Is becoming a stuntman right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming a stuntman is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a stuntman or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Stuntman
Becoming a stuntman typically involves a combination of training, experience, and physical preparation. Here are the general steps to pursue this career:
- Develop Physical Skills: Stuntmen need to be in excellent physical condition, so it's important to have training in areas like martial arts, gymnastics, parkour, or high falls. Regular exercise and strength training are essential.
- Take Stunt Training Classes: Many stunt professionals attend specialized schools or workshops to learn stunt techniques, safety protocols, and how to work with other performers and film crews.
- Gain Experience in Related Fields: Some stuntmen start with careers in acting, gymnastics, or sports, gaining performance experience before transitioning into stunts. Others may work as stunt doubles or in minor stunt roles to build their portfolio.
- Network in the Film Industry: Building a reputation and networking with directors, stunt coordinators, and other professionals in the film industry is crucial. Many stuntmen find opportunities through personal connections and recommendations.
- Get Certified and Stay Safe: While not always required, certification in areas like first aid, CPR, and safety procedures is beneficial. It’s also important to continually update your skills and knowledge to handle new types of stunts safely.
Stunt Training
There are several schools and programs where aspiring stuntmen can receive specialized training. These institutions teach essential skills like physical fitness, stunt choreography, safety techniques, and more. Some of the notable stunt training schools and programs include:
- The Stunt School (Los Angeles, CA): This school offers hands-on training in various stunt disciplines, including fight choreography, high falls, driving stunts, and wire work. Students also learn about stunt safety and how to work in the film industry.
- The British Stunt Register (UK): While based in the UK, this prestigious training program is recognized internationally. It provides aspiring stunt professionals with extensive training and certification in stunt performance, safety, and industry practices.
- Action Factory (Los Angeles, CA): Focused on stunt training for film and television, Action Factory offers courses in martial arts, wire work, driving stunts, and fight choreography. The school also emphasizes the importance of working with directors and stunt coordinators.
- The Academy of Stunt Fighting (Los Angeles, CA): This academy specializes in martial arts, stage combat, and fight choreography, giving students the skills needed for performing action scenes in movies and television shows.
- U.S. Stunt School (Los Angeles, CA): This school offers a variety of stunt training courses, including basic and advanced stunt techniques, high falls, fight choreography, and stunt driving. U.S. Stunt School is known for its hands-on approach to training.
- International Stunt School (Seattle, WA): This school provides specialized training in stunts, including tumbling, falls, fight scenes, and car chases. It offers comprehensive programs and is known for its experienced instructors who are active professionals in the industry.
- The Stunt Guild of Great Britain (UK): Although based in the UK, this organization offers training and certification that is respected internationally. It also provides resources and opportunities for aspiring stunt professionals to connect with industry experts.