Career as a Stunt Performer
Does the thought of dropping from a five story building, doing 180 degree turns in a speeding car, or having your entire body caught on fire sound appealling to you? If not, you're among the majority! If so, a career as a Stunt Performer may be the right choice for you!
A career in the stunt business is not as simple as being the only one crazy enough to perform the tasks nobody else has the guts for (although a certain sense of adventure and lack of fear does help). Being a successful stuntman requires a significant amount of dedication, expertise, training, and practice.
In the film and TV business, there are several categories of stunt including falls, fire, driving, and fighting. Some experts say you are better off focusing on one or two areas of stunt performing, while others feel that learning as much as possible will open more doors in the business. The best option may be to sit back and ponder all of the different ways you in which you could put yourself in staged peril, and decide which of them appeal to you. Regardless which route you take, it is important to begin with comprehensive training.
There are several schools to choose from both in North America and abroad. Some institutes offer courses that cover a wide range of stunts and some offer piece-by piece courses covering each stunt category individually. All reputable schools will cover the basics of how to perform each stunt, the proper equipment involved, and all safely procedures. Many, such as the Professional Stunt Training Centre (http://www.stunt-training.com), which accommodates students in both Canada and the US, will teach stunt-related business skills such as resume building and becoming a union member. They also provide extra features, such as introducing you to stunt co-ordinators, who play an important part in casting for various stunt-based roles.
When choosing a school, be sure to do your homework. Ask questions about the instructors - Do they have adequate experience working in the industry? Where did they complete their training? When you are entering such a dangerous line of work, you want to know that the people training you have the knowledge and experience to do so. Also, you may want to know whether the introduce you to important industry professionals and what percentage of their students are actively working in the industry.
If you don't happen to get a break by being introduced directly into the business while training, you can always break into the film business in the manner that most actors do find yourself an agent. Scour the phonebook for agencies in your area and make some phone calls to see which of those accept Stunt Performers. Ask if they have an Open Call Day (a day where anyone who is interested can drop in for an interview) or if you should schedule and appointment.
When meeting an agent, be sure to arrive prepared. Most agents will want to see a resume, headshot, and a demo reel. You can outfit your resume with your training and any other experience you have which may be relevant to the business. A headshot must be done professionally talk to friends who are actors for their recommendation of a good photographer, or simply go to see different photographers until you find one with a good portfolio and experience in actors headshots. Your demo reel a short film highlighting you in roles you have had so far - can include excerpts from your training at school until you have aquired serious work. Each agent will have their own requirements for new talent, so be sure to ask.
Stunt performing is not easy work, and the learning is never done. You should consistently upgrade your training and stay on top of safety procedures. Work as a stunt man can be dangerous one wrong move and you could break bones, or worse. This is one aspect of the film industry that you can't exactly associate with glamour. Despite all of the danger and hard work involved, those with a need for speed or a longing for thrills are perfectly suited for this type of work. At the very least, you are guaranteed days full of thrills and plenty of truly exciting stories to tell your grandchildren!
