So you’ve seen the films and it all looks so easy. You could be forgiven in thinking that being a stuntman is not a bad way of making a living, just for throwing yourself around. Hopefully after you’ve read this you’ll be much wiser and making the right decisions.



If you have dreams of becoming a professional stunt performer, you are in for a long haul. Today the levels of ability needed to achieve the required six qualifications are one step down from professional level. So it will take  dedication and determination as well as money.  If this sounds too much like hard work, quit now before you waste any money!


 How to get into the stunt business.

1st get into sport

You will need six disciplines from the following sports to get on the British Stunt Register.

1. Martial arts or Boxing

2. Gymnastics

3. Trampolining

4. Horse riding

5. Motorcycle racing

6. Motor sport

7. Swimming

8. Scuba diving

9. Rock climbing

10. High Diving

11. Other sports that are useful skiing, skydiving, sports acro, juggling, BMX riding, roller-skating, skateboarding.

2nd Get into the film business

Join an 'Extras' agency and start watching how the cast and crew work their magic. To find an agency go on line and search. It is now illegal for an agency to charge you to join them. But it is acceptable for them to take a larger commission on your first job to cover running costs.

3rd Get into being a performer

You are not looking to become an actor. But you must be confident in front of a camera. Learn to act a little, get involved with school plays amateur dramatics, competitions in sport will teach you how to handle pressure.

4th Get into being a magician

Remember it's all illusion. No-one really gets blown up, shot, thrown off buildings, etc. But study the masters of deception, and will it also make you the most popular person at parties. Many of Britain’s top stunt men are professional magicians. But start with master “Houdini” there are many books on him so start reading.

5th Watch the classics and learn

Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Keystone cops, Fatty Ardbuckle etc. Watch their physical ablity and comic timing, you might recognise where Jackie Chan get his ideas from.

Closing Remarks

Stunting is not an occupation for dare-devils, show-offs and exhibitionists or persons who want to be the centre of attention. If you wish to be 'famous for 15 minutes' you might do better to seek employment on one of the popular  'Reality' TV programmes that are transmitted with monotonous regularity on what is euphemistically titled 'must see' television

All stunt performers are cool headed methodical people. The business is all about illusion, performing and safety for yourself and others. Stunt performers are relatively unknown to the general public, because they make movie stars look “real”

We at The London Stunt School do not control entrance to the British Stunt register. Equity (The Actors Union) and The Joint Industry Stunt Committee share that privilege.

We do not guarantee you will become a successful stunt person.

We just offer experience in performing stunts so you can discover if you really like it.

Once you have achieved the relevant qualifications you will need to 'get on a film' and start to learn the craft of being a British Stuntman. Did you know British Stuntmen are used all over the world because of the vast amount of training they go through to become one? They are considered among the most professional in the industry.

Still reading ? then this please contact Equity, the Actors union for all the up to date qualifications and requirements first.

..... and finally, once question asked everyday... 

 “..... will I be a successful stunt person.?......”

Answer : The only person that can guarantee that is yourself, maybe if you’re asking that question you should save your money, time and effort, and just keep it as a dream!

Please remember these courses are designed for people who are seriously training for the stunt register. We do not offer services in the following: -

Journalist requests for publicity training

Documentary makers

Stag days

Birthdays

Teambuild / co-orperate days.

Best regards 

Alasdair Monteith