Stunt Man Job Description
Being a stuntman is a risky job that is not for everyone. But if you like adrenaline rushes, the excitement of meeting famous actors, hate sitting behind a desk and can handle periods of unemployment, then it might be something to consider.
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Job Description
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Stuntmen typically work on movie sets doing stunts that are too dangerous for the actors to perform. There is no typical day for a stuntman. Stunts may include lighting yourself on fire, crashing a car a high speeds, jumping out of an airplane, falling off a building, performing martial arts or rock climbing.
Qualifications
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While no specific education is required, some people choose to attend stunt school. For example, the International Stunt School offers an intensive three-week session that focuses on basic stunts such as precision driving, fire, armed combat, weaponry, stair falls, martial arts, high falls and rappelling. It costs $4,000 for the session. Some acting training may also make you more marketable.
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Applying for Jobs
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According to JobMonkey.com, it is required that stuntmen be accepted by a union such as the Screen Actors Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists before you can be hired on a set. Then start getting your resume out to stunt coordinators. Some people hire agents to help them find work.
Skills
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Stunt work is physically demanding, and you must be in good physical condition. You must have stamina, coordination and strength and the ability to do extensive physical activity. Experience in adventure activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing and skydiving is beneficial. You must also be a risk-taker and have courage.
Work Environment
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Working on a movie set can mean long hours. Fourteen-hour days are not uncommon. Also, movies can be shot in various locations, so you may have to travel to the set. The work is risky, and you have to be prepared for injury.
Salary Information
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According to Job Monkey.com, stuntmen average $70,000 per year. This can vary greatly by how much work you receive each year. Periods of unemployment are common.
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References
- Photo Credit stuntman image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com
