STUNT SCHOOL EDUCATION AND COURSES

 Bennett did a lot of nonunion work before she earned her union card. She says these projects can be a great place to cut your teeth, learn the ropes, and gain experience: “Sometimes that’s where the most awesome things are. [It’s] very, very rewarding.” That said, there are obvious benefits to union stunt jobs: They typically pay more and will usually be a part of larger projects.

 Whether it is a bad bruise, broken bone, critical injury, or even death, there are occupational risks associated with being a stunt performer—even for trained professionals who take safety seriously. “As stunt actors, we’re the only members of the moviemaking process who can die doing what we do,” Sargeant says.

 Recent deaths include Joi Harris on the set of “Deadpool 2” in a motorcycle accident, as well as John Bernecker on the set of “The Walking Dead,” who fell 22 feet onto concrete below. Both accidents happened in 2017. In 2009, David Holmes, Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double, was thrown backward into a wall during a wire gag on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” and left tetraplegic.

 Due to the dangerous nature of the work, safety should be a top priority of any project. This is typically achieved through a system of checks and balances and constant communication with the stunt coordinator, the person in charge of the overall action on stage or on set. They are constantly working with the other departments to make sure the action serves the overall story of the project, while also ensuring the safety of each individual stunt. But safety should be a collective effort, says Braun. “Rely on everyone’s input. No one person is the ‘stunt god,’” he notes. Bennett, meanwhile, urges individual responsibility. “At the end of the day, you are responsible for your own safety. If you aren’t sure, you need to do more homework.”

 Additionally, SAG-AFTRA has many safety protocols—not just for stuntpeople, but for all union members. Look out for your own safety on set, as well as that of those around you. Speak up and notify the stunt coordinator, director, or SAG-AFTRA if there is anything that does not sit well with you.

 According to Zip Recruiter, stunt performers earn an average of $70,524 annually (though the range goes from $18,000 to six figures). Stunt performers who are represented by SAG-AFTRA are guaranteed a minimum rate for their work on union productions. Currently, union stunt people make $1,005 a day (or $3,746 per week) on a scale union production and are eligible for residuals and stunt adjustment pay based on the difficulty of the stunt performed. For example, a pratfall—a simple fall from standing—would earn an additional $100. Something more difficult and dangerous, like a cannon roll—when a nitrogen cannon is used to propel a vehicle into several rolls—would earn $5,000 every time it’s performed. On the other end of the spectrum are stunt performers working in live shows—like those at theme parks—who make about $12/hour.

 Based on a Vanity Fair report, a film with a $200 million budget could see the stunt double for a lead actor take home $116,250, while stunt player #19 would only make $1,000. You’ll also find that these numbers can vary wildly depending on a stunt worker’s level of experience, the scope of a project, and the number of stunts required.

 Being a stunt performer is a lot like being a professional athlete—it’s an intensely physical job that wears your body out over time. Many stuntmen “age out” of the career because their body simply can’t handle it anymore.

 “The older you get, the harder it is to recover from the big hits,” says Emmy-nominated stunt coordinator Cort L. Hessler (“The Blacklist,” “Sneaky Pete”). Or, as veteran stunt performer Braun puts it, “You never retire, the business retires you. However, if you play your cards right, you can do stunts well into your middle age and early senior years, though which types of stunts you do may change over time.”

 Stuntpeople tend to transition to other areas of the industry as they get older. Most logically is stunt coordination, which oversees all stunts on a project from the hiring of talent and performers to deciding the best way to execute them. Other options include producing, stunt directing, acting, rigging, opening up a shop related to the industry, or continuing to work as a consultant.

 Jackie Chan, Burt Reynolds, and Chuck Norris are a few famous examples of stunt professionals who have transitioned to acting. Not surprising, considering you must be a trained actor and storyteller to be a successful stunt performer. Braun summarizes the profession eloquently: “Stunts, show business—you’re going to take hits. Can you get up and take another hit and another hit and another hit? If it doesn't knock you out completely, you’ll be successful. Go back to your heart. You’ll succeed.”

 The International Stunt Academy believes in the limitless potential within every individual and our entire industry. Our philosophy is rooted in the harmonious union of mind, body, and spirit, where the journey to becoming a hero unfolds as we embrace our unique paths. Together, we rise, transforming challenges into opportunities and fear into courage. We are the architects of our own destiny, crafting a safer, more unified world of stunts, one hero at a time.

 The Academy believes in fostering a harmonious environment where diverse talents can unite and align, creating more efficient and safer stunt work. The industry can be a challenging environment and sometimes people and groups are over-protective or guarded. We want to work with everyone, positively in harmony to achieve things that benefit everyone.

 At the International Stunt Academy, we uphold a strong belief in the importance of quality in every aspect of our work. From the training and education we provide, to the relationships we build within the stunt community, we strive to maintain the highest standards possible. Our commitment to quality goes hand in hand with our dedication to safety; we understand that top-quality stunt work must not only be awe-inspiring but also safely executed, protecting performers, crews, and productions.

