A career as a stunt double can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires a unique set of skills, dedication, and hard work. It can also be incredibly dangerous and requires a great deal of training to ensure safety. But with the right commitment and preparation, you can become a stunt double and start working in the exciting and high-stakes film industry. In this blog post, we will look at the steps needed to become a stunt double, how to start your journey in the industry, and how to learn the necessary skills for success. From understanding the basics of stunt work to getting the right training, guidance and experience, we’ll examine the steps necessary for becoming a stunt double. We will also explore potential career paths, different roles a stunt double might take on and what kind of specialized skills might be required to become a successful stunt double. So, if the idea of being a stunt double intrigues you, read on to find out exactly what you need to do to make your dream a
- Pursue formal education. Employers usually don’t require stunt doubles to have formal education, but it can help you develop your craft and increase your qualifications. …
- Increase your physical fitness. …
- Study terminology. …
- Develop various skills. …
- Obtain a mentor. …
- Work nonunion jobs. …
- Join a union.
What does a stunt double do?
A stunt double can perform a variety of physical acts depending on the scene they are in. They might throw punches during a fight, operate a vehicle, or trip and fall. Stunt doubles also jump over obstacles and hang from buildings. Other responsibilities of these professionals include:
What is a stunt double?
A stunt double is a specialist who executes dangerous action scenes on an actor’s behalf. They can appear in films and television programs that feature fistfights, car accidents, and high jumps thanks to their specialized training. To persuade viewers that the actor is doing the stunt, a stunt double’s face isn’t clearly visible in the photograph. These experts adopt the actors’ mannerisms and alter the silhouette of the actors to create scenes that are as realistic as possible.
How to become a stunt double
Heres how to become a stunt double:
1. Pursue formal education
Although most employers don’t require stunt doubles to have a formal education, it can help you hone your craft and advance your credentials. To learn how to perform various actions safely, think about enrolling in a stunt training academy. Programs typically last a few weeks and instruct you on the fundamentals of using wire rigs, crouching down, and carrying out fight sequences. Students gain proper manners and improve their chances of landing jobs by learning how a movie set operates.
Although most colleges don’t offer majors in stunt double, postsecondary education can still be beneficial for these professionals. Think about obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a discipline associated with the entertainment industry. Theatrical arts, communication and rhetoric, dance, and film studies are typical majors. Another advantage of majoring in acting is learning how to adopt someone else’s mannerisms. These acting abilities could help you land speaking parts or even break into the world of stunt actors.
2. Increase your physical fitness
Due to the demanding nature of their work, stunt doubles must be in good physical condition. By following a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, you can improve your physical fitness. Some stunt doubles work toward their fitness objectives on their own, but consulting a dietitian or personal trainer may be beneficial. These experts can assist you in safely acquiring a body type that enables you to stand in for particular actors. Additionally, their knowledge enables you to develop your stamina, agility, and strength.
3. Study terminology
As you finish your training and collaborate with other stunt doubles, you might come across terminology specific to the industry. By learning this language on your own, you can improve your professionalism and familiarity with various roles. Helpful terms to know include:
4. Develop various skills
By acquiring a variety of skills, you can make yourself eligible for more positions. For instance, you might be able to fill in as an actor in a wilderness movie thanks to your adeptness at rock climbing and swimming. You could also enroll in boxing or martial arts lessons to keep fight scenes realistic. As many characters in movies and television shows ride horses, drive cars, or perform gymnastics, some stunt doubles become experts in these activities. Underwater stunts like snorkeling and scuba diving are another advantageous area of expertise for stunt doubles.
5. Obtain a mentor
A mentor can assist aspiring stunt doubles in honing their abilities and landing roles. Consider consulting a seasoned stunt double for advice if you run into them at your training facility or gym. You can enquire about their diet and exercise routine, or you can find out how they decided on their area of expertise. When you establish connections with these experts, they might ask you to join them as an apprentice or suggest you to stunt coordinators looking for actors.
6. Work nonunion jobs
Non-union jobs typically have lower pay and are in less well-known projects, but they can help you improve your resume. To find stunt double roles in the movie industry, think about using your connections and online job boards. Additionally, amusement parks and theaters may offer performance-based employment opportunities.
7. Join a union
Consider joining the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists once you have more experience. If you are a member of a union, you are eligible for union jobs, which typically pay more and are a part of more well-known projects. Members are also better protected as a result of the union’s strict safety regulations.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
How to Be A Stuntman – EPIC HOW TO
FAQ
What qualifications do you need to be a stunt double?
Being a stuntman or stuntwoman doesn’t require any special training or education. A background in a variety of sports, including gymnastics, fencing, skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, martial arts, dirt bike racing, and stage combat, to name a few, would be very helpful.
How long does it take to become a stunt double?
According to Millham, training can last anywhere between three and ten years, and the majority of people must work another job to make ends meet.
How much does a stuntman make?
Stuntmen average $70,000 per year. If you’re just starting out, you might only make $5,000 a year. The amount of work you can find will determine everything. The top stuntmen can earn up to $250,000 annually.
How do I start a stunt job?
Train with experienced stunt performers, enrol in classes at a stunt academy, or enroll in a weeklong course where you can learn a lot quickly without going into debt to pay for it. It’s almost impossible to receive too much training for stunt work.
