Stunt Performer
What is the work like?
As a stunt performer, you would stand in for actors when the script calls for anything hazardous to be done on a film or TV set. To be able to carry out the stunts and make it look easy, you would use highly-developed physical and sporting skills, such as:
- gymnastics or high diving, for performing all types of falls
- fighting skills, possibly with weapons
- swimming or diving
- horse riding
- precision driving, for performing car chases and crashes.
It would be your job to set up as well as perform the stunts, usually under the supervision of a stunt coordinator. You would need to carefully plan every detail of the stunt with the production staff, making sure that everything is safe and that filming is disrupted as little as possible.
Health and safety is very important as the work can be dangerous, so you would need to make a full risk assessment and complete detailed paperwork before each stunt can take place.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To work as a stunt performer in the UK you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be accepted onto the Joint Industry Stunt Committee (JISC) Stunt Register as a Probationary Member.
You do not need academic qualifications, but you will need high-level skills, experience and qualifications in several sporting skills and disciplines.
To become a Probationary Member of the Stunt Register, you must prove to JISC that you have at least a year’s experience and qualifications in six or more sports, including:
- fighting – martial arts or boxing
- falling – trampolining or high diving
- water – swimming or sub-aqua
- riding and driving – horse riding, driving cars or riding motorcycles
- strength and agility – gymnastics, rock climbing or mountaineering.
You must offer sports from at least four of the groups, but you cannot offer more than two sports from the same group. One of your sports must be a fighting skill, but you can only offer one martial art.
Your sporting qualifications must be of a high standard, for example, at least first kyu brown belt for martial arts. It is likely to take at least two years to reach the required standard in all six of your chosen sporting areas.
Some sports associations organise training sessions to help their members reach JISC standards. You will need to fund your sports training and exams yourself, which can be expensive.
You will also need to provide evidence of 60 days' work in front of a camera. You may find it useful to get experience on film and TV sets, as an extra or a 'walk-on'.
Contact the Joint Secretary for JISC at Equity for full details about how to qualify for the JISC Stunt Register.
What further training and development can I do?
There are no formal training schemes or schools to train stunt performers, although some private ‘stunt schools’ offer short courses in skills like stage combat, working with fire and stunt driving. These courses can be useful, but will not be accepted towards gaining membership of the JISC Register.
As a probationary member of the JISC Register, you will develop your skills on the job, under the supervision of a fully-qualified stunt coordinator. You must be a probationary member for at least three years before you can achieve the standards needed to upgrade to Intermediate Stunt Performer, which means you can perform solo stunts unsupervised.
You can qualify as a Full Member, or Stunt Action Coordinator, after at least two further years as an intermediate stunt performer, once you have reached the required standards.
To progress within the grades, you must show the JISC detailed records of each stunt performance you work on. Contact the JISC through Equity for full details.
You must maintain your fitness and skills throughout your career.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Most stunt performers are self-employed, and are paid a fee for each job.
Equity recommends minimum daily and weekly rates for stunt performers. Contact Equity for full information on current rates.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours can be irregular and unsocial, and may involve early mornings or late nights depending on filming schedules. Days on set can be very long, although you may spend a lot of that time setting up stunts and waiting between scenes.
The work could be in studios or outside locations, depending on the script. Some stunts may need you to spend a long time in uncomfortable conditions, such as underwater or underground. You would need to wear protective clothing, harnesses or helmets for some stunts.
You could travel to studios and locations all over the UK and abroad, and you may spend long periods away from home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent physical fitness and commitment to staying very fit
- interest and ability in several sports and outdoor pursuits
- good communication and 'people' skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team
- quick reactions and calmness under pressure
- willingness to work in dangerous situations
- a high degree of responsibility and health and safety awareness
- good planning skills and attention to detail
- some acting skills (although formal experience is not essential).
What opportunities are there?
Competition for stunt work is very strong. There are around 250 registered stunt performers in the UK, and only around 10 or 12 new people are admitted to the JISC Stunt Register each year.
You will usually be self-employed and work on short-term contracts for each production. Gaps between jobs are common, so you may need to do other work when you are not performing. You will increase your chances of a building a successful career if you are prepared to work anywhere in the UK or overseas.
As member of the Stunt Register, your details will be available to casting directors and agents. It is also common to find out about jobs through contacts and word of mouth. Some jobs may be advertised in The Stage, and by Equity (to members).
You could become a stunt arranger or coordinator, after at least five years’ experience as a stunt performer.
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