As stuntman Expert Gregg Sargeant notes, “It’s a big commitment in a very specialized field, a lifelong pursuit of physical and mental action and intelligence that needs to be mastered. We may be ‘actors,’ but we are also athletes of a special kind.”
To start a career as a stuntman, you need to train hard and develop relationships with industry professionals who can recommend you for future jobs. “Everyone gets into stunt work differently,” says Romberg. But the starting point for most working stunt performers is the same: an established set of physical skills.
Take Haaron Hines (“Rampage,” “Luke Cage”), who was working full-time as a research analyst. On a whim, he applied to a Backstage casting call for “The Dark Knight Rises”—and landed the job based on his background in martial arts and weapons training. Or J.R. Seay, who worked as a PA, camera assistant, and lighting assistant before getting work as a stunt double on “Woodlawn” and “Necessary Roughness” thanks to his background as an arena football player. Or Damita Jane, who landed her first stunt gig doubling Eve in “Whip It” due to her skill as a roller derby skater.
To break into stunt work, you’ll also need to network. Find out from friends where the stunt coordinators are working, go to set to meet them, bring along a headshot, résumé, and stunt reel, and try to form the beginnings of a relationship. Be sure to go when they are on their lunch break, though, and always bring your connection or advocate who will introduce you. (Never interrupt a set while they are at work or when you haven’t been invited!)
You can also try networking at gyms and developing relationships with other industry professionals so that they’ll recommend you (and you, them) for future projects. Eddie Braun, a famous stuntman who successfully performed Evel Knievel’s legendary jump over Snake River Canyon, emphasizes the importance of people skills for those looking to start a career as a stuntman. As a stunt coordinator, he hires a lot of people—and he “hires their manners and people skills,” too.
Stunt performers can find work through their connections, professional network, online job boards, and their union. Backstage, Mandy, ProductionHUB, MediaMatch, Staff Me Up, and EntertainmentCareers.net all host job postings for stunt needs. You can also try non-entertainment industry job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Job Monkey—though still performance-based, many stunt jobs are with amusement and theme parks and camps.
Like most careers, getting hired to perform stunts is partially about who you know. Figure out which gyms are popular with stuntpeople and start building relationships. Curley’s favorite training gyms in L.A. include VCF Athletics and JAM Gym; Bennett recommends Tempest Freerunning Academy and Los Angeles Valley College Fitness Center.
Some of the best gigs a stunt performer can get are those in which they double for lead actors, especially if that actor gets work on a lot of different projects or has a long-running TV show. “[The] dream is to double someone you work with all the time,” Curley says. If an actor has a good relationship with their stunt double, the actor can have it written into future contracts that all stunt work must be performed by their stunt double. James Franco is open about his friendship with his go-to stunt double, Pat Millin. Brie Larson brought her two “Captain Marvel” stunt doubles on stage to accept her MTV Movie Award for Best Fight. Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is, in part, an ode to the career-spanning relationship between an actor and his stunt double.
Just as there are union and nonunion film sets—and, therefore, union and nonunion actors—there are also union and nonunion stunt performers. Since stunt performers are covered by SAG-AFTRA, the same rules apply: If you are a union stunt member, you cannot work a nonunion job, and vice versa (unless you are hired under a waiver or are joining SAG-AFTRA through the job).
Bennett did a lot of nonunion work before she earned her union card. She says these projects can be a great place to cut your teeth, learn the ropes, and gain experience: “Sometimes that’s where the most awesome things are. [It’s] very, very rewarding.” That said, there are obvious benefits to union stunt jobs: They typically pay more and will usually be a part of larger projects.
Whether it is a bad bruise, broken bone, critical injury, or even death, there are occupational risks associated with being a stunt performer—even for trained professionals who take safety seriously. “As stunt actors, we’re the only members of the moviemaking process who can die doing what we do,” Sargeant says.
Recent deaths include Joi Harris on the set of “Deadpool 2” in a motorcycle accident, as well as John Bernecker on the set of “The Walking Dead,” who fell 22 feet onto concrete below. Both accidents happened in 2017. In 2009, David Holmes, Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double, was thrown backward into a wall during a wire gag on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” and left tetraplegic.
Due to the dangerous nature of the work, safety should be a top priority of any project. This is typically achieved through a system of checks and balances and constant communication with the stunt coordinator, the person in charge of the overall action on stage or on set. They are constantly working with the other departments to make sure the action serves the overall story of the project, while also ensuring the safety of each individual stunt. But safety should be a collective effort, says Braun. “Rely on everyone’s input. No one person is the ‘stunt god,’” he notes. Bennett, meanwhile, urges individual responsibility. “At the end of the day, you are responsible for your own safety. If you aren’t sure, you need to do more homework.”
Additionally, SAG-AFTRA has many safety protocols—not just for stuntpeople, but for all union members. Look out for your own safety on set, as well as that of those around you. Speak up and notify the stunt coordinator, director, or SAG-AFTRA if there is anything that does not sit well with you.
According to Zip Recruiter, stunt performers earn an average of $70,524 annually (though the range goes from $18,000 to six figures). Stunt performers who are represented by SAG-AFTRA are guaranteed a minimum rate for their work on union productions. Currently, union stunt people make $1,005 a day (or $3,746 per week) on a scale union production and are eligible for residuals and stunt adjustment pay based on the difficulty of the stunt performed. For example, a pratfall—a simple fall from standing—would earn an additional $100. Something more difficult and dangerous, like a cannon roll—when a nitrogen cannon is used to propel a vehicle into several rolls—would earn $5,000 every time it’s performed. On the other end of the spectrum are stunt performers working in live shows—like those at theme parks—who make about $12/hour.
