Stunt performer
Stand in for actors when the script calls for anything dangerous or specialised to be done on a film or TV set.
Also known as: stuntwoman, stuntman, stunt double, stunt actress, stunt actor, body double
About the job
What it's like
You would stand in for actors when the script calls for anything dangerous or specialised to be done on a film or TV set.
To be able to carry out the stunts and make them look natural, 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
Advanced driving techniques, for performing car chases and crashes
It would be your job to set up and plan stunts as well as perform them, usually under the supervision of a stunt coordinator. Every detail of the stunt would need to be planned with the production staff. This is so you could make sure that it is safe to perform and disrupts filming as little as possible.
Health and safety would be very important as the work could be dangerous. You would need to carry out a full risk assessment and complete detailed paperwork before you perform each stunt.
Hours
Working hours can be irregular and unsocial, depending on filming schedules. Days on set can be very long, although you may spend a lot of that time planning and setting up stunts, and waiting between scenes.
Environment
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 in hot environments. You would wear protective clothing, harnesses or helmets for some stunts.
Travel
You could travel to studios and locations all over the UK and abroad, and you may spend long periods away from home.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- self esteem
- risk taking
- attention to detail
- researching
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Dance
Drama
Performance Arts
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
You do not need formal qualifications, though it is usual to have some experience of working on a TV or film set as an extra or walk-on actor.
Qualifications and experience that:
show physical and mental strength such as Skills for Work Uniformed Services (SCQF level 4)
give you an understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5)
To get work you must be on the Joint Industry Stunt Committee (JISC) Register of Stunt/Action Co-ordinators and Performers.
To gain JISC accreditation you must have proven skill levels and at one year’s experience in six or more sporting categories as listed by JISC. There are eleven categories in total, which belong to five different groups. Each group relates to a specific area of skills — for example, fighting, falling and water ability.
You must also have completed 60 days work in front of a camera, but this must not be stunt work.
Once you are accepted on to the JISC register you must work for at least three years as a Probationary Member, working only under the supervision of a full member of the Register.
High levels of skill in all the sports you offer
Good acting skills to work as a stunt double
A member of Equity
Be at least 18 years old
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