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Stunt performers undertake dangerous or difficult acts for the purpose of entertainment, including replacing film actors in dangerous scenes. They strive to achieve the greatest visual impact with minimum safety risk.

Stunt performers are involved in the performance of stunts for television, film and other productions. They study scripts, plans and other detailed documents to work out the best way to undertake a stunt, rehearse stunts with safety gear, and perform stunts in front of cameras or audiences. They may take the place of actors in dangerous filming situations, or scenes that require specialised skills such as fighting, falling or jumping. They liaise with stunt co-ordinators and attend training to learn how to perform new stunts, and work with directors, producers and other film crew to ensure that their stunts are performed and recorded according to the requirements of the script and to strict safety standards.


ANZSCO ID & description: 211199: Stunt performers are involved in the performance of stunts for television, film and other productions.

Alternative names: Stuntperson

Specialisations: Safety Consultant, Safety Supervisor, Stunt Action Person, Stunt Actor, Stunt Co-ordinator

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• quick reflexes and flexibility

• good eyesight (may be corrected)

• a sense of timing

• able to cope with the physical demands of the job

• responsible attitude towards safety.

• physical fitness, strength and stamina

• dedication to safety

• good communication skills

• the ability to follow instructions well

• a willingness to put themselves in dangerous situations

 

Duties and Tasks

Stunt performers may perform the following tasks:

• jump from high buildings

• drive cars and motorcycles at fast speeds and crash vehicles

• perform fighting scenes, incorporating martial arts, wrestling or boxing moves

• perform flying or falling stunts with the assistance of ropes, harnesses, parachutes, trampolines and crash mats

• enter flaming buildings or set themselves on fire (using safety procedures)

• perform stunts on horses, boats, trucks and water skis

• perform stunts in and under water involving swimming, diving and a wide range of water sports

• check scripts in regard to safety aspects and provide safety reports

• oversee performers on set and provide advice or help with safety.
  

Working conditions

Stunt performers carry out acts that look spectacular or appear dangerous, using timing and props to minimise risks. It takes experience and a lot of time to work out a logical procedure for executing stunt work.

Stunt performers work in film and television studios and on-location on film sets. They work in a range of climatic conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

They may be required to work in wet conditions, or to work in or around areas rigged with explosives or other hazardous materials.

They may be required to work at heights, sometimes without safety harnesses. They may work long hours depending on the requirements of a shoot, and may be required to travel long distances to get to the set.

Stunt work can be physically demanding and may require a lot of time spent in uncomfortable positions or places, such as underwater or underground. Hours can be long and varied (particularly for film work), and early starts and late finishes are common.

Tools and technologies

Stunt performers work with stunt equipment such as flying harnesses, air-rams, airbags and stunt rigging.

They often wear protective equipment such as back protectors, knee and elbow guards and rehearsal pads, and are also often required to wear make-up and other costuming.

 They may use props such as weapons, and may also drive stunt cars and other vehicles.
 
  
Education and training/entrance requirements

There are no qualification requirements to become a stunt performer. However, all stunt performers must be graded by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance and deemed competent in four out of five categories.

These are:

• body control

  • physical

  • fighting

  • stunt training

• heights,

• vehicles,

• animals and

• water.

In order to be considered for work as a stunt action person (SAP or Performer Grade 1) you must display competency in four of the five above categories. It is compulsory to display competency in one of three body-control categories - physical, fighting or stunt training. Applications to become a licenced stunt performer need to be submitted to the MEAA's National Stunt Committee.

Applications are approved on the basis of the quality and type of stunt or training that has been carried by the applicant, their qualifications and achievements, their attitude towards working in the stunt and safety areas of the entertainment industry, their ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written materials, the individual's aptitude and potential for work in the industry, and any written recommendations or references. Stunt performers often start as assistants before taking on higher-risk stunt work. Once they have become established as a stunt performer they may move into the roll of stunt co-ordinator or safety supervisor.

Richard Bradshaw - Global Stunts

 

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Fitness Instructor

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Stunt Performer; ]
CareerHQ [Stunt Performer; ]
Your Career [Other Actors, Dancers and Entertainers (including Stunt Performer);]

 

 

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