it becomes more difficult to perform high-risk stunts. Many stunt performers transition into other roles in the industry, such as:

  • Stunt coordinating: Designing and overseeing stunts for films and TV.
  • Stunt rigging: Specializing in equipment that helps stunt people perform their roles safely.
  • Coaching or teaching: Sharing skills with the next generation of stunt people.
  • Directing or producing: Moving into leadership roles within the entertainment industry.

ADVANCEMENT & CAREER GROWTH

To advance as a stunt performer:

  • Become a stunt coordinator: After years of experience, many stunt performers move into stunt coordination, where they are responsible for designing stunts, leading teams of stunt people, and working closely with directors to ensure that stunts are safe and effective.
  • Diversify your skillset: Having a wide range of stunt skills (such as martial arts, driving, and special effects work) will make you more marketable in the industry.

CONCLUSION

Becoming a stunt person requires dedication, physical fitness, and a strong desire to work in a high-risk, high-reward environment. This career offers excitement and the opportunity to be involved in some of the most intense and spectacular moments on film, but it also demands hard work, training, and resilience to handle the physical toll and risks associated with the job.

While the pay can be lucrative, especially on major film sets, the long-term effects on your body and career can be significant. If you’re passionate about performing and willing to put in the work, stunt performing can be a thrilling and rewarding career.

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