How to Start a Stuntman Business
- 1). Shape up. Train your body on a regular basis to prepare yourself for strenuous physical activity. Invest in a personal trainer to focus on conditioning your body in strength, endurance, form and flexibility. Consult with a nutritionist to help you devise a special diet plan that will help you maintain an appropriate body weight.
- 2). Take martial art classes. Stuntmen train in various forms of fighting techniques and martial arts, such as but not limited to: grappling, alligator wrestling, karate, and mixed martial arts.
- 3). Develop a wide range of skills. Familiarize yourself with gymnastics, fencing, swimming, dancing, rock climbing, scuba diving, skiing, horseback riding and other high performance sports. Diversify your skills to be more competitive in the industry.
- 4). Attend a stunt-training school. Enroll in stunt-specific combat courses that specialize in on-camera/stage fighting scenes. Upon certification, stuntmen and women should be able to perform their stunt work successfully and reduce their chances of bodily injury when engaging in high-risk scenes.
- 5). Develop a specialty skill through your training. This skill may be jumping from buildings, skydiving, extreme fighting or race car driving. Whichever you choose, having a specialty will highlight your credentials and experience, further legitimizing you as a stunt performer.
- 6). Become an actor. Take acting classes or enlist in an acting coach to develop your performing skills. Even though most stunt men double actors, they are still required to perform as the actor would.
- 7). Audition for work. Be confident and professional when approaching potential job leads. Invest in black-and-white 8-by-10 headshots, and list your credentials, skills, and training on a resume. Consult with a talent agent or talent representation company for guidance.
- 8). Make a good impression and be forthcoming about your skills. Leave it up to the production staff to determine how well you work. According to Manny Siverio, word-of-mouth goes a long way as it can jump start your business. Being professional and prepared to work on set will lead to more future jobs.
- 9). Join the Screen Actors Guild. SAG is an American labor union which represents film and television performers. Being a part of SAG will legitimize your business as a stunt performer, and provide you with necessary tools, education and representation that will help expand your business as an independent contractor.
- 10
Become affiliated with a stunt association such as Stuntmen's Association, Stunts Unlimited, or the International Stunt Association. Contact the association to inquire about entry requirements. Being an active member of an association can give you access to more job leads, a network of industry professionals, limited to full insurance coverage, and even free or discounted training sessions.
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