Stunt Performer

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

45 to 47 irregular

as a contractor / self-employed away from home

How To Become a Stunt Performer

You can get into this job through:

applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You'll usually need to apply to British Stunt Register's Stunt Grading Scheme. You'll need qualifications and skills across at least 6 different sporting areas in 4 of the following groups:

fighting - martial arts or boxing
falling - trampolining or high diving
riding and driving - horse riding, driving cars or riding motorcycles
agility and strength - gymnastics or rock climbing
water - swimming or sub-aqua

The fighting category is compulsory.

You'll also need at least one year's experience in each of your sporting areas. Throughout your career, you'll need to keep your skills and qualifications up to date.

Probationary members are encouraged to attend shoots as observers in order to broaden their knowledge of the profession. You could do this by getting experience as an extra or a 'walk-on'.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of the fine arts
the ability to work well with others
persistence and determination
the ability to use your initiative
to enjoy working with other people
to be flexible and open to change
knowledge of English language
knowledge of media production and communication
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

setting up, planning and performing stunts with a stunt coordinator
carrying out risk assessments of stunts
performing all types of falls using gymnastics or high diving
fighting, possibly with weapons
swimming or diving
horse riding
performing car chases and crashes

Working Environment

You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, at height, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

There are no official training schemes or schools to train stunt performers, although some private ‘stunt schools’ offer short courses in skills like stage combat, working with fire and stunt driving.

These courses can be useful for building experience, but will not be accepted towards membership of the register.

Professional and industry bodies

You'll need to join the British Stunt Register to get access to the Stunt Grading Scheme.

The register is divided into 3 categories of membership:

probationary
intermediate
full

Further information

You can find more details about minimum daily and weekly rates for stunt performers from Equity, the trade union for professional performers and creative artists.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

be over 18 years of age
have a good level of fitness