How Do Stunt People Get A Job? Part One
Stunt work is an exciting and rewarding career for those who have the courage, physical strength, and skill necessary to successfully execute dangerous stunts and action sequences.
The Hiring Process
Stunt people are hired by Stunt Coordinators. Stunt Coordinators work closely with the director to create the most authentic action possible based on the script.
When the Stunt Coordinator knows what stunts will be done, then it's time to find the right person for the job. Depending on the project, Stunt Coordinators may be looking for a particular talent or skill: such as stunt driving, martial arts, or experience with fire burns.
When a Coordinator is considering a performer for a job, they might review their resume, stunt reel and maybe call a friend in the business to determine if the performer's skills and experience meets the project’s needs. Some stunt performers are hired through referrals, while others are hired as a result of hustling. Most often, the stunt coordinator already knows the person they're hiring from previous work together.
The hiring process itself is usually very informal. Often via text message and without a written contract until the start of the day of work.
How do Stunt Coordinators find a Stunt Performer?
Coordinators use different tools, but these are the main ones:
- They hire performers they already know
- They ask people they trust
- They research performers on StuntListing.com (*most popular stunt search site)
- They do casting calls on private facebook groups
How can I get hired?
The film industry is a people business, so they need to know you before they can hire you. To get hired means that you not only need the skill to do the job, but you also need the stunt coordinator to know who you are. Making an online profile on StuntListing.com is a good start. Another key step is often "hustling" the coordinator, or reaching out via email.
What is hustling?
Hustling is when a performer visits a set to meet to a Coordinator to hopefully be considered for a future job. You should share your skillset, resume, headshot and StuntListing profile link. Since the business is always changing, consider asking the Coordinator for any career recommendations.
Be aware that not all Stunt Coordinators are open to an on-set hustle, so introducing yourself first via email and asking when a good time to visit may be is a great way to be respectful of their work and time - and it may even set you apart from other performers.
How should I contact a Stunt Coordinator?
By polite email only, unless specifically told otherwise. The Stunt Breakdown has a list of what's filming and who's hiring - it's a great resource for making sure you're contacting people that want to hear from you.
If you're ready to make the connections, click here to sign up: https://thestuntbreakdown.com/register
Are you really ready now?
Most stunt performers trained for many years on their own and in class, were nationally competitive athletes or did years of live stunt shows, giving them the experience and skill to build a stunt career.
If you're sure that you're ready, register for a free profile on Stuntlisting.com
