Becoming a Stunt Performer: A Comprehensive Guide

A career as a stunt performer can be exciting and rewarding, but it requires the right training, network, and connection. This guide outlines the key requirements and steps you need to take if you're considering a career in stunt performance.

Understanding the Requirements for Stunt Performance

Specific Skills Required for UK Stunt Registrations

As of the British Stunt Register (Formerly JISC Stunt Register), aspiring stunt performers in the UK need to be trained in the following six categories:

Fighting: Martial arts, boxing, or fencing Falling: Trampolining or high diving Riding and Driving: Horse riding, driving cars, or riding motorcycles; competition history is required Agility and Strength: Rock climbing or gymnastics/parkour Water: Swimming or sub-aqua Other: International or Olympic-level certifications in other relevant disciplines

One of the six categories must be a martial art or competition boxing or fencing.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the specific skills listed above, aspiring stunt performers in the UK must:

Be a member of the UK Performers Union Equity by getting work as a walk-on or extra. Hold accredited acting or drama course certificates from recognized institutions or have proven experience in performing on live shows.

In the USA, specific registrations and categories may not be as stringent, but possessing a broad range of skills remains crucial.

Getting Started in the Stunt Industry

For those aiming to become stunt performers, the industry is highly competitive and requires a significant amount of networking and relationship building.

Stunt Performer Community

The stunt performer community is centered in major film production hubs such as Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. To establish a career as a stunt performer, you must:

Network: Join relevant organizations, unions, and groups to build a network within the stunt community. Know Who Has Conduits: Identify professionals with connections to employment opportunities and include them in your network. Build a Resumé of Referrals: Secure your first gig to start compiling a list of referrals and testimonials from experienced professionals in the field.

Case Study: No Formal Certification Required?

It's important to note that while some organizations mandate formal training, many stunt performers enter the industry through other means. Writer and screenwriter Matthew Wagner shares insights based on his interactions with stunt performers from the 1980s and 1990s:

While there is no formal certification or recognized classes that ensure job opportunities, those in the industry often got there through personal connections and networking. Formal training is available, but it's not a guarantee of work.

According to Wagner, proficiency in martial arts and gymnastics is beneficial, but the most important factor is knowing the right people and making connections early in your career.

Conclusion

Becoming a stunt performer is both a challenging and rewarding career path. With the right skills, certification, and a strong network, you can embark on a fulfilling career in the exhilarating world of stunt performance. Remember, networking and personal connections can make all the difference in this competitive field.