Based on a Vanity Fair report, a film with a $200 million budget could see the stunt double for a lead actor take home $116,250, while stunt player #19 would only make $1,000. You’ll also find that these numbers can vary wildly depending on a stunt worker’s level of experience, the scope of a project, and the number of stunts required.
Being a stunt performer is a lot like being a professional athlete—it’s an intensely physical job that wears your body out over time. Many stuntmen “age out” of the career because their body simply can’t handle it anymore.
“The older you get, the harder it is to recover from the big hits,” says Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator Cort L. Hessler (“The Blacklist,” “Sneaky Pete”). Or, as veteran stunt performer Braun puts it, “You never retire, the business retires you. However, if you play your cards right, you can do stunts well into your middle age and early senior years, though which types of stunts you do may change over time.”
Stuntpeople tend to transition to other areas of the industry as they get older. Most logically is stunt coordination, which oversees all stunts on a project from the hiring of talent and performers to deciding the best way to execute them. Other options include producing, stunt directing, acting, rigging, opening up a shop related to the industry, or continuing to work as a consultant.
Launch Your Career in StuntsJackie Chan, Burt Reynolds, and Chuck Norris are a few famous examples of stunt professionals who have transitioned to acting. Not surprising, considering you must be a trained actor and storyteller to be a successful stunt performer. Braun summarizes the profession eloquently: “Stunts, show business—you’re going to take hits. Can you get up and take another hit and another hit and another hit? If it doesn't knock you out completely, you’ll be successful. Go back to your heart. You’ll succeed.”
The International Stunt Academy believes in the limitless potential within every individual and our entire industry. Our philosophy is rooted in the harmonious union of mind, body, and spirit, where the journey to becoming a hero unfolds as we embrace our unique paths. Together, we rise, transforming challenges into opportunities and fear into courage. We are the architects of our own destiny, crafting a safer, more unified world of stunts, one hero at a time.
The Academy believes in fostering a harmonious environment where diverse talents can unite and align, creating more efficient and safer stunt work. The industry can be a challenging environment and sometimes people and groups are over-protective or guarded. We want to work with everyone, positively in harmony to achieve things that benefit everyone.
At the International Stunt Academy, we uphold a strong belief in the importance of quality in every aspect of our work. From the training and education we provide, to the relationships we build within the stunt community, we strive to maintain the highest standards possible. Our commitment to quality goes hand in hand with our dedication to safety; we understand that top-quality stunt work must not only be awe-inspiring but also safely executed, protecting performers, crews, and productions.
By pursuing excellence and refusing to compromise on quality, we ensure that the International Stunt Academy remains a trusted and respected institution within the stunt industry, providing our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in their careers and contribute to the growth and reputation of the industry as a whole.
The International Stunt Academy celebrates the unique approach, experience, and skills each stunt performer brings to the table. We also recognise that everyone has their own background, beliefs, needs or ways of learning and developing. We welcome diversity and individuality. Life would be boring if we all thought the same, and to keep stunts and entertainments interesting we must all champion individual flair and creativity.
The Academy offers a flexible, comprehensive training program, enabling students to tailor their education to suit their individual needs and goals. This doesn't mean we can offer everything for free, sadly, but it does mean we are approachable, we use our channels to share lots of information that is useful (such as our blog which contains loads of research and best practice) and we are happy to discuss collaborations.
The Academy offers a flexible, comprehensive training program, enabling students to tailor their education to suit their individual needs and goals. This doesn't mean we can offer everything for free, sadly, but it does mean we are approachable, we use our channels to share lots of information that is useful (such as our blog which contains loads of research and best practice) and we are happy to discuss collaborations.
The Academy nurtures a supportive and interconnected global network of stunt professionals, encouraging collaboration and shared learning. We don't think we own stunts, or the idea of teaching and training people for them. We do feel ownership of our part in pulling everyone together to achieve better though.
The Academy is dedicated to continuous improvement in all we do. This includes safety, efficiency, and innovation in the stunt industry, as well as driving positive change through application of our philosophy and best practices.
The International Stunt Academy empowers individuals to become the best versions of themselves, inspiring and motivating others through their personal journey as heroes.
By adhering to these core beliefs, the International Stunt Academy serves as a driving force for change in the world of stunts. The Academy's dedication to collaboration, alignment, and safety paves the way for a brighter, more efficient, and safer future for stunt performers and the industry as a whole. For those looking to make their mark in this exciting field, the International Stunt Academy offers the training, support, and community needed to succeed.
In our pursuit of excellence, we embrace humility and commit ourselves to the tireless journey of constant growth. Because we believe every day is a learning day, we accept our job will never be finished."
At the International Stunt Academy, we understand that the path to greatness is paved with constant learning and growth. We recognise the challenges that come with building an academy for heroes and remain unwavering in our dedication to fulfilling our mission. To ensure our ongoing success and the success of our students, we have established a set of core commitments that guide our actions and decisions. You can learn more about them and how they shape us here...
We acknowledge that perfection is an ongoing process. Our commitment to continual improvement means we actively listen, incorporate feedback, and adapt to better align with the expectations of our students and stakeholders. While we cannot please everyone, we make no apologies for evolving and refining our approach. We invite past students to return and benefit from the improvements made, as they have played a crucial role in shaping the Academy's growth.
As a responsible and ethical institution, we pledge to uphold the laws and standards of the countries, regions, and industries in which we operate. We recognise the importance of complying with regulations and adhering to best practices in order to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all. In addition we commit to doing our best to help influence positive improvements to laws regulations and standards, to the better of the people they protect and govern.
We are dedicated to promoting fairness and adhering to good practices in all our endeavors. We believe that by fostering an atmosphere of equity and ethical conduct, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.
