How to Become a Stuntman: 5 Skills to Hone for the Job

A stuntman or stuntwoman—more commonly referred to as a stunt performer or stuntperson—is a trained professional responsible for executing various difficult or specialized movement–related tricks in a TV show, movie, or live performance.

Stunt actors enhance the action sequences of a film production by making difficult or dangerous stunts look real, whether they’re acting out fight scenes, high-speed car chases, or other death-defying physical feats. Performances involving live stage combat, car crashes, horseback riding, building jumps, skydiving, fire scenes, or high falls will typically require the expertise of a stuntperson.

A stunt performer will typically collaborate with a production’s stunt coordinator (in addition to the director and the director of photography), who is responsible for choreographing and supervising stunt moves on a film set. A stunt double—not to be confused with a stuntperson—is a type of stunt performer who subs in as a body double for a specific actor to make it appear like they executed their own stunts.

A stuntperson’s salary depends on their experience and skill level and the difficulty of the type of stunt they need to perform. The average salary for a working stunt performer ranges anywhere from $30,000–$70,000. Amateur stunt artists may make well below that threshold, and professional stunt doubles for A-list actors may earn much more.

Dar Robinson (recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-paid stuntman for a single stunt to date) earned a record $100,000 per stunt.

Stunt performers must possess a wide range of skills to develop a successful stunt career.

1. 1. Driving: Stunt vehicles are real vehicles capable of incurring the same injuries as a regular car, so driving skills are paramount for the position. Cinematic car chases or scenes involving motorcycles often require the skill of an experienced stunt driver. Some of these skills include peeling out, drifting, or emergency braking the car into a 180-degree spin.
2. 2. Excellent communication: Quick and effective communication skills are a must in this field. Dangerous stunts are risky both for the stunt performer and those nearby. At any given moment, the stunt performer needs to let the director or coordinator know when something isn’t working (either mechanically or physically), especially if it can put someone’s life at risk.
3. 3. Falling skills: Stunt performers must learn the right way to fall from a variety of heights (in different environments) to maximize their on-set abilities while minimizing their risk of injury. Experience working with harnesses and without them during falls can give stunt performers a competitive advantage.
4. 4. Fighting skills: Specialized fighting skills such as martial arts, fencing, wrestling, boxing, and general combat abilities all give stunt performers a competitive edge for landing different gigs—especially when it comes to getting cast in action movies.
5. 5. Strength and coordination: Stunt people must maintain peak physical fitness because they often need to perform difficult physical feats (such as lifting other people up or climbing tall structures) during a production. Having a strong body capable of balance and coordination makes you a more reliable stuntperson, and makes any given stunt much safer for yourself and those around you.

Stunt work can be fun and exciting but also hard to find. The more experience and skills you possess, the likelier you are to land a job as a stunt performer. Follow these steps to become a stuntperson:

• Take relevant classes. Taking a variety of classes in physical activities, such as martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing, swimming, or swordplay, helps expand a stunt performer’s toolbox. These classes help you develop your form and movement and help you develop a specialized skill set (which can make the difference between getting cast for a gig or getting passed over). You can also attend a stunt school to learn the basics of stunt training and improve your resume.
• Develop a specific skill. Stunt people who master a specific skill greatly increase their chances of getting hired. For instance, some stunt people specialize in fire stunts, while others excel in driving or climbing. Being the best at your particular stunt allows you to develop a reputation in the industry as the go-to person for that skill.
• Research the best stunts. Study movies and television shows that involve a wide range of stunts. Pay attention to how some of the best stuntmen execute a variety of feats.
• Volunteer your services. Performing stunts for independent projects or student films will help you gain more experience and exposure in show business. It also gives you material to develop a reel, which you will need to showcase your abilities to get cast.
• Make a stunt reel. Showcasing the most impressive moments of your stunt work in a reel is an effective way to get a casting director or producer to see your best work, improving your chances of getting hired. (Consider getting a good headshot, too.)
• Network with peers and pros. Like many jobs in Hollywood, stunt performing is often freelance, intermittent work. Connect with working stunt professionals through business networking sites or social media to expand your opportunity pool. Reach out to a working stuntman and ask to shadow them for a day to see what the job is really like.
• Apply for stunt positions. Browse industry job sites or social networking groups for stunt work open calls. (Keep in mind that many stuntman jobs are based in New York or Los Angeles.) It may be difficult to land these jobs with less experience, but possessing the specific talent or skill the production is looking for will help you stand out. Keep in mind that you likely will need to work a few nonunion jobs (not represented by SAG-AFTRA) before you can join a union and get more professional work.

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