Job type

Stunt performer

£16k - £45k

Typical salary

37 – 47

Hours per week

Stunt performers stand in for actors when the script calls for anything dangerous or specialised to be done on a film or TV set.

More info

Stand in for actors when the script calls for anything dangerous or specialised
You'll need ability in several sports and outdoor pursuits
You could become a stunt arranger or coordinator

DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES

Set up, plan and perform stunts, usually whilst being supervised by a stunt coordinator
Carry out risk assessments of stunts
Perform all types of falls using gymnastics or high diving
Fight, possibly with weapons
Swim or dive
Horse ride
Perform car chases and crashes.

DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT

You could travel to studios and locations all over the UK and abroad, and you may spend long periods away from home. You'll usually be self-employed and work on short-term contracts for each production. You may need to do other work to earn a living when you're not performing.

You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio or on a film set. Your working environment may be cramped, travelling often and spending nights away from home, crowded and outdoors some of the time. You could wear protective clothing, harnesses or helmets for some stunts.

Working hours can be irregular and unsocial, depending on filming schedules. Days on set can be very long, although you may spend a lot of that time planning and setting up stunts, and waiting between scenes.

You'll need

This role would be ideal for someone with ability in several sports and outdoor pursuits, good communication and 'people' skills, quick reactions and calmness under pressure, a willingness to work in dangerous situations, a high degree of responsibility and health and safety awareness, good planning skills and attention to detail, and some acting skills (although formal experience isn't essential).

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, or 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'.

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.

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 and full.

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.

Health and safety is very important as the work can be dangerous. You'd need to carry out a full risk assessment and complete detailed paperwork before you perform each stunt.