 By pursuing excellence and refusing to compromise on quality, we ensure that the International Stunt Academy remains a trusted and respected institution within the stunt industry, providing our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in their careers and contribute to the growth and reputation of the industry as a whole.

 The International Stunt Academy celebrates the unique approach, experience, and skills each stunt performer brings to the table. We also recognise that everyone has their own background, beliefs, needs or ways of learning and developing. We welcome diversity and individuality. Life would be boring if we all thought the same, and to keep stunts and entertainments interesting we must all champion individual flair and creativity.

 The Academy offers a flexible, comprehensive training program, enabling students to tailor their education to suit their individual needs and goals. This doesn't mean we can offer everything for free, sadly, but it does mean we are approachable, we use our channels to share lots of information that is useful (such as our blog which contains loads of research and best practice) and we are happy to discuss collaborations.

 The Academy nurtures a supportive and interconnected global network of stunt professionals, encouraging collaboration and shared learning. We don't think we own stunts, or the idea of teaching and training people for them. We do feel ownership of our part in pulling everyone together to achieve better though.

 The Academy is dedicated to continuous improvement in all we do. This includes safety, efficiency, and innovation in the stunt industry, as well as driving positive change through application of our philosophy and best practices.

Stunt Industry Qualifications

 The International Stunt Academy empowers individuals to become the best versions of themselves, inspiring and motivating others through their personal journey as heroes.

 ​By adhering to these core beliefs, the International Stunt Academy serves as a driving force for change in the world of stunts. The Academy's dedication to collaboration, alignment, and safety paves the way for a brighter, more efficient, and safer future for stunt performers and the industry as a whole. For those looking to make their mark in this exciting field, the International Stunt Academy offers the training, support, and community needed to succeed.

 In our pursuit of excellence, we embrace humility and commit ourselves to the tireless journey of constant growth. Because we believe every day is a learning day, we accept our job will never be finished."

 At the International Stunt Academy, we understand that the path to greatness is paved with constant learning and growth. We recognise the challenges that come with building an academy for heroes and remain unwavering in our dedication to fulfilling our mission. To ensure our ongoing success and the success of our students, we have established a set of core commitments that guide our actions and decisions. You can learn more about them and how they shape us here...

 We acknowledge that perfection is an ongoing process. Our commitment to continual improvement means we actively listen, incorporate feedback, and adapt to better align with the expectations of our students and stakeholders. While we cannot please everyone, we make no apologies for evolving and refining our approach. We invite past students to return and benefit from the improvements made, as they have played a crucial role in shaping the Academy's growth.

 As a responsible and ethical institution, we pledge to uphold the laws and standards of the countries, regions, and industries in which we operate. We recognise the importance of complying with regulations and adhering to best practices in order to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all. In addition we commit to doing our best to help influence positive improvements to laws regulations and standards, to the better of the people they protect and govern.

 We are dedicated to promoting fairness and adhering to good practices in all our endeavors. We believe that by fostering an atmosphere of equity and ethical conduct, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

 We are dedicated to promoting fairness and adhering to good practices in all our endeavors. We believe that by fostering an atmosphere of equity and ethical conduct, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

 We understand that effective communication is the foundation of any successful relationship. Our commitment to listening and hearing means that we actively seek input from our students, staff, and stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are valued and taken into consideration.

 We are determined to contribute positively to the growth and development of both our academy and the wider stunt industry. We pledge to work tirelessly to overcome obstacles and restrictions in order to create a brighter, more unified future for all.

 Lastly, we commit to providing our best possible support to all the people that make up our family, including our employees, our partners but most of all our students, individually and collectively. Joining the ISA means sharing a commitment to improvement and as everyone embarks on their own journey to become their own heroes, we will stand beside them, guide and nurture their talents, helping them overcome challenges, and celebrating their achievements.

 At the International Stunt Academy, we firmly believe in our responsibility to contribute to a better and brighter future for our students, the stunt industry, and the world at large. Our commitment to this brighter future drives us to constantly innovate, collaborate, and inspire positive change. By fostering a sense of hope and progress, we empower our students and stakeholders to join us in building a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.

 With these seven core commitments as our guiding principles, the International Stunt Academy stands as a beacon of trust, growth, and success, propelling our students and the entire stunt industry towards a future filled with endless possibilities and boundless potential.

 By embracing these commitments, the International Stunt Academy strengthens its foundation, paving the way for a future filled with trust, growth, and success for all those who walk the hero's path.

 The International Stunt Academy's mission is to provide unparalleled access, training and education to aspiring stunt performers and stunt professionals alike. Learning should be easy to start, never stop and not become limited by experience, time, or money. Education should not be 'exclusive', it should be inclusive.

 By equipping people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their chosen field. We cultivate a nurturing and compassionate environment that fosters collaboration, encouraging individuals to align around the best practices while celebrating their unique approaches and experiences.

 This allows freedom, creativity and innovation to thrive. These are things the industry was built on. This also allows for safety, reduces risk and ensures we remain free to create and innovate, without excessive restriction or regulation. That is what the professional industry relies on